AL BAYYAN MAKING A STATEMENT SINCE 2013
NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE ALLIES OF BLM LOGO DESIGNED BY SAMEERAH MUNSHI BROWN UNIVERSITY
SUMMER 2020
AL BAYYAN
Dear Readers, As the primary representatives of the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Muslim creative community, we have made it our mission to allow students to be outspoken, authentic and true to themselves and established an outlet for self-expression. Through this effort an incredible amount of diverse and beautiful pieces has emerged over the last 13 years, including artwork, poetry, photography, and more. In light of recent protests and calls to action regarding the Black Lives Matter movement, we have decided to take advantage of our platform and allow students to express their opinions, thoughts, and perspectives regarding the movement, as well as show their solidarity and alliance with the Black community through our summer exclusive issue that will revolve around the movement. This issue will serve as an outlet to not only amplify the powerful voices of the Black community, but also the voices of their allies. This publication will not only reflect the voices of students at the University of Illinois at Chicago, but it will also be composed of the voices of those throughout the greater Chicagoland area. We extend our condolences to the friends and families of the victims that have suffered from injustice, which has claimed too many lives. As allies, we will continue to fight for change and justice as we stand in solidarity with our Black brothers and sisters. Al-Bayyan UIC
Dear UIC Community and Allies, There are multiple pandemics going on. Some of these pandemics have been ongoing for centuries. As Black people of the diaspora, we will not stand or accept racism or bigotry any longer. The leadership in the Black Student Union at UIC wants our Black comrades and folx to know we scream your names, support your movement, and love you authentically. To our allies and supporters, we say the Black Lives Movement is not a trend. Black people must be listened to and our lives need to be protected. Allies, you must continue to say our names, spread awareness, become anti-racist, march and protest. It will not be easy to change a world steeped in inequality and exploitation, but it is our duty to make a change, spread knowledge, learn from and love one another. The change starts NOW. Black Lives Matter today and every day. With love and wholeheartedness,
Black Student Union at UIC
On behalf of the Red Shoes Review, we extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to all those who have lost their loved ones due to the injustice present in our society. This past year, the theme of our magazine was “what we fight for,” and we are proud to see that people across the world are working together to fight for justice, equality, and the denouncement of racism. We stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and as a literary and visual arts magazine we hope to do our part by amplifying your voice and serving as a vessel for literary activism. Oftentimes, those fighting social injustices have turned to art as an outlet for processing emotions and fighting for justice. In recent weeks we have seen countless drawings, poems, stories, photographs and more encapsulating what is going on in our world right now and highlighting its importance. Similar acts of literary activism have been prevalent throughout history, from the poems of Maya Angelou to the films of Jordan Peele. These pieces of art serve to immortalize the struggles of those fighting systemic oppression through generations. They serve to amplify the voices of the oppressed and honor the lives lost. They serve as a reminder of injustice and a call to its viewers to join the fight against injustice and systemic oppression. We hope that RSR and our collaborators in this magazine have served to create an outlet for your stories and emotions. Let this magazine serve as a record of history and as a reminder that your words, your art, your voice has the power to make change for a better future. UIC Red Shoes Review
Dear UIC Community and Allies, For too long, our fellow Black brothers and sisters have suffered again and again by the hands of the systems meant to protect everyone. It is a gross obstruction of justice that the Black community are treated this way in a land that claims Equality for All. We support the Black Lives Matter movement; it is now time for every single one of us to step up and contribute. We cannot be bystanders to the blatant racism we see every day. We need change. We need justice. We encourage you to contribute whether it be through the various forms of art or any other manner; financially, learning, educating. At the same time, we will continue fighting for change in hopes of creating a better tomorrow. UIC Muslim Student Association
