Discomfort and Courage

As we come closer to the date of the national walkouts I want to remind everyone how important it is to make sure that ALL victims of gun violence are included in our messaging or our events. Including students of color who cannot walk safely to school because of the systematic racism causing gun violence in black communities in Chicago, Baltimore, and Detroit. We can't forget to include people in Latin America and the Middle East affected by the United States' weapon sales overseas that have destabilized many governments.

Having these conversations may be uncomfortable for some. But ask yourself, do you value your comfort or the lives of those affected by gun violence more? Staying in our comfort zones all the time is not a good thing. As a Muslim, but more importantly as a human I strive to have uncomfortable conversations with people and speak the truth, even if it makes other people uncomfortable. Embrace the discomfort. You will become a better person for it. There are topics that need to be talked about and this is one of those. And if it makes you so uncomfortable talking about all victims of gun violence and hearing me speak truth, then that is your problem. Not mine. I will always be unapologetically Muslim and unapologetically speaking my truth.