BOLT Avisa para el año nuevo
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THE
LIGHTNING
BOLT O R
S U P F
HEA D
Y E A R
N E W
Avisa para el añ
o nuevo
SPORTS ATHLETE SHOUT OUTS
SOCIETAL ISSUES TO HELP FIX
EXTENSIVE VIDEO GAME REVIEWS
VOLUME 33 ISSUE 4
CHANCELLOR HIGH SCHOOL
6300 HARRISON ROAD, FREDERICKSBURG, VA 22407
1 January 2021
CHANCELLOR FAMILY GIVES TO OTHER FAMILIES TO
HELP MAKE HOLIDAYS BRIGHT
There were 32 students that
had a brighter holiday through
the generosity of those who
work at Chancellor High
School. Departments adopted
students, individual teach-
ers and staff bought presents,
three clubs sponsored three
complete families, and coun-
selors and secretaries wrapped
gifts,. All gave generously and
some gave multiple times. Ms.
Heidi Tippett headed this ef-
Photo courtesy of Heidi Tippett
fort and managed the many
emails and sent out requests
for support of this effort, as
well as distributed the gifts to
the lucky families.
Heidi Tippett’s car was filled to the brim with wrapped gifts ready to be given to families on
December 17, 2020. 32 families were supported in this effort.
ART III/IV STUDENTS CREATE TEACHER PORTRAITS
Can you identify the names of the teachers
who are depicted in this artwork?
All artwork submitted by Leeanne Houston
The Journalism students at Chancellor High School publish The Lightning Bolt, the MRS. GATTIE
only official newspaper on campus. The purpose of the newspaper is to factually in-
form and entertain its readers. As an established open forum for the student body, ADVISOR
truth will be the staff’s major goal. It is the responsibility of each staffer to adhere to
the journalism code of ethics as set by the Society of Professional Journalists, Sigma CARA SEELY
Delta Chi. The code states that a journalist can not accept gifts, favors or privileges that
could compromise their integrity. All material published will be the result of brain- NEWS EDITOR
storm sessions by the staff. Subjects stimulating to the majority of the student body
will be used. The editorial board, which is comprised of all newspaper staff members CARA HADDEN
will determine the priority of the stories and the overall design of publication. The
advisor serves to give students a better understanding of the functions and ethics of FEATURES EDITOR
a free press. The advisor does not serve as a censure. Student editors will decide the
material to be published. In accordance with community standards, profanity will not KAITLYN GARVEY
appear in the publication. Students are free to express an opinion on matters of public
interests under the, “fair comment rule.” Under this rule, the student has the right SPORTS EDITOR
to intelligently criticize the school and its policies. Editorials reflect the opinion of
The Lightning Bolt. Opinion stories reflect the opinion of the writer and do not rep- EMMA PURCELL &
resent the opinion of the faculty and administrWation of Chancellor High School.
Controversial issues will be covered from both points of view. School news, as well STEPHANIE MARTINEZ
as local, national and international events will also be covered. Letters to the editor
are welcomed. All letters must be signed and e-emailed to chhslightningbolt@yahoo. OP-ED EDITORS
com. The Lightning Bolt retains the right to edit letters to comply with journalistic
standards. Anonymous letters will not be published. Our ultimate goal is to print the MIKAH NELSON
truth and with your help we can reach this goal.
CHARGING CORNER
January 2021 2
PROTESTORS STORM US CAPITOL, BIDEN
INAUGURATED AS NEW PRESIDENT
A dark day in DC shocks US as heart of government is compromised by
By Marim Farag
Trump-supporting mob
Staff Reporter to a safe location. They couldn’t explosive devices were found Congress confirmed that Joe
On Wednesday, January 6, handle everything by them- on the Capitol grounds, as well Biden and Kamala Harris won.
thousands of pro-Trump sup- selves including securities, so, as hatsan bullboss inside and Some lawmakers wanted
porters stormed the US Capitol they had to request and bring outside the building. A woman President Trump to step down.