We are a community, an Ummah, that is aching, bleeding and yearning for justice. We are in the midst of two pandemics. COVID-19 was initially described as a nondiscriminatory virus. However, it became clear as the data came in that this virus was and is disproportionately affecting communities of color and highlighting long-existing disparities in healthcare, education, wealth and employment. The second and more insidious pandemic is Anti-Blackness/Racism. The words “I can’t breathe” have led to over a month of demonstrations and calls to action, with the goal to put an end to systemic and institutional racism. We echo and amplify these cries and ask that our communities learn, educate, march, lobby, volunteer, donate and build bridges every step of the way to a longoverdue change. Prosperity and power for Black brothers and sisters means prosperity and power for every one of us. The IL Muslim Civic Coalition is inclusive of every American diversity- every race, class, gender, faith, and community. Some of us are Influencers and Leaders, some are Partners and Allies – all of us are neighbors, brothers and sisters. We share one vision – Civic Justice for every American. The Illinois Muslim Civic Coalition
We are all so outraged and hurt that nearly half a century later, there is still a lack of equality, justice, and freedom across our country. Youth of MCC stands in solidarity with those who are protesting against racism, police brutality and white supremacy. We condemn the unjust murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others. Being silent on these killings is not acceptable, and we must take action beyond having awareness. We recognize our privilege and our responsibility to take a stand to demand equal justice and opportunities for all Americans. Youth of MCC welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with other youth organizations across Chicagoland to make a difference with the BLM movement. Youth of MCC
On behalf of the Unfiltered team, we stand in solidarity with the BLM movement. It’s not just a race issue anymore but a humanitarian issue. It is our responsibility to continue to do better and not let this movement die down. We need to stand together in order to move forward. Silence is never the answer, but action is. Unfiltered: Podcast by YOM
FREEDOM AIN'T FREE No, freedom ain’t free If I still can’t breathe No, freedom ain’t felt If nothing is dealt No, freedom ain’t kept If he gets kidnapped No, freedom ain’t left If you trigger theft No, freedom ain’t fun If I cannot run No, freedom ain’t real If I cannot kneel No, freedom ain’t seen Not with time machines No, freedom ain’t mine With no battle line No, freedom ain’t fed When you own the bread No, freedom ain’t known When blood marks your throne No, freedom ain’t free When you flee Scott free
BY ESRAA ELKOSSEI Photo courtesy of Google Images
“There comes a time when silence is betrayal.” Martin Luther King Jr.
ARTWORK BY AMY HELDMAN ARTWORK BY RIMLA KHAN
ARTWORK BY RIMLA KHAN
white lady claims the light in the eyes of her husband and child went out when she heard "Black lives matter" on a loudspeaker at walmart, and i got enraged; it was all i could think about at work one day— why do white people think this has anything to do with them? when we've been told to listen, some of us are screaming out with voices of outrage at all the wrong things; she said to boycott walmart but honestly i am boycotting people like her— if you have no humanity, compassion, and empathy for others; then you have no place in my life because Black lives matter— those who have lost their families will never see the light return to the eyes of those whom they love, your husband and your sons egos will recover from your hubris; i promise.
YOUR WHITE HUBRIS Pieces written by Linda M. Crate
i don't see why people have a problem with Black lives wanting to live, it is sad that so many want to tell me all lives matter in retort; like they cannot stand that they're not the ones the situation centers around— it's obnoxious and childish, but i have come to realize that older doesn't always necessarily mean wiser; some of these people try anything to justify their racism include using token Black voices that say not to talk about racism so they don't have to think about it— but you have no right to weaponize Black voices for your privilege, so you can continue to sit in comfort pat yourself on the back for being a good person even when you're not; look deep inside yourself and ask why Black lives matter shakes the foundation of your peace? why does it make you so upset? is it because you don't know how to fix the problem? the first step is to admit there's a problem.
