On Saturday, November 2nd, I participated in the AFSP 13th Annual DC Out of the Darkness Community Walk for Suicide Prevention for the 5th consecutive year. By the time the event began, AFSP raised approximately $315,000 with the goal to reach $350,000 this year!The funds go towards research and advocacy, training, and community awareness among Read More
Category: Current Events
Commentary on World Affairs
10 Years: Reflections on A Decade of “Living the Dream” in America’s Nation’s Capital
“Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it will bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country.” – Anais Nin Last Tuesday, Oct 9, 2019, I celebrated my 10th Anniversary with our beloved Washington, DC … For it was on Oct Read More
Reflecting on Five Years Running the DC Gaza 5K
Today I ran my 5th Consecutive Gaza 5K in Washington, DC!!! Year Five of the DC Gaza 5k warrants some deep reflections, but this post will have to be brief. I have written seldom on this blog the past year, as I’ve been consumed by my doctorate studies… but I remain committed to sharing some Read More
Thirty-Five Years – Reflecting on Dreams, Fears, and Tears…
“Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before.” – Edgar Allan Poe Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly. – Langston Hughes Yes: I am a dreamer. For a dreamer is one who Read More
9 years…
“You have to dream before your dreams can come true.” – A. P. J. Abdul Kalam 9 YEARS AGO from today, on October 9th, 2009, around 9:30 pm, I arrived in Washington DC, after completing my Masters and spending 5 months of job hunting while in my Wisconsin home. I sent over 300 applications and Read More
A Love Letter to Pakistan – From an ABCD Old Romantic
Dear Pakistan: Bismillah hir Rahman nir Raheem. Assalaamu Alaykum. Inshallah (Godwilling) you are doing well in health and faith. I write to you with the purest intentions but with a few confessions that may startle you. I admit, I am a little nervous to see you again. But in a good way. Even when the Read More
Why I Run the UNRWA DC GAZA 5K…Take 4…
Today I ran in the GAZA 5K in Washington, DC! It was a privilege to be participating my 4th consecutive year in the DC run. Similar to the previous years, it was a beautiful experience. There were about 500 runners that raised over $160,000 for this critical cause! The Gaza 5K raises funds for community Read More
Surviving and Conquering Hate: Reflections on Arjun Sethi’s “American Hate”
“Speaking out is the most basic and vital form of resistance.” – Arjun Singh Sethi I spent some time reflecting on Arjun Sethi’s “American Hate: Survivors Speak Out,” which was published over a month ago. I also had the opportunity to hear Arjun speak about his book at the Politics and Prose in Washington, DC, Read More