Afghans Empowered

Generational trauma has become an increasing topic of study as researchers correlate the symptoms of trauma to biology. Early research supports the theory that generational trauma is genetically passed down from parents to children, and so forth. In this episode, we explore the history of trauma in our family, through their journeys as refugees from Afghanistan. Each step in their journey has complied levels of high stress and trauma that has shaped their physiology, and we believe this has impacted us, the children of refugees, in ways beyond the surface level. Second-hand trauma has posed challenges to families dealing with symptoms of mental health issues that seem obscure and whose source are difficult to determine. However we believe that with the understanding of trauma, we can take a step back and re-evaluate our experiences in order to produce adequate conclusions about our mental health so that we can focus on improving our health. Join the conversation about trauma, and help us spread the message as we continue to learn about how this subject can become central to the lives of our diaspora communities. We seek to empower the conversation about mental health in order to destigmatize it, and work in community efforts to find solutions.

Generational trauma has become an increasing topic of study as researchers correlate the symptoms of trauma to biology. Early research supports the theory that generational trauma is genetically passed down from parents to children, and so forth. In this episode, we explore the history of trauma in our family, through their journeys as refugees from Afghanistan. Each step in their journey has complied levels of high stress and trauma that has shaped their physiology, and we believe this has impacted us, the children of refugees, in ways beyond the surface level. Second-hand trauma has posed challenges to families dealing with symptoms of mental health issues that seem obscure and whose source are difficult to determine. However we believe that with the understanding of trauma, we can take a step back and re-evaluate our experiences in order to produce adequate conclusions about our mental health so that we can focus on improving our health. Join the conversation about trauma, and help us spread the message as we continue to learn about how this subject can become central to the lives of our diaspora communities. We seek to empower the conversation about mental health in order to destigmatize it, and work in community efforts to find solutions.

The current Covid-19 pandemic continues to disrupt the lives and health of people around the globe. In the US, cases have increased and a second wave has hit its most populous cities. Research about the impacts of the pandemic in the US have provided evidence that marginalized communities and minorities are disproportionately affected by the pandemic. In this episode, we discuss the research findings from various sources that indicate Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Indigenous, and other minorities are disadvantaged due to systematic inequalities In healthcare, labor force, and housing. These factors have created environments where the marginalized communities have a greater risk of exposure to, and illness from Covid-19. We correlate the findings in disproportionate access, to our evaluation of the current situation in Afghanistan. The pandemic has unveiled many flaws in the social and economic systems in nations around the globe. Countries such as Afghanistan, have had a slim fighting chance from the start. But within the conversation, we highlight the resilience and unity of communities in Afghanistan who have taken public health initiatives in their own hands, in order to educate their communities and prevent the spread of Covid-19. The discussion of Covid-19 will continue for quite some time, and our conversation of the ongoing pandemic isn’t quite overdue.

The current Covid-19 pandemic continues to disrupt the lives and health of people around the globe. In the US, cases have increased and a second wave has hit its most populous cities. Research about the impacts of the pandemic in the US have provided evidence that marginalized communities and minorities are disproportionately affected by the pandemic. In this episode, we discuss the research findings from various sources that indicate Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Indigenous, and other minorities are disadvantaged due to systematic inequalities In healthcare, labor force, and housing. These factors have created environments where the marginalized communities have a greater risk of exposure to, and illness from Covid-19. We correlate the findings in disproportionate access, to our evaluation of the current situation in Afghanistan. The pandemic has unveiled many flaws in the social and economic systems in nations around the globe. Countries such as Afghanistan, have had a slim fighting chance from the start. But within the conversation, we highlight the resilience and unity of communities in Afghanistan who have taken public health initiatives in their own hands, in order to educate their communities and prevent the spread of Covid-19. The discussion of Covid-19 will continue for quite some time, and our conversation of the ongoing pandemic isn’t quite overdue.

How does the term “idealistic” undermine our way of thinking, if its viewed in a negative framework? In this episode, the term idealist is analyzed in relation to the ways in which current events through powerful movements have presented our frame of ideas for a future  of equality for all. To many who try to uphold archaic paradigms and narratives about society, we can seem like absurd dreamers, radicals, and anarchists, for our ways of thinking. Yet our frame of mind is the foundation for our ability as activists to demand social change in our communities. No matter the issue, our understanding of today’s world comes from our fearlessness to answer the biggest questions about inequality, and demand a real concrete answer to these questions. In the strive for global equity and preservation of human rights, we are the crucial players who can demand change at a systemic level. 

How does the term “idealistic” undermine our way of thinking, if its viewed in a negative framework? In this episode, the term idealist is analyzed in relation to the ways in which current events through powerful movements have presented our frame of ideas for a future  of equality for all. To many who try to uphold archaic paradigms and narratives about society, we can seem like absurd dreamers, radicals, and anarchists, for our ways of thinking. Yet our frame of mind is the foundation for our ability as activists to demand social change in our communities. No matter the issue, our understanding of today’s world comes from our fearlessness to answer the biggest questions about inequality, and demand a real concrete answer to these questions. In the strive for global equity and preservation of human rights, we are the crucial players who can demand change at a systemic level. 

Re-introduction to the introduction. A long overdue conversation between two sisters/founders that we're happy to finally share. We take some time to briefly share the background to our upbringing and our worldview; and everything in between the years of our self discovery of a unique identity. Being Afghan-American means quite a bit, and frankly we can't do enough justice to explaining this identity in simply one conversation. But as we grow this organization, we will grow with it too and reflect on our identity through this journey. We're three months in already, and feel like we've hit the ground running. The connections we've made through our community efforts have motivated us to keep making strides in providing representation and advocacy for our people. 