THERE'S A PROBLEM
I STAND WITH THE OPPRESSED
i know exactly where you stand when you say, "all lives matter"; on the wrong side of history and on the wrong side of morality— you have no problem sharing how blue lives matter, but no Black person chooses their skin color; who would choose something that could potentially be their death sentence? a person can choose their occupation; just admit it you don't like Black people or don't think they have value— i have Black friends and family so you can miss me with that all lives matter crap because if you truly believed that then children of refugees wouldn't be trapped in cages right now; their children adopted out to white families as their mothers and fathers scream and pray and cry out to their children— you are comfortable in systematic racism, and you see me as the dog you have to put in place; no matter how many times you shock me i will bare my teeth and i will growl and i will rip you to ribbons. -linda m. crate
TODAY'S NEWS Today I turn on the news Today I turn on the news To something that’s so profound To something that’s so profound Another black boy gun down Another black girl is missed Another black girl hollers out And yes, I’m pissed Another white person acts dumbfounded Because yet again To the racist faces The bigotry proceeds to snaffle that creates these cases And the black life spans seem like a raffle That we have to protest our ranges To bid on another life Just to demand changes It seems like they are rolling dice Appropriating our culture While they are publicizing their racism I see that you all are vultures To have the audacity And that’s why you torture No wait, the caucasity I’m painting the picture of the structure To scream “All Lives Matter” Because another black girl is missed To protest my protest of “Black Lives Matter” And still in the midst of this shit While they crucify us We still gonna resist and then we have to pacify us We are not going to quit because the agonizing pain of speaking our rights Until you commit And even still another Black and Brown boy is gun down And your racial bias and white supremacy is obliterated Or maybe I mean choked out AND COMPLETELY DISMISSED! And I can’t breathe yet again
ALL WORK BY ASHALEY HASSEL
A YOUR PRIVILEGED WHITE POINT OF VIEW UTOPIA When you say stop the looting, the burning, and the mess; you speak from a privileged point of view. when you say it’s not justified, too intensified, over-dramatized; do you even know what they went through? get over it move past it stop making a big deal; aren’t these the things that you say? but how would you feel if you had to hear baby don’t go out today baby they don’t like to see you play baby they could kill you any day you can sleep in your home and play with toy guns and go for a run and sit in the sun and always have fun but the color of your skin will protect you. the power and the safety to be white and not black, to be brown and not black, to be any color but black; that is your privilege. so next time you say our lives matter too just know that you speak from a privileged point of view. -Farisa Khan
you slip into your white utopia ignoring the dystopia of the world around you, and you want to dictate how people act like you didn't scoff and sneer at peaceful protests of the past; the ones happening now where people are getting shot in the face with rubber bullets and getting maced in the face for being peaceful are okay to you because all lives matter— it is okay because police have a difficult job, and your brother is a cop; you will sing the anthem standing because kneeling to protest violence against Black people is disrespectful and unamerican to you— there's no guilt nor shame for you because you support trump, and you support children in cages; you scream that america is great as the conditions of america grow worse— your dictator cannot even hold a bible properly, do you think he's even read it? Black lives matter whether or not you want to grasp the reality that the world doesn't always revolve or center around you, you are not the sun that you think you are; and there are oceans of knowledge that you could learn but are refusing to because being willfully ignorant and digging your heels in is your American right— i am tired of fellow white people, wish i could wash my skin free of the shame you give me; but every time i step out of the shower my skin is still white as your supremacy.