in Washington, DC, creating a in the national guards to get in- was shot and killed as the mob Senate Chuck Schumer (D-
shocking picture of what some volved in this big mess. tried to break through a barri- New York) asked Vice-Pres-
in our country will resort to Protesters were riled up when cade to enter the building. Four ident Pence to use the 25th
in order to make a statement. President Trump vowed at a others died of medical emer- amendment to remove Trump
Here’s what happened: Trump rally in DC that he would never gencies according to WESH2. from office. He was also bashed
supporters who protested in concede to President-elect Joe Sixty people were arrested. All by Republican Nancy Pelosi,
the U.S. Capitol took a huge Biden, and repeatedly stated the people who were protesting Speaker of the House who said,
turn for the worse when rioters how the election results were could get arrested and could “ I join the Senate Democrats’
broke into the building, broke fake. face chargers like sedition and leader in calling on the vice-
things, stole property from the According to CNN, supporters terrorism which could lead president to remove this Presi-
building, and disrespected the marched over the Capitol Hill them to a prison sentence. As dent immediately invoking the
sanctity of our government sending lawmakers and vice- of Tuesday, January 19, the two 25th amendment.”
buildings and the people who president for safety. Everyone police officers, Myles Cosgrove The Democrats now control
work in them, ultimately re- was pushed away, using all (FMR Louisville police officer) both houses of Congress and
sulting in the deaths of five forces available. and Joshua Jaynes (FMR. Lou- the White House.
people. Therefore, the discussion isville police) have been fired On Wednesday, January 20,
Trump's supporters forced lawmakers were having about for shooting Breonna Taylor. President Joe Biden and Vice
the Senate to evacuate in the recounting votes was stopped. By late evening, Congress re- President Kamala Harris were
middle of the electoral col- Everything was just a mess as convened in their chambers. sworn into office, in a peaceful
lege. They pushed through se- the mob breached the Capitol. According to CNN’s website, ceremony in Washington DC.
curity, and they were all over Offices were broken into, doc- Senate Mitch McConnell (R- Due to the violence two weeks
the building. They had guns, uments were all over the place KY) majority leader said, “We prior, the National Guard was
Trump flags, they were wearing on the floor, people jumped will not be kept out of this in full force in DC in antici-
masks and other protections. and climbed to get inside and chamber by thugs, mobs, or pation of Trump supporters
Fights happened to the point they even invaded the most threats.” coming out, despite the order
where they had to give masks secret halls in the democracy. Senate Josh Hawley (R. Mis- where the public was not al-
to the congress members. It They were protesting inside souri) was the only one who ob- lowed in attendance. Trump
was so unexpected, that they the Capitol as if they’re pro- jected, but later on everything did not attend the inaugura-
had to evacuate and move the testing outside on the street. was calmed down. Finally, at tion; however, Pence was in at-
President and Vice President In even more shocking news, the end of their deliberation, tendance.
Photo source: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/we-will-never-concede-trump-baselessly-asserts-voter-fraud-speech-n1253011
Trump mob swarms the Capitol Building in Washington DC on January 6th.
3 January 2021
NEWS
GET MARIO FIRE ELBLEM BEFORE MARCH
removing games on the Nin- also done it through releases be using widely, but it’s one we
By Katie Stafford
Staff Reporter tendo is Everything website. such as Game & Watch: Super thought was very unique for
“Yeah, I think I use a simple Not only are Super Mario 3D Mario Bros., or through Mario the actual anniversary.”
word: celebration. It just - this All-Stars, and potentially, Su- Kart Live: Home Circuit. There He can’t comment on what’s
is a celebration of Mario’s 35th per Mario 3D World + Bows- are various ways that we’re to happen after March of 2021,
anniversary. And we wanted to er’s Fury in danger of being celebrating Mario’s 35th. And but he did conclude that “at
celebrate in unique and differ- removed from being sold in with some of these titles, we this point, the decision was
ent ways, and we’ve done that stores and even the Switch’s felt it was an opportunity to re- really made around that cel-
through games like Super Ma- Nintendo eShop, but Fire Em- lease them for a limited period ebration feature and aspect.”
rio 3D All-Stars, or we will be blem: Shadow Dragon & the of time. They’ve done very, very Though the deadline for all of
doing that through future re- Blade of Light is in the same well. Super Mario 3D All-Stars the games given this special
leases, such as Super Mario 3D troubled waters as well. has sold over 2.6 million units treatment for Mario’s 35th an-
World + Bowser’s Fury,” Doug Bowser, in the same www. in the U.S. alone. And so clear- niversary is unknown, Super
Bowser, Nintendo of Ameri- nintendoeverything.com ar- ly, consumers have been able to Mario 3D All-Stars will no
ca president, explains when ticle published on December jump in and enjoy that. And it’s longer be sold in the eShop or
questioned about the logic of 16, 2020, adds, “And then we’ve not strategy that we’re going to stores after March 31, 2021.
