An introduction to this issue, presenting the community projects...
BUZKASHI: THE NATIONAL SPORT OF AFGHANISTAN
"...the sport Buzkashi has remained a cherished legacy of a bygone era. Variations of the game are played across Afghanistan...
ISSUE #17
May 2024
AN AFGHAN GIRL'S DREAMHEELA MOMAND
Read this prose piece from Heela Momand, an Afghan student from the University of Missouri - St. Louis...
THE AFGHAN JOURNAL
HOW IMMIGRANTS SHAPED ST.
LOUIS: MISSOURI GERMANS AND THE CIVIL WAR
St. Louis has always been a city of immigrants: learn about the contributions of its German immigrants...
AFGHAN COMMUNITY CENTER
The Afghan Community Center is a vibrant and inclusive space in Saint Louis that serves as a hub for the Afghan community and fosters connections with the broader community.
The Afghan Community Center seeks to develop a center that reflects the diverse needs, aspirations, and cultural heritage of the Afghan community in the United States. The ultimate goal is to create a welcoming environment that promotes social integration, empowerment, and mutual understanding.
The Afghan Community Center aspires to create a dynamic and inclusive space that celebrates Afghan culture, fosters social cohesion, and empowers individuals and families to thrive within the St. Louis community.
Greetings from the Pierre-Laclede Honors College at the University of Missouri-St. Louis
Buzkashi: The National Sport of Afghanistan
Supporting Afghan Refugees: The Work of St. Louis Leaders
"An Afghan Girl's Dream"
Focus STL and the Afghan Center
Flash Floods in Afghanistan: How to Get Involved
Chinese Americans in St. Louis
How Immigrants Shaped St. Louis: Missouri Germans in the Civil War
Afghan Support Center on Tour
Profile: Dr. Jawad Rahimi
Hello,
This issue of the Afghan Journal is brought to you by students from the Pierre-Laclede Honors College at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. For the past few months, students from the "Beyond the Buildings" course have been collaborating with the Afghan Community Center and the Afghan Chamber of Commerce on a variety of projects aimed to serve Afghans in St. Louis. Recently, we have had the privilege of presenting these projects to the community and in UMSL's Undergraduate Research Symposium. We presented these alongside another group in our class, who worked with the St. Louis Hungarian community. Our companion group did several projects with St. Mary of Victories, a beautiful historicallyHungarian parish located in downtown St. Louis.
St. Mary of Victories, Interior
For those of us who worked with the Afghan Center, we created a total of five projects. First, we created a promotional pamphlet highlighting local-Afghan owned businesses. These include restaurants, cosmeticians, car dealerships, and markets from all over the St. Louis area. Through this pamphlet, we hope to assist the Afghan Chamber of Commerce in their mission to welcome, enable, and support Afghan entrepreneurs and businesses in the St. Louis Region and nationally.
Secondly, we created a resource pamphlet that includes medical care, financial assistance, English classes, employment programs, housing resources, culturally informed mental health services, and much more. It is a concise list of high-impact organizations, many of which have dedicated programs for Afghans and new arrivals. We hope to have both of these pamphlets distributed as soon as possible!
Artists on our team also designed a multimedia artwork for the Afghan Community Center, utilizing painting, fabric work and collage techniques on canvas. We aim to reflect the Afghan Community Center’s work in cultural preservation and community support, as well as to contribute to its welcoming environment.
Additionally, we have also spent time interviewing multiple community members in an oral history project. Portions of these interviews will be available in an exhibit on the Missouri Digital Humanities site, as well as in an academic historic archive. In doing so, we seek to preserve the history and stories of Afghan St. Louisans for years to come. If you are interested in giving an interview, send an email to ashleymaempa@outlook.com.
Finally, we have contributed to the Afghan Journal. Inside this issue, some of our articles include insights on St. Louis, news from Afghanistan, and wonderful literature submissions. We have enjoyed working with the incredible members of this community, and hope that you enjoy this issue.