-linda m. crate
I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO TELL YOU privilege exists whether or not you acknowledge, it isn't saying that you've never struggled; just that your skin color isn't the reason you've struggled— it's not a hard concept to grasp, but it must be hard to see with your head shoved up your arse; i am tired of the condescending comments from good christian people determined to put me in my place as if i have no right to expression my opinion— jesus was a rebel, too, and he wasn't even white; so i don't know what to tell you except: BLACK LIVES MATTER! you can shove the all lives matter where the sun don't shine. -linda m. crate
Artwork by Ayesha Farhat
"EVERYTHING THIS COUNTRY IS SUPPOSED TO STAND FOR SEEMS TO DISAPPEAR WHEN MARGINALIZED GROUPS, ESPECIALLY BLACK PEOPLE, BEGIN TO STAND FOR THEIR RIGHTS AND JUST PLEAD NOT TO BE KILLED BY THE VERY INSTITUTION BUILT TO 'PROTECT' THIS COUNTRY'S CITIZENS" AYESHA FARHAT
JUNETEENTH "NO ONE IS BORN HATING ANOTHER PERSON BECAUSE OF THE COLOR OF HIS SKIN, OR HIS BACKGROUND, OR HIS RELIGION. PEOPLE MUST LEARN TO HATE AND IF THEY CAN LEARN TO HATE, THEY CAN BE TAUGHT TO LOVE, FOR LOVE COMES MORE NATURALLY TO THE HUMAN HEART THAN ITS OPPOSITE" NELSON MANDELA
We live in a time where the color of our skin determines the quality of life we will live. To those who choose to stay silent while there is an ongoing revolution, a long overdue one, your silence puts you on the side of the oppressors. White supremacy is not just a racist belief but where a black person has to work twice as hard to receive half the reward a white person was too. This is the America we live in. The next time someone is ecstatic about being an American, I hope he or she understands that being an American comes with hundreds of years of corruption that still has not been undone. This is the America we live in. June 19, 2020, will forever be a historic day as Juneteenth is recognized amongst educational facilities, workplaces, and the people. This day marks the emancipation of African American slaves from the confederate states in 1865. It marks the beginning of the commemoration of their freedom and achievements that allowed America to progress. Without their contributions, we would not be where we are today. Let's not forget the dark side of history where even the White House was built on the backs of slaves. Or their contribution to food, music, and pop culture. Everyone wants to bathe in their success but very few want to fight for their equality. Although Juneteenth is now widely recognized throughout the country, it does not mean that a black man driving a Maserati, with his windows down, won't be pulled over by a white police officer just to see license and registration. It is the twenty-first century, we would think people who signed up to protect the American people who do just that, protect. Instead, we hear about extremely disgusting situations such as George Floyd left and right, he is not the first man to be killed in the hands of a police officer and the reality is that he is not the last. But this does not mean the revolution ends here. A revolution pushes for fundamental change and it does not happen immediately but through consistency. The only way to make sure the lives lost to police brutality and white supremacy meant something to Americans, regardless of their skin color, is to continue the journey we are on. Not every day will be a win but every day is a reason to return tomorrow, change may not happen within a month or even a year but it will happen. Meanwhile, I, Yusra Butt, am not a black woman so I could never possibly understand the turbulences that the black community has faced and overcome but I can try to do my part. The black community has always stood in solidarity with others in times of need, I hope Americans can recognize that and use their privilege to call for universal reform. Support black businesses, check in on your friends, and in the era of social media, there are numerous ways to help. The lives of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Sandra Bland, and the individuals that were never brought to justice did not and will not die in vain. Various organizations and petitions are circulating, please continue to donate, sign petitions, and do your part as a person with privilege. -Yusra Butt
IS IT MY SKIN THAT YOU HATE? BY MADINAH MUHAMMAD
Is it my skin that you hate? I see your face everyday And I wait Wondering if this is going to be that experience that I’ll always have engrained in my brain I don't live in fear But I weigh all my options before I walk into a place or a space cautious not to cause a scene or boiling rage I lived in silence for too long Your constant violence is a song That never ends Haunting tunes of minstrel shows, jim crow, and slave hymns But now you want to make amends? While we still carry all the weight and by the darkness of our skin is a punishable sin In your eyes, its dramatized and enslavement is over But tell that to reparations or apologies and the lack of closure tell that to your wealth and my poor my peace and your war on my brothers want us to fight in other countries but still begging here for your comfort i dont care for solidarity an ally or a partner when you showed us all your colors on my grandmother and grandfather and you said you were outnumbered so our babies were slaughtered bloody knuckles on my hands because thats all that we were offered I have to fight for my freedom? my justice? Equality? while you get good schools and jobs built on foundations of dishonesty worthless pieces of paper determining my quality classism masked behind racist ideology