WHAT’S HAPPENED TO MOVIE THEATERS SINCE COVID-19?
By Nicolas Carter every customer to ensure that ter every movie they have to down for two months. Paragon
Staff Reporter they are being safe and not get- sanitize all the seats and rail- decided to just show the low
The Paragon Village 12 movie ting any customer sick. Also ings. They also have an arcade budget movies or movies from
theater is so different since when customers get popcorn to sanitize every 30 mins. the movie companies that one
COVID restrictions hit us last normally they would just go to As of right now, Paragon Vil- doesn’t really hear about. In
March. On March 17, 2020, the butter station/tower and lage 12 is one of the only the- addition, Paragon isn’t even
Paragon Village 12 was forced put the butter on the popcorn aters open in Fredericksburg open during the week. They
to shut down, and they did not and one could get however right now. Regal has shut down are only open Friday, Saturday,
open back up until the begin- much they wanted. Now since because the big movie chains and Sunday. Paragon Village 12
ning of August. During the COVID, employees have to give stopped putting out the mov- is behind Spotsylvania Town
time that they were shut down, customers little cups of butter, ies, or they are just putting it Center. For a complete movie
everyone who was working so they don't have to wipe the on streaming services. There listing check out their app or
there was there cleaning and towers down every time a cus- is really nothing to play, so Re- search online for Paragon Vil-
disinfecting the whole build- tomer uses it.. In the theaters, gal made the choice to close lage 12.
ing, and employees were given the amount of seats is cut in
a three-dollar raise for working half, so in the big theaters MEXICO BANS PLASTIC
through the COVID times. where there are normally 240 By Stephanie Martinez asked if she knew about the
August 14th was the first day seats now there are only 120 Co-Op-Ed Editor ban she replied that authorities
that Paragon Village 12 was seats available. Every theater is On January 1st,2021 Mexico of-
forget about it with COVID-19
open since COVID started and a different size though, so there ficially passed a ban on first use
still in place and there aren’t
it was so different. Employees is one theater where there can plastic. Mexico City lawmakers
any fines that go along with it.
have to wash their hands every only be 10 people in there. passed the ban on plastic bags,
She then went on to explain
30 mins and change gloves for When workers clean them af- utensils, and other disposable
that she wasn’t the only vendor
plastic items in 2019. The city
using plastic bags.
ACTIVISM LEADS TO DEATH of 9 million people has spent
the past year adjusting, or in
“How are we supposed to give
hot tamales without a plastic
By Stephanie Martinez years and nothing was done. some cases ignoring, the im-
Co-Op-Ed Editor bag?” she asks.
Vasquez was not the first pending law change.
The ban also covers dispos-
Felix Vasquez was a 70-year- activist to be killed, in 2019 The ban on plastic bags took
able plastic cups, plastic stir-
old environmental activist who fourteen other activists had effect in 2020. While most
rers, single-use coffee capsules,
was killed in front of his family died. Honduras has the highest places give biodegradable bags,
and balloons among other
by a group of men in the village number of environmentalists some people in food stands and
items as well as plastic straws
of El Ocotal, Honduras. He was killed per capita in the world in the city still use plastic bags.
being offered less often, and
also a human activist, as well according to Global Witness. An unidentified woman selling
fresh tortillas being handed
as a leader of an association Many are calling for his killers tamales under a large umbrella
over wrapped in paper or cloths
representing farmers and in- along with the other victims to at the corner of a busy Mexico
that buyers bring with them.
digenous people. Vasquez had be arrested and prosecuted but City avenue slid two into a plas-
In 2019, Mexico City was re-
filed complaints to national no authorities report that they tic bag and offered two small
ported to have produced about
authorities for allegedly facing are still investigating. colorful plastic spoons from
13,000 tons of garbage per day.
