best practices and resources<\/a> to respond to community needs in different phases of the pandemic. <\/p>\n “We have supported Black Muslim students who have graduated into an unknown future, heard from leaders of institutions that are strained for resources, connected with businesses owners and workers affected by the shutdowns, and held space for our members who are grieving lost loved ones and community members,” said Margari Hill, executive director of the Muslim Anti-Racism Collaborative. “Many of the ways Black Muslims have built resilience—community gatherings, connecting with family, and gatherings—have also been shut down. But I’ve also seen a resurgence in Black Muslim leadership in responding to the crisis and the strengthening of our network as we connect virtually.” <\/p>\n
Dr. Kameelah Mu’min Rashad, who focuses her research on quantifying the psychological toll of COVID-19, encouraged all to be more curious about the experience of Black Muslims. By learning about the specific needs of their communities and taking their lead, others will be better prepared to help. <\/p>\n
“Consider the long history of movements in our communities and recognize the contributions to long standing structure change that many of our efforts have had,” she said. <\/p>\n
In addition, Hill wants the community to be more accountable. In a webinar on the National Black Muslim Covid Coalition, she urged for reflection, especially among community leaders. <\/p>\n
“This is a moment of Black Muslim leadership and Black Muslim vision,” she said. “This is a moment for those who seek solidarity—who also draw on our legacies—to respect this leadership, and join us as partners. Our work brings together local, regional, [and] national groups, and that gives us a lot of power. This moment is a beautiful struggle to be a part of and an honor to be witness to the solutions our communities are generating.” <\/p>\n
While the conditions for Black Muslims are currently grim Rashad wants the community to remember that acknowledging experiences of oppression rather than denying or repressing them can be a form of radical healing. She still finds hope in how despite enduring the twin catastrophes of the pandemic and ongoing racial violence, people have responded generating opportunities to help and support each other. <\/p>\n
“We have strength, intellect, and wisdom that we have gained from our experience,” she said. “This pandemic has offered our communities an opportunity to lead in a way that is thoughtful and intentional. We can be the custodians for that future that we are fighting for.”<\/p>\n
Prism<\/a> is a BIPOC-led nonprofit news outlet that centers the people, places and issues currently underreported by national media.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n