Sincerely,
Ashley Maempa
Skylar Baxter
Nick Black
Mason Clynes
Vince Costa
Lauren Graf
Liv Klein
Tyler Winter
BUZKASHI: THE NATIONAL SPORT OF AFGHANISTAN
Originating from the nomadic Asian tribes migrating westward from China and Mongolia between the 10th and 15th centuries, the sport Buzkashi has remained a cherished legacy of a bygone era. Variations of the game are played across Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgzystan, Khazakstan, and even parts of Pakistan and China. It has also traveled to the United States.
As a national passion in Afghanistan, Buzkashi captivates audiences and participants alike, drawing thousands of fans to matches played with unwavering fervor, especially on Fridays, the traditional day of play. Despite facing challenges and prohibitions during periods of political upheaval, such as the Taliban regime's ban on the sport, Buzkashi persevered, a testament to its enduring significance in Afghan society.
The game has multiple rules and variations, where players ride horses and try to get a goat or calf carcass in a goal. Before the establishment of official rules by the Afghan Olympic Federation, games could last for several days. In most versions of the modern game, it is divided into shorter periods of 45 minutes to an hour. Buzkashi demands skill, strength, and courage from its participants, known as Chapandaz.
Even in the United States, Buzkashi found a place, introduced by descendants of the Afghan Royal Family. In the 1940s, a mounted version of the game, known as kav kaz, was played in Cleveland, Ohio. In a world of constant change, Buzkashi remains a timeless tradition, connecting generations and preserving the spirit of Central Asian identity for centuries to come.
Photo by Janyl Jusupjan
Playing Kokpar by Franz Roubaud
Supporting Afghan Refugees: The Work of St. Louis Leaders
The city of St. Louis has long been a city of immigrants, and recent efforts to support Afghan refugees have been led by a remarkable group of women politicians. Congresswoman Cori Bush, Alderwoman Daniela Velázquez, and Mayor Tishaura Jones have been instrumental in attracting new arrivals and supporting those who have already settled in the city.
Congresswoman Cori Bush has been a powerful advocate for Afghan refugees. She has consistently pushed for pro-immigrant and prorefugee policy, supporting measures to increase the number of refugees accepted by the United States and supporting inclusive bills for improving access to healthcare, education, and housing. Bush's office also provides resources for those seeking Special Immigrant Visas and P-2 Visas, ensuring that Afghans who had aided U.S. efforts and their families are able to secure safe passage and resettle in the United States. Additionally, her office has offered assistance with efforts to evacuate U.S. citizens from Afghanistan. For more information on these resources, visit her website at bush.house.gov.
6th Ward Alderwoman Daniela Velázquez represents parts of the South Grand and Tower Grove district, which is home to many Afghan residents and businesses. Velázquez has worked with the International Institute and the Afghan Community Center to ensure that Afghans have a voice in city government. She also has been instrumental in supporting small businesses by chairing St. Louis City’s “reducing red tape” committee, which benefits Afghan entrepreneurs by creating a more business-friendly climate.
Alderwoman Velázquez states, "I am privileged to represent the Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Community Center in the 6th Ward. Our city is greatly enriched by the Afghan community, with its remarkable resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and vibrant culture. By welcoming them to St. Louis, we're not just building a more inclusive community, we're also embracing an opportunity to learn from and grow with each other"
Mayor Tishaura Jones has also been an important friend to Afghans in St. Louis. When Kabul fell, she immediately began coordinating with the International Institute to plan for receiving Afghan SIV-holders. Her office later established efforts to resettle hundreds of Afghans stuck in limbo in Albania. Under Mayor Jones’ administration, St. Louis City recently created an “Office of New Americans”, which will seek to attract more immigrants to St. Louis and to streamline resources for new Americans. Furthermore, the mayor’s office has also expanded the availability of city resources, programming, and critical emergency messaging in multiple languages, including Dari and Pashto.
The International Institute of St. Louis has been a cornerstone in the resettlement efforts, working in tandem with St. Louis leaders to provide support services. In addition to crucial offerings like language classes, housing, and job placement programs, the Institute started an Afghan Community Center and Chamber of Commerce intended to specifically provide resources for Afghans. In St. Louis, Afghans have both political advocates and comprehensive resources at their disposal.