political persecution in recent a cup filled with them. When
January 2021 4
FEATURES
ESSENTIAL FILMING DURING PANDEMIC
By Cara Hadden tion do not have that same dated training courses for comes to protecting them-
Features Editor
luxury. more than 280 airports selves and others...As far as
After nearly a year in quar- The American Associa- across the country. We of- the difficulties with actually
antine from the COVID-19 tion of Airport Executives fer three service options for filming at airports, a lot of
pandemic, it is difficult to (AAEE) is home to one such airports: Interactive Em- our shots tend to have peo-
imagine a world without essential video production ployee Training Learning ple in them wearing masks.
face masks, hand sanitizer, team. Located in Alexan- Suite, ANTN Digicast and So we always need to make
and squabbles about toilet dria, Virginia, AAAE is the Onsite classroom training. I sure that everyone is wear-
paper. However, that is ex- largest professional organi- am also the manager of our ing their mask properly, as
actly what Hollywood film- zation for airport employ- online Digicast service. For well as the people you may
makers make the audience ees. The organization of- this service, I act not only see in the background,” said
do as they continue to film fers resources for training, as manager, but handle the AAAE editor/videographer
during the pandemic. Until professional development, content production process, Sean Metzger. “Airports also
recently, anyway. Accord- certifications and effective technical support, web de- aren’t big on seeing masks
ing to Bryn Sandberg of The representation in Congress. velopment, sales and mar- in the video, so you have to
Hollywood Reporter, permit AAAE Staff Vice Presi- keting.” work around some shots. For
requests for filming in Los dent for Operations Katrina The production staffers instance, if it is an outside
Angeles dropped 25 percent Hadden heads up the orga- and contractors film their shot with one person in the
in December 2020, which is nization’s production team. videos both in-studio at the frame, they may take their
a “new pandemic low” for “My job as Staff Vice Presi- Alexandria headquarters mask off for the shot, but if
filming in California. Many dent for Operations is to and on location at airports you see someone way in the
production companies have ensure that the production across the country. How- background with a mask on,
taken a break from filming team delivers projects on ever, the employees who it then looks like the person
in order to reduce the num- time. My staff consists of film on location have found in the foreground is being
ber of COVID-19 cases in the producers, editors, graphic some difficulty in shoot- unsafe. So navigating the
area. While films created designers, a developer and ing during the pandemic. visuals of how the pandemic
for entertainment purposes the technical team that in- “Honestly, the most dan- looks versus what airports
have a reasonably flexible stalls the software apps and gerous thing about filming want to see can be a strug-
timetable in terms of finish- courses on their airport’s right [now] are the people gle sometimes. The safest
ing their projects, essential systems. We are hired by that refuse to follow certain moments when we film are
videos created for instruc- airports to create FAA man- medical guidelines when it when we are outside. When
Photo courtesy of Brad Gentile
AAAE editor and videographer Sean Metzger lines up a shot for an on-location film shoot at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.
5 January 2021
FEATURES
ESSENTIAL FILMING DURING PANDEMIC
we film near an aircraft, it is viously the talent does not. hotel door handles, light continue releasing training
actually pretty safe. It usu- We are all socially distant switches, remote controls, and keep the American avia-
ally tends to be windy, and I and use sanitation supplies sink handles, and other sur- tion industry thriving so the
am always more than 6 feet frequently. So far none of faces.” public can trust in traveling
from the ramp workers. I do the crew have contracted Especially after the holi- to their desired destinations
keep my mask on because COVID-19 to date.” days, air travel is reeling safely.