Is it my skin that you hate? Is that what caused you to rape and lynch and burn and tear apart the families we raised is that what causes you to spit in our face when we say we matter the glass has been shattered and the trumpet is blowing and my word is bond to the saviour I wont leave without you knowing
that I know you I know your heart I see right through all the racist remarks and prayers and thoughts and posts apologizing for being the way that you are you cant heal these scars 400 years in the making you see fires and riots now want to police our awakening now why do you think you can control the revolution? we bringing out millions like the millions more movement no more crying no more pleading no more begging for inclusion no more lying no more bleeding red and blue for your amusement we arent just lifeless black vessels you can puppet we pulled our strings just like the bootstraps you grew up with now we live passion ignited and our spirit forever thrives you cant quell a thirsty fish jesus revives Is it my skin that you hate? or is it the beauty that permeates through the souls of every human that are descendents of our DNA Is it my skin that you hate? or is it the indestructible nature of our people that you realized stopped you from keeping us slaved Is it my skin that you hate? or is it the fact that your times up no more racial discrimination or sytemic power will ever restrain us you tried to keep us down in your system and yet we came up like cream we rising to the top we no longer remain “stuck”
Photo courtesy of Google Images
"ISLAM TEACHES US US EQUALITY FOR ALL SKIN TONES BECAUSE AT THE END OF THE DAY ALLAH (SWT) DOES NOT SEE THE COLOR OF YOUR SKIN, BUT THE WEIGHT OF YOUR GOOD AND BAD DEEDS"
My thoughts speciďŹ cally surrounding the Black Livers Matter (BLM) movement is that the South Asian community must do a much better job in supporting BLM, especially towards our African American Muslim brothers and sisters. South Asian culture includes racist and derogatory remarks, egotistical attitudes as being the model minority, and silence towards the violence they receive. Toxic South Asian culture has many problems, and one of the major problems is their attitude towards African American individuals. Unfortunately, this issue will not dissolve overnight and requires constant reteaching to those that deny accountability. The way I stand up for the BLM movement is voicing and exposing the racist problem that the Muslim South Asian community holds against black people. It is because of our African American brothers and sisters that enabled us to immigrate from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, etc. It is because of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (S) and Islam that educated us that an Arab person is not superior over a non-Arab, and a non-Arab is not superior over an Arab. Society and toxic culture have taught us that being fair skinned is better. Islam teaches us equality for all skin tones because at the end of the day Allah does not see the color of your skin, but the weight of your good and bad deeds. Unfortunately, we must expose this aw within the South Asian community and make sure that we are not cultivating a racist or egotistical environment. We do not have the privilege to impede on their human and freedom rights and must act in solidarity with them. We must acknowledge the problem within this community, or else we will be held accountable of the Day of Judgement before Allah. ARSALAN BIN KAMRAN
STRENGTH "IT IS IN COLLECTIVITIES THAT WE FIND RESERVOIRS OF HOPE AND OPTIMISM" ANGELA DAVIS
BY ESRAA ELKOSSEI
Woke up before the rooster’s call My brain surrenders to false memories My heart races with no beats skipped I’m a slave to the past And my past is the master of the future The crackles from its whip Make me forget that humans rest from the air too My chest follows the rhythm of the weapon Up and down In and out I fight the urge to press replay I fight it I really do But the voices inside want an excuse to get louder Here’s how the story goes First comes love then trauma Then comes that second chance Then the mistakes follow And trauma comes for the final act Because lightning always strikes through the clouds Then clouds turn to mere air And all I can do about it is wish for rain You don’t deserve love You deserve pain Why are you so patient They’re going to leave you someday