Ashley Maempa
University of Missouri - St. Louis
From the left: Congresswoman Cori Bush, Alderwoman Daniela Velásquez, and Mayor Tishaura Jones
"An Afghan Girl's Dream" - HEELA MOMAND
It was a beautiful sunny day. the birds were chirping, and I could feel the breeze coming through my window. I got up at 7:00 AM and the first thing I did was look outside the window, hoping it would be a better day. My mom came from the kitchen, giving me a huge smile and directing me to eat breakfast with my dad, who as usual was listening to the news at the highest volume. I passed him salaam and sat right next to him. He offered me paneer (cottage cheese) and honey on a bagel, (my favorite). I ate it as I was sipping my coffee.
After we ate, my dad said we must go to the Toyota dealership to pick up the van we had purchased. We arrived at the dealership, picked up the car and my dad started driving us back home, feeling renewed in his new favorite car. As we were on the way, my dad received a call from my school, indicating that they need to come to school today for something important. I looked at my dad startled and confused. He said that we needed to drive back to my school. All I was thinking in my head was how can it be? Why are they calling my parents? Am I in trouble or something? I am not the type of kid who gets in trouble, I can assure you that.
We get to my school. The first person I see is Miss Meyer, my favorite person in the entire school. She was a blonde, tall woman with a beautiful, kind face and short hair. I looked at her, reading her face. She looked like nothing was to be worried about. That comforted me. Yet I was still searching for answers as to why my parents are at my school at 7:00 in the morning.
We go to the college advising room. BOOM. There it is. The answers I was looking for. I look at the room, and I am bawling my eyes out. There is my CNA instructor, my AIR FORCE instructors, the Dean of the UMSL Honors College and other faculty. The dean is holding a check worth $1,000,000. I am speechless. In disbelief. This cannot be real. It is a dream. Soon, I realize I am crying an ocean of tears in happiness. I ran to the bathroom with a puffy nose and stuffy eyes. Once I get back, I embrace my teachers, my friends, my parents. The happiness inside of me was indescribable. Pictures are taken, I am congratulated by everyone. My heart is happy, and I feel proud of myself for the first time in years. I have always had a tough time giving myself credit for all the things I have achieved.
That day I knew that after all the hardship I went through, it was worth every second of it. An Afghan girl who once thought this was impossible was now certain her dream has come true. This is the story of that Afghan girl who once dreamt.
Heela Momand, second from the right, with the 2020 class of Pierre-Laclede Honors College Opportunity Scholars. Momand received a full-ride scholarship to the University of Missouri-St. Louis and studies psychology.
University of Missouri - St. Louis
Heela Momand
Focus St. Louis and the Afghan Center
Focus St. Louis is a nonprofit that works to empower St. Louis leaders to create change in our community. It offers several leadership training programs, enabling nonprofit-leaders and change makers to connect and grow with each other. The Afghan Center's own Moji Sidiqi was selected to be part of its selective Women in Leadership program for its past spring session. Sidiqi and the International Institute are passionate about empowering women: recently, Sidiqi was part of "Women Achieving Their Greatest Potential: How Can St. Louis Lead?", which brought several St. Louis women in leadership to discuss how we can help our women thrive. Additionally, the Afghan Center and IISTL offer an Afghan Entrepreneurship Grant, whose most recent round was exclusively dedicated to Afghan Women. Through these initiatives, Focus St. Louis and its partners, including the Afghan Center and the International Institute, are not only nurturing local leadership but also championing the empowerment and success of
To commemorate those who have had especially high impact on St. Louis, Focus STL hosts an annual ceremony called What’s Right with the Region. For the 27th year of the ceremony held at the beginning of this month, the Afghan Support Center joined the ranks of Focus STL Awardees and was honored as an Emerging Initiative. The Afghan Support Center was joined by Harris-Stowe's Minority Entrepreneurship Collaborative Center for Advancement, the FAM, and the Northside Economic Empowerment Center.
