ZEYNE - Asli Ana (My Roots)

November 29, 2024

The lyrics of Zeyne’s Asli Ana are a powerful exploration of decolonial themes. They challenge the Western concept of "civilization," exposing how it has historically been weaponized to oppress, displace, and erase. Zeyne confronts the long-standing colonial narrative, highlighting how it justified the theft of our lands, the erasure of our culture, and the distortion of our history.

The song doesn’t stop at critique; it pushes us to question our internalized colonial norms, even in subtle aspects like dress and self-presentation. The line, “Record, I am an Arab, and I know my origin” moved me to tears. It is a poignant reminder of the resilience required to preserve our identity after decades of diaspora and displacement.

Through poetic verses, Zeyne masterfully encapsulates the struggle to maintain our heritage while navigating a world that constantly demands assimilation.

Beirut Explosions: How to help victims in Lebanon.

August 8, 2020

On Tuesday, August 4th, a massive blast rocked Beirut's port when tons of improperly stored ammonium-nitrate were ignited by a fire in the storage facility. Within 24 hours of the explosion the death toll already numbered more than 130 people, approximately 5,000 injured and hundreds of thousands left homeless. This man-made disaster also came at a time of ongoing political and deep financial crisis in the tiny nation that is also home to the world's largest per-capita population of refugees, my Palestinian family included.

The Lebanese are resilient but also exhausted. Beirut is broken, more than ever before. They need help from our international community. Please lend your support in any way you are able.

French Polynesia: Earth, Water, Air, Fire & Mana

March 29, 2019

Halfway between California and Australia, French Polynesia isn’t a singular sensation but a mosaic of moods spread across 118 small islands and atolls (67 inhabited) and more than a thousand miles of ocean. It’s not a place of museums or hot spots, but rather an elemental destination of earth, water, air, fire, and something else even more elusive that I felt but can barely explain in words; mana.

American Women build a 'Mexican Wall'

November 20, 2016

What images come to mind when you think of building a 'Mexican Wall'? Do you imagine a wall, big and strong, that keeps others out? Is there a sense of security gained by knowing that you're well-protected, drawing a clear line in the sand, claiming this is mine, and that is yours? What emotions underpin the intent of your wall - fear, nationalism, a sense of scarcity? Who truly benefits from having this wall built?

These questions surfaced after I returned from Tijuana, Mexico, the day before Election Day in the US. I joined a group of resourceful, capable and sympathetic ladies from my church on an annual Women's Build trip. The plan was to build a 12' x 24' DOXA home in less than four days without the use of power tools. What resulted was more than a set of walls and a gabled roof. Together, with the loving family who owns this new home and their community, we built bridges. These were not walls that divide, but rather walls that unite us as world citizens, as fellow humans who want what's best for our children and grandchildren.