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Deeper than Aesthetics...

Over the years, I have come across many people who believe it is my responsibility to "support" the Muslim community through functions such as banquets, dances, conventions, fashion shows, etc. What these people fail to realize is that my support runs deeper than the aesthetics of it all. If I've chosen to attend any of the following in the past, or choose to in the future, know that it was only for entertainment and never in the name of "support". My idea of "support" is actual work in order to make a difference...hmmmm, for example, like working at Clara Muhammad School for four years. The community was in need of a teacher, and that was my field; therefore, I went to work there as a means of "support". I accepted a below D.C. poverty level salary, which we never received on time, as a means of "support". I worked for four years with no medical or dental insurance as a means of "support". I taught students with outdated textbooks and obtained things they needed in order to receive a quality education by spending parts of my salary on materials for them as a means of "support". I attended various Muslim schools throughout my educational career; therefore, I "supported" younger Muslim students by serving as a role model for them as various educators had done for me. After four years of "support", I left to pursue other interest, but still manage to keep a "supportive" relationship with the school, the teachers, and the students. Therefore, the next time anyone feels the need to question me based on the fact that I decline to eat dried chicken, veggies, and red potatoes at a banquet, twirl around on a dance floor, sit in a room and listen to various lectures at a convention, and/or watch folks walk back and forth in semi-impressive clothing at a fashion show in the name of "support", make sure you check my track record, accept the decision I've made for myself (cause I'm grown), and either begin another topic of conversation or keep your ass moving.

posted by Madeehah @ 9:18 AM