This award is recognition of the strides made by the Afghan Center in economic development, entrepreneurship, and supporting community building for Afghans in St. Louis. It celebrated the Center as showing particular promise of being a lasting force in St. Louis, and will hopefully continue to attract attention and support for the Afghan Center's mission
Ashley Maempa
University of Missouri - St. Louis
Sidiqi second row down, second from left, among the Spring 2024 Cohort of the Women in Leadership Program
Flash Floods in Afghanistan: How to Get Involved
Heavy rains in Afghanistan have led to devastating flash floods in the northern and central provinces of Afghanistan. Towards the beginning of this month, over 300 people were killed and over 1,600 were injured by sudden flash floods in Baghlan province. Many people are still missing. According to the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP), over 1,000 homes have been destroyed in the province. Villages and roads have been completely swept away, and farmland has been completely submerged. Throughout this month, these floods have continued throughout other provinces, with significant casualties and economic destruction in Ghor, Badakhshan, Takhar, and Baghlar. In a nation that already faces significant food insecurity and relies heavily on agriculture, these floods have exacerbated an already dire situation.
Afghanistan is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters. The severity and frequency of these floods are directly linked to the broader climate crisis. Despite having one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world, Afghanistan has seen an increase in extreme weather events over the past decade. Rising temperatures have led to irregular precipitation patterns, causing both droughts and flash floods. The melting of glaciers in the Hindu Kush Mountain range has also contributed to the increased water volume in rivers, which heightens flood risks. Extreme weather events in Afghanistan are expected to continue.
Afghanistan's limited resources and ongoing conflicts hinder its ability to effectively respond to and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The international community must recognize the disproportionate burden faced by countries like Afghanistan and step up efforts to provide both immediate relief and long-term support. The WFP estimates that 16 million out of the 40 million people in Afghanistan are in need of food assistance, and has called for an additional 14.5 million to provide relief to flood victims. Experts have also called for international economic aid to bolster Afghan infrastructure and to create land/water management plans that help address future natural disasters.
In the meantime, there are several ways to directly support those impacted by the floods. Islamic Relief has several teams on the ground to help assess the situation and coordinate with other groups. In addition, they are distributing MultiPurpose Cash Assistance to the most vulnerable. To donate, visit irusa.org/asia/afghanistan/. UNICEF has also initiated several comprehensive relief efforts. As of May 20th, health teams have treated over 11,400 people, half of them children, using mobile units and tents for health services. Safe water has been provided to over 22,000 people through water trucking, distributing 330,750 liters daily, along with hygiene kits. Nutrition efforts include screening and treating severe malnutrition, aiding 1,000 children. For education, tents and supplies have been dispatched to maintain schooling. Cash assistance has been provided to 3,000 households in the hardest-hit districts. To support these efforts, visit unicefusa.org.
Ashley Maempa University of Missouri - St. Louis
When we think of urban Chinese communities, we often imagine the bustling Chinatowns of New York or San Francisco. However, St. Louis also had its own Chinatown known as Hop Alley. It was demolished in 1966 to make way for Busch Stadium, dispersing the Chinese population throughout the suburbs. Despite this, Chinese cultural institutions continue to play a significant role in the St. Louis community.
The first known Chinese immigrant in St. Louis was Alla Lee. Alla Lee initially came to California as an interpreter for a missionary before settling in St. Louis in 1857. He opened a tea shop, married an Irish woman, and had several children. During this very early period, Alla Lee was treated more with curiosity than contempt, and was relatively well-accepted in white communities.
However, national views of Chinese immigrants were not kind. Initially welcomed for cheap labor in building railroads and expanding industries, they were later resented for supposedly stealing white jobs and being used as strikebreakers during labor disputes. This led to the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, which barred Chinese laborers from immigrating to the United States. This hostile environment forced many Chinese to relocate to other parts of the country, including St. Louis, seeking opportunities in industrial work. Chinese communities across America formed Chinatowns for economic selfsustainment, protection, and cultural preservation. St. Louis Hop Alley, was no exception.
Hop Alley, bounded by Walnut, Market, 7th, and 8th streets, was often portrayed as a sinister center of gambling, opium, and other social ills. However, it was a lively community where Chinese immigrants ran hand laundries, grocery stores, and restaurants. These businesses provided essential services and economic opportunities, despite the challenging working conditions. On Sundays, Chinese St. Louisans gathered in Hop Alley to relax, celebrate traditional holidays, and enjoy communal meals. The On Leong Chinese Merchant and Laborers Association, founded in 1906, governed the community, promoted Chinese businesses, and served as a court for disputes.