Because everyone leaves Everyone is temporary You’re nothing more than an afterthought Afterthoughts are temporary No one remembers you Because you ask too much You’re so needy No wonder you see light in the darkness Something about darkness feels serene Horrifying when you first embrace the emptiness But then it feels familiar Like home Clenching my knees and sitting on the cold floor I realize that this is all I have Me I always had me But Why does everyone have each other And not me Why do people leave me Why do I accept love I think I deserve Why do people take advantage of me Why do people hurt people An eye for an eye Did I do something wrong Am I something wrong Why do I keep thinking like this Just stop brain just stop Shut up Just stop I am a wallflower I keep quiet And I understand how people are But sometimes I want to escape that wall And bloom for people Have people pick that flower for a reason Not to admire it and throw it away I want to be the kind of you take care of The one where you put it in a nice vase And love before it dries My vase always seems to be too full Some flowers carry thorns I first ignore the rips to my skin because I know It’s a flower It’s not trying to hurt me But when the cuts deteriorate me inside It’s hard to throw away flowers you once loved Stop I’m beautiful I’m smart I’m nice I’m caring Stop thinking like that Flowers come and go But you’re the sun You feed lightness and you need to realize That the moon bursts light in the darkness too Feed yourself that light Feed yourself forgiveness Feed yourself love Breathe in Hold it Now breathe out Ok you’re good You can sleep now
ARTWORK BY SABA ALI
MASKING MY EYES Walking through a crowded room An empty feeling inside Guess I’ll try and put on a smile For the cameras For the people Its all just lies Life is too much at the moment it seems I wish we could fast forward to the future When everything will be right again Inevitably which will come, Blurred vision Its hard to see; Masking my eyes or my heart Carelessly handled countless times Yet, I pick it up every time And keep hope Although it seems to have lost its meaning Craving balance in a world of uncertainty Now lost in the depths of my despair Drowning in my thoughts I’m searching Wishing to go back to when we were kids Where everything was right again Now I’m left waking up with fear Fear of the shadow that was left Insignificant in my eyes, yet disastrous Who knew that a shadow could be so selfish Does it ever end? Seems to be an endless tunnel A never-ending cycle Keep my eyes up The light is shone at the end Is it me With the tunnel vision? I start to recognize the beauty Time taken and never given back Was never looking forward Always looking back Times are changing And so am I. -Ayesha Ali
A KING AND A CLOWN Every time I close my eyes, I see myself in a world of lies. One where the goal for which I strive, Is accomplished in my mind live. There is always an up and down, One point a king, the other a clown. When I nearly give up and drown, I realize it’s not worth the letdown. There has always been the goal, the vision, It would be worth it after the friction. Happiness and security make my resolve stiffen, Even with possible failure a suspicion. That’s how I keep up with uplifting, Knowing, God willing, it will be fulfilling. Waking up to a life without wishing, A satisfied life worth living. -AP
ARTWORK BY AYESHA FARHAT
RESOURCES DOCUMENTARIES/MOVIES TO WATCH The 13th Just Mercy When they see us 4 Little Girls Hidden Figures Malcolm X Ali Hidden Colors Volumes 1-4 TIME| The Kalief Browder Story Seven Seconds All American
BOOKS TO READ Toni Morrison, Sula Angela Davis, Are Prisons Obsolete? Angela Davis, Women, Race, and Class Christopher Demos-Brown, American Son Harriet A. Washington, Medical Apartheid Zora Neale Hurston, Moses, Man of the Mountain Claudia Rankine, Citizen, An American Lyric Audre Lorde, Sister Outsider Assata Shakur, Assata, An Autobiography Frantz Fanon, The Wretched of the Earth Carter G. Woodson, The Mis-Education of the Negro Mia McKenzie, The Solidarity Struggle Michelle Alexander, The New Jim Crow Angie Thomas, The Hate U Give Angie Thomas, On The Come Up
ALL PHOTOS CREDITED TO GOOGLE IMAGES, CREATIVE COMMONS, & FLICKR
Al-Bayyan has served the UIC Muslim community for over 10 years by giving Muslim students a platform to express themselves. The publication, along with Al-Bayyan’s annual live showcase, has allowed students to be outspoken, authentic and true to themselves. Through this effort, an incredible amount of diverse and beautiful pieces has emerged including artwork, poetry, reflections, storytelling, comedy acts and more. In whatever way it may be, Al-Bayyan is an invitation for all forms of self-expressions.
Executive Board, 2020-2021 President: Farisa Khan Vice President: Haania Sultan & Unzila Manzoor Treasurer: Arooj Imran Creative Director: Afraa Waheed Design Mentor: Hibah Hassan Outreach Chair: Rimla Khan Technology Chair: Abrar Hussain Social Media Chair: Ayesha Farhat