passengers in the aircraft Since airports tend to be from its busiest season, In terms of films produced
can see me, and since I am less sanitary than a private and airports require a great for entertainment, however,
representing my company, studio, Metzger finds he deal of instruction for its Hadden believes the pan-
it’s best to look professional has to be extra cautious on employees and patrons to demic will alter how the
at all times.” shoots. “I simply wear my remain safe and informed movie industry evolves in
In spite of these chal- mask at all times when in an on current issues that could the future. “I think the en-
lenges, the production crew airport. I don’t drop it below affect their health or well- tertainment industry has
remains vigilant in stay- my nose, and I don’t take being. “It is critical that the been forced to make a shift
ing safe and sanitary while it off just because I want a airports continue to receive in delivery if they want to re-
filming. “The most we deal break from it. That is the their required training in main relevant in our coun-
with is the mask and sani- most important thing you order to remain in compli- try and make revenue. They
tation requirement in the can do. I also bring a bottle ance with the Federal Avia- had to move to streaming
studio. We are already so- of hand sanitizer with me tion Administration (FAA),” sources for new releases
cially distant when we film wherever I go. Most airlines remarked Hadden. “Our instead of movie theaters.
in the studio. We typically will hand you a sanitizing training allows for airport This changes how the public
only have one talent [actor] towelette when you board. employees to receive their consumes their final prod-
uct. I do believe when the
pandemic is over, that peo-
ple will resume attendance
at movie theatres, but pro-
duction companies will con-
tinue to offer the releases
through streaming compa-
nies too. I think it would be
in their best interest to do
both if they want to achieve
their sales projections.”
Regardless of style or pur-
pose, it is important to note
that even in a period of so-
cial distance, artists con-
tinue to collaborate on film
projects that have a genuine
impact on other people’s
Photo courtesy of Katrina Hadden lives.
Katrina Hadden, AAAE Staff Vice President for Operations and TLB Features Editor Cara Hadden’s mother,
operates a teleprompter during a studio shoot.
in front of the green screen, I tend to trust their process badges in order to continue
camera operator/director of sanitizing the aircraft, so to work at the airport. Air-
and a person who operates I save the towelette for when port employees complete
the teleprompter,” said Had- I have to rent a baggage cart more than a million training
den of the studio filming at the airport, and use it sessions annually.” Thank-
process. “We wipe down all to wipe down the handles fully, the production team of
equipment that the talent of the cart. I also bring my the American Association of
and crew will touch. The own sanitizing towels to Airport Executives is doing
crew wears masks, but ob- wipe down luggage handles, everything in their power to
January 2021 6
FEATURES
A CURE FOR BOREDOM?
STREAMING SHOWS OFFER VARIETY FOR ALL
By Stephanie Martinez
Op-Ed Editor
Simply put, 2020 was a and Telenovelas seemed to well as watching one of her many of us decided to re-
mess. Events of all types be popular choices among favorites, Spider-Man Into watch shows or put our-
were canceled and restric- my friend group as well as The Spider-Verse. My cous- selves out to watch new
tions of all types were insti- Netflix’s new period drama in commented saying she ones. I decided to give Schi-
tuted, preventing us from Bridgerton. Many of my has been re-watching Rick mitt’s Creek a chance as well
spending time with loved classmates also watched and Morty, which is her fa- as rewatching Nickoloaden’s
ones. semi-old shows such as vorite show as of now. As for old show House Of Anubis.
Boredom was bound to New Girl, Grey’s Anatomy, Disney+, my little sister has So if boredom is still one of
happen, many of us did Glee, and the fifteen sea- been binge-watching Ham- your biggest challenges, try
what we usually do best: sons of both shows Super- linton non-stop (pun in- watching something new,
binge-watch shows. From natural and Criminal Minds tended). Senior Kaitlyn Gar- or revisit favorites of the
Netflix to Hulu, HBO Max which ended last year on the vey says that she has been past. Share your favorites
to Disney+, 2020 was the streaming service Netflix. watching The Owl House with a friend, and try watch-
year for streaming servic- One of my classmates ,ju- along with Jon Favreau’s The ing someone else’s favorite
es. An impromptu survey nior Sydney Hastings, says Mandalorian. show. You may get hooked,
showed that Anime, K- she caught up with the Har- With many shows being and conquer that boredom
Dramas (Korean Dramas), ry Potter series of movies as halted due to COVID-19, after all!