We have so much currently in the works, and great plans for the future. We are excited to share that we will be forming our community organization and platform into a non-profit organization. This decision has undergone a meticulous and thorough process of research and preparation. Our decision will enable us to start campaign projects and begin fundraising for causes that we hope to provide long term solutions for. In the mean-time we still are collecting funds for our "Build a water well" campaign, and really want to highlight our efforts for this campaign. We also take a moment to promote the upcoming event #stopkillingAfghans happening in LA on Sunday, July 12th. With so much going on, we do our best to keep up with current events, and we sincerely hope we have been able to serve our community well thus far, as this is only the beginning of the fantastic things coming up.

Ultimately, getting to sit down together and introduce ourselves feels cathartic. We are learning and growing everyday through our management of our platform, and we are learning more about our heritage through our growth. Because, for each and every one of us, our ultimate goal is to share a level of motivation and self esteem for our identities as we pursue greatness, but also as we face the trials and tribulations that can affect our lives in different ways. Whether we are from the homeland or abroad, we are united by a heritage that we believe can empower us to become motivated in our everyday world. 

This is Afghans Empowered. 

Re-introduction to the introduction. A long overdue conversation between two sisters/founders that we're happy to finally share. We take some time to briefly share the background to our upbringing and our worldview; and everything in between the years of our self discovery of a unique identity. Being Afghan-American means quite a bit, and frankly we can't do enough justice to explaining this identity in simply one conversation. But as we grow this organization, we will grow with it too and reflect on our identity through this journey. We're three months in already, and feel like we've hit the ground running. The connections we've made through our community efforts have motivated us to keep making strides in providing representation and advocacy for our people. 

We have so much currently in the works, and great plans for the future. We are excited to share that we will be forming our community organization and platform into a non-profit organization. This decision has undergone a meticulous and thorough process of research and preparation. Our decision will enable us to start campaign projects and begin fundraising for causes that we hope to provide long term solutions for. In the mean-time we still are collecting funds for our "Build a water well" campaign, and really want to highlight our efforts for this campaign. We also take a moment to promote the upcoming event #stopkillingAfghans happening in LA on Sunday, July 12th. With so much going on, we do our best to keep up with current events, and we sincerely hope we have been able to serve our community well thus far, as this is only the beginning of the fantastic things coming up.

Ultimately, getting to sit down together and introduce ourselves feels cathartic. We are learning and growing everyday through our management of our platform, and we are learning more about our heritage through our growth. Because, for each and every one of us, our ultimate goal is to share a level of motivation and self esteem for our identities as we pursue greatness, but also as we face the trials and tribulations that can affect our lives in different ways. Whether we are from the homeland or abroad, we are united by a heritage that we believe can empower us to become motivated in our everyday world. 

This is Afghans Empowered. 

Recent atrocities faced by Afghan migrants at the hands of foreign governments have sparked a wave of outrage within Afghan communities, worldwide. Protests have been carried out around the world, all with the clear messages and imagery for the central themes of the movement, #stopkillingAfghans, and #IAmBurning.  In this episode, activists and protest organizers Stephanie Hargett and Sara Anas take a moment to sit down with me to promote the upcoming protest event, scheduled to be held on July 12th in Los Angeles, California. Motivated to speak out against oppressive governments, and to raise awareness for the cruelty Afghan migrants face in neighboring countries outside of Afghanistan, these activists have amassed a group of passionate community members and allies to demand accountability by the perpetrators, and declare "Enough is enough". Join us as we dissect the conversation and what the clearly marked message of the protest is. Change begins at the grassroots level, and providing a voice for the voiceless is the first step towards demanding change, and amassing support. What is the long term goal, and how does this group hope to achieve this goal? How can we pressure international government organizations, and nations, to pressure oppressive governments to be held accountable for abuses of human rights? Though the answers to these questions aren't easy, and by no means will the journey to the solution be either, the conversation to be had is: we have to start somewhere. However, what is clear is that we as a community are willing to stand up for the rights of our fellow Afghans, in order to promote visibility surrounding the issues that plague our communities, worldwide. 

If you are a Southern California resident, show your support of the cause, and join the event on July 12th, from 2pm-5pm. Details of the event will be available on our Instagram, @afghansempowered. 

Recent atrocities faced by Afghan migrants at the hands of foreign governments have sparked a wave of outrage within Afghan communities, worldwide. Protests have been carried out around the world, all with the clear messages and imagery for the central themes of the movement, #stopkillingAfghans, and #IAmBurning.  In this episode, activists and protest organizers Stephanie Hargett and Sara Anas take a moment to sit down with me to promote the upcoming protest event, scheduled to be held on July 12th in Los Angeles, California. Motivated to speak out against oppressive governments, and to raise awareness for the cruelty Afghan migrants face in neighboring countries outside of Afghanistan, these activists have amassed a group of passionate community members and allies to demand accountability by the perpetrators, and declare "Enough is enough". Join us as we dissect the conversation and what the clearly marked message of the protest is. Change begins at the grassroots level, and providing a voice for the voiceless is the first step towards demanding change, and amassing support. What is the long term goal, and how does this group hope to achieve this goal? How can we pressure international government organizations, and nations, to pressure oppressive governments to be held accountable for abuses of human rights? Though the answers to these questions aren't easy, and by no means will the journey to the solution be either, the conversation to be had is: we have to start somewhere. However, what is clear is that we as a community are willing to stand up for the rights of our fellow Afghans, in order to promote visibility surrounding the issues that plague our communities, worldwide. 

If you are a Southern California resident, show your support of the cause, and join the event on July 12th, from 2pm-5pm. Details of the event will be available on our Instagram, @afghansempowered.