The Great Depression began the decline of Hop Alley, with many Chinese leaving due to economic hardships. World War II brought new job opportunities and improved public perception of Chinese Americans, leading to the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1943. Other changes in post-war immigration policies allowed more Chinese to enter the United States, which significantly changed the demographics of Chinese St. Louis to include more professionals and academics.
This also took place during urban renewal, where St. Louis city planners attempted to revitalize the city by destroying swathes of its neighborhoods. Urban renewal targeted minority and working-class communities, and Hop Alley was no exception. After it was bulldozed in in 1966, the Chinese community spread into the suburbs. While there is no longer a specific Chinatown akin to Hop Alley, the modern Chinese community in St. Louis still remains connected via churches, businesses, and community organizations. Despite the absence of a traditional Chinatown, these institutions ensure the continuance of Chinese culture and heritage in St. Louis.
For further reading on Chinese St. Louis, see Huping Ling's Chinese St. Louis: From Enclave to Cultural Community
Ashley Maempa
University of Missouri-St. Louis
Chinese-Americans in St. Louis
Hop Alley, "Looking North on Eighth Street", 1910
HOW
IMMIGRANTS SHAPED ST. LOUIS: MISSOURI GERMANS IN THE CIVIL WAR
St. Louis has always been a melting pot, and one cannot tell its story without telling the stories of its immigrants. German immigrants in particular have significantly influenced St. Louis history, playing a key role in fighting the Civil War in Missouri. German migration to St. Louis began after 1829, when a German named Gottfried Duden wrote a short book called Report of a Journey in the Western States of North America. This was a glowing promotion of Missouri's land and climate and became widely distributed throughout Germany. Germans began arriving in Missouri en masse, settling in St. Louis, St. Charles County, Franklin County, and in other places around the state. By the 1850s, Missouri Germans had established several towns, churches, schools, and had elected officials representing their political interests.
Meanwhile, political tensions between the North and South were rapidly escalating. At that time, the United States had States that practiced slavery, and others that did not. Most States in the North had phased out slavery, while many States in the South based their economies on the practice. Both sides became increasingly convinced that the other side was attempting to overpower them, with the South convinced that the North wanted to completely abolish slavery and the North convinced that the South wanted to cement the spread of slavery throughout the nation. These tensions eventually led to eleven southern states seceding from the Union, forming the Confederacy and sparking the Civil War.
St. Louis occupied a complicated position. Missouri was a slave-holding Union State, meaning that while it remained with the North and did not secede from the Union, it still unfortunately upheld the practice of slavery. Missouri had people who supported both the North and the South, and actually had two competing governing bodies during the Civil War. Its original governor, Claiborne Fox Jackson, supported secession and led a proConfederate government and militia, while Union supporters later established their own provisional Missouri government under Hamilton Gamble. In a state with such a delicate balance, German immigrants would prove essential to keeping St. Louis and Missouri in the Union
Generally speaking, Germans were strongly opposed to the institution of Southern slavery, and furthermore held great distaste for any sort of fractured government caused by secession. So upon the outbreak of the Civil War, they were among the first to take up arms for the Union. One of the most notable episodes involving the Missouri Germans was the Camp Jackson Affair in May 1861. Camp Jackson, located on the present day Saint Louis University campus, served as a covert training camp for southern-sympathizer militia men. Concerned about the potential threat, Union forces under the command of Captain Nathaniel Lyon moved to arrest the militia and seize their arms. The Union soldiers who captured the Confederates were overwhelmingly German volunteers. Their swift and decisive action helped prevent a potential uprising and secured St. Louis for the Union.
Beyond their military contributions, Missouri Germans also shaped the political landscape of the state during and after the Civil War. Germans like Arnold Krekel would continue to lead Union militia and push for Black suffrage and education. Another notable figure was Franz Sigel, who served as a General during the War and recruited thousands to the Union military. Overall, the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of Missouri Germans demonstrate how immigrants have always been essential contributors to the American story. Without the immigrant communities of the past, American society could have traveled a significantly different path.