JANUARY PUZZLES
By Kaitlyn Garvey
Sports Editor
7 January 2021
FEATURES
HOROSCOPES
By Stephanie Martinez
and Kaitlyn Garvey
Op-Ed and Sports Editors
Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18)
New Year, new you! It may Taurus (Apr 20-May 20) Leo (Jul 23-Aug 22) Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 22)
sound cliche, but it’s worth We’ve all been worried Confidence is key, and This year try to let go of all
it trying new things and cut- about our future and what’s chances are, you’ve got that the grudges you’ve been
ting toxic people out of your to come. We’re all scared. down! This year, try to help holding on to. Grudges are
life. It’s understandable why Take a moment to breathe a friend be more confident. bad for your complexion,
you’ve been so down with and think of everything Most things are better with mental health, and they
the COVID pandemic and good that has happened to a friend and who knows, hurt you more they will
all. A change of routine will you or your loved ones. It’s maybe it’ll be the reason to ever hurt anyone who has
set you off in the right direc- hard, but just breathe. get closer to someone you’ve wronged you. No need to
tion. been looking for. forget, but try to forgive.
Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20) Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22)
New opportunities are in Gemini (May 21-Jun 20) Being a perfectionist isn’t Sagittarius(Nov 23-Dec 21)
your way! You just have to Let’s face it, last year was usually a bad thing, but it Take everything one day at
reach them. Last year was a really a pain. Take a clean can be stressful for you. This a time this year. Don’t make
hard year, we all know that, break from your phone and year, try to tackle things any plans you’re unsure of.
but a little motivation and hang out in your backyard, without a perfectly mapped 100% certainty may be too
some fresh air would help or take a walk to ease your out plan. Spontaneity and much to ask, but don’t make
put your mind at ease. thoughts (Don’t forget to improvisation can be great choices you’re not sure
social distance!) learning and stress manage- about.
Aries (Mar 21-Apr 19) ment tools.
You’ve been having a hard
time with trusting people; Cancer (Jun 21-Jul 22)
it’s understandable with ev- Don’t stress yourself out just Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22) Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19)
erything going on. Everyone yet. There’s still some time You’re doing amazing! This This year is perfect for you to
is on the defense. Instead of left over to do what you need year, just keep striving to be focus on your career and go
taking it out on people and to do. Get off of ,and make true to yourself as always, after your dreams! Start that
shutting your loved ones time for yourself and your and remember to take care business, sell the art, start a
out, journal your thoughts work. You got this. of yourself and treat your- new hobby and just enjoy it!
and feelings. It helps the self every once in a while!
best of us.
JANUARY PUZZLES CONT’D
January 2021 8
January 2021 9
1. Clip 2. Jewelry box drawer 3.Clock 4.Window Blinds 5. Sliding door handle 6. Clothes hanger 7. Washer dial 8. Door lock inside 9.
Light bulb 10. Dog cage lock 11. Glade plug in 12. house thermostat 13. Door lock outside 14. Plastic roof 15. Dog paw 16. Ceiling fan pull
string
16. 15. 14. 13.
12. 11. 10. 9.
8. 7. 6. 5.
4. 3. 2. Staff Reporter
1.
By Nicolas Carter
be found? Flip the page to find out!
Do you know what these items are or where they can
WHAT THE HECK?
FEATURES
OP-ED
COPING WITH SUICIDAL DEPRESSION
The Lightning Bolt reporters share their thoughts on important societal issues.
By Katherine Stafford
Staff Reporter an hour each day, but no video I screamed in; it was some- to you with wonderment, turn
COVID-19 has impacted the games. I was told ahead of time thing to cling to. I discovered into a place to relive pain and
world in more ways than any- that I would have my phone on the name of this tiny fire was fear and anger.
one can imagine. According to me at all times, and be allowed Hope. One of my chores is to un-
the Centers of Disease Control an hour of video games. With Hope helping me sur- load and sometimes load the
and Prevention (CDC) notes I became suicidal within vive and Death, though still my dishwasher, and that includes
on their website, www.CDC. days. I barely spoke to anyone, friend, ever so slightly letting taking out the knives and put-
gov, “The Coronavirus disease and when I did, it was to ask for go of my hand as the days upon ting them away. For weeks af-
2019 (COVID-19) pandemic something at the dinner table. my return to home grew closer, terward, I kept telling myself I
has been associated with men- It is strange to seek loneliness I became distracted with writ- wasn’t in California, and I was
tal health challenges related when you’re around people, ing a short story for the school back home, safe and sound,
to the morbidity and mortal- but to loathe it when you’re newspaper; I’d asked the teach- while I put the knives or any
ity caused by the disease and surrounded by silence, your er about one, and she agreed. sharp object away, which in-
the mitigation activities, in- own thoughts, and how all the And that distraction was what cluded the forks as well. Not
cluding the impact of physical pain, terror, and agnish claws helped me even more. For the long after school started that
distancing and stay-at-home at you whether you’re alone or first time in what seemed like year, I stopped thinking about
orders.* Symptoms of anxiety not. forever, I was smiling - a real, the sharp objects like that.