Ashley Maempa University of Missouri - St. Louis
Afghan Support Center On Tour
Over the past year, Moji Sidiqi has been on a mission to welcome Afghan refugees and promote St. Louis as a prime destination for resettlement. As the International Institute of St. Louis’s Director of Multicultural Affairs and Afghan Outreach, she has traveled to multiple Afghan Support Center events hosted by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) in cities across the nation. These large-scale events are designed to provide essential resources and support to Afghan refugees, helping them transition to life in the United States. Local organizations set up tables to offer information on services such as housing, employment, education, and healthcare.
At these events, Moji promotes the advantages of St. Louis. For Afghan immigrants, St. Louis offers a welcoming community, a wide variety of resources, and a lower cost of living than many cities in America. Among these resources include financial and housing support, entrepreneurial grants, language classes, health resources, and more, all offered by multiple organizations. As a result, St. Louis stands out as an appealing choice for many Afghan families seeking a new beginning. But the benefit is also mutual. In the case of St. Louis, Moji argues, an influx of immigration would be incredibly helpful, lifesaving even. The City has continually lost population, and desperately needs more people to maintain itself: and, “Immigrants and refugees revitalize every community that they resettle because they bring something different”. Moji has visited Texas, New York, Virginia, and Maryland, all in order to convince Afghan refugees to consider secondary migration to St. Louis.
I first met Moji with a classmate at the Afghan Support Center hosted in February across from the St. Louis airport. When we arrived, Moji was working tirelessly to coordinate resources. She was checking with multiple people and organizations to see if food and hotel beds were available for newly-arrived families. Despite her busy schedule, she took the time to share her vision and the work being done in St. Louis. It was clear that her commitment to helping Afghan refugees goes beyond mere words. She is passionate about creating opportunities and building a supportive environment where new arrivals can thrive.
As the tour nears its end, the collective efforts of the Afghan Support Program and the International Institute of St. Louis have made a clear impact: since 2021, over a thousand Afghan families have settled in St. Louis. The collaborative spirit of the local community, organizations, and service providers has been instrumental in showcasing St. Louis as a welcoming and resource-rich environment.
Ashley
Maempa
University
of Missouri - St. Louis
Dr. Jawad Rahimi presently runs JR Market, a corner store right across from the City Park Soccer Stadium. He has had a truly incredible and tumultuous journey to get where he is today. He was born in Afghanistan, but had to leave with his family upon the outbreak of the Soviet Afghan War when he was one year old. Dr. Rahimi's family sought refuge in neighboring Iran, where he spent his formative years and completed his high school education. Dr. Rahimi then moved to Baku, Azerbaijan, where he pursued higher education in dentistry at the Nariman Narimanov Medical University. After a decade of hard work and dedication, he became a dentist and practiced in Azerbaijan for some time.
But, in 2004, Dr. Rahimi decided to immigrate to the United States to continue pursuing an education. When he arrived, he did not speak any English, and initially found work at an embroidery company. He spent three years there, and came to the realization that he wanted to become an entrepreneur. In 2004, he founded JR Market, leveraging his expertise and work ethic to carve out a successful path in the business world. He works long hours, but still spends as much time as possible with his family. His wife started as a lawyer and presently cares for their two teenage daughters, both of whom are high achieving students. He makes a point to stay connected with his children in their personal lives and also in providing guidance.
Additionally, Dr. Rahimi remains connected to the politics of his country. After briefly visiting Afghanistan in 2005 witnessing the struggles of his homeland firsthand stirred something within him. This inspired him to co-found the Hazara Foundation in 2016, a global organization aiming to provide education and support to vulnerable communities in Afghanistan. The Hazara foundation helps represent the Hazara people, who unfortunately have faced significant persecution and even genocide.
Although he is no longer the president of the organization, he stays involved in political advocacy on behalf of his people. The foundation additionally supports vulnerable people in Afghanistan by running tuition-free schools and establishing free bread bakeries, feeding and educating hundreds of people every month. Overall, Dr. Rahimi's commitment to his homeland remains unwavering. He continues to advocate for humanitarian causes and seeks partnerships with organizations and individuals willing to support the foundation's mission, all while taking care of his family and pursuing the American dream.
Dr. Jawad Rahimi
Ashley Maempa University of Missouri - St. Louis
One of the Hazara Foundation's free bread distribution centers in Kabul.