disorder and depressive disor- I actually told one of them actual smile. Though I saw the Grand
der increased considerably in I was depressed, and nothing I was told I would be in Cali- Canyon on the return journey,
the United States during April- was done; I was not asked why fornia “three weeks,” but my which was nice, but if I got too
June of 2020, compared with I was depressed, let alone sent family didn’t account for the close to the edge, I had to swal-
the same period in 2019 (1,2),” home. I kept silent as much three days going there and the low down the urge of letting
The CDC site contains a as possible, not because talk- five days returning home by one the seven wonders of the
wealth of information about ing was banned, but I didn’t car; I returned a month later, world take my life for me. I was
how certain races are shown want to risk talking too much, not “three weeks,” like they left in the dark, trying to gather
to have a higher percentage of and having my pent-up anger said. I was much thinner than the broken pieces of what had
depression, likelihood to do explode in a storm of swear I was when I left; my appetite been a wonderful, happy life
or increase substance abuse, words, but I couldn’t stop the diminished, somewhat, when with little to no hardship other
trauma-related disorder, and simmering anger I felt. How- I was there, and I was pacing than losing my grandfather at
stress-related disorder. Ac- ever, as the days turned into that pink room of mine for age ten. I would have been bet-
cording to counseling experts weeks, the rage barely boiled hours. Just pacing alone, and ter off starved and physically
at www.betterhelp.com there under the surface was more my grandmother said pacing wounded; that would have
are 15 symptoms of depres- aimed at the scary satisfaction isn’t walking, I was pacing in a been a million times better
sion: excessive worrying and/or of thinking of grabbing the circle. I wished to be moving, than the emotional, physiolog-
guilt, feelings of worthlessness, nearest knife and slitting my and pacing was the only thing I ical trauma of suicidal depres-
restless or on edge, muscle ten- wrists or throat. felt I could do. sion.
sion, withdrawing from family While time seem to halt I told my grandmother what Towards the end of sum-
and friends, changes in sleep altogether with the sun ris- I’d endured in California, who mer, a cousin of mine got an
patterns and/or appetite, reck- ing and lowering telling me I in turn told my parents. The old ferret, and I’d watch him
less behavior, fatigue, physi- lived another day of this ter- family in California and I have on weekends if she was going
cal pain, anger and irritability, ror, anguish, and pain beyond not spoken since, but our rela- off to see her father’s parents
trouble concentrating, persis- anything, I didn’t try and out- tionship through texting works and her parents were away, and
tent sadness, and suicidal ide- right kill myself through what I just fine. Though my relation- couldn’t care for him. Not long
ation. I do not need betterhelp thought was the easiest means ship with the distant family is after, I wanted a ferret of my
to know about suicidal depres- of death - slit wrists or throat doing great, this isn’t consid- own; so, I got a bulldog ferret
sion, since I have been suicidal via a knife; that was way too ering the repercussions I was that I named Murr.
twice in my life. easy, and I wanted my suicide battling with. It’s so strange Sixteen days later, a friend of
I was visiting some distant to be seen as a freak accident, to see your birthplace both a mine and I were visiting Penn-
family in my home state of Cal- but it would be, in reality, an sort of hell and the place that sylvania for a renaissance fair
ifornia. I was not used to being accident-on-purpose kind of your parents brought you into with my family. We went to a
away from home, and as a re- death. Though I sought and the world; I don’t know how to pet store called That Fish Place.
sult, I got really depressed. The befriended Death, I wanted to describe it, but it’s definitely We both saw the golden-white,
living situation there was fine: be an author, and that dream not a good feeling to see the ruby-eyed ferrets. On the day
I had no chores to do at all, but and career has to be one true place (or state) where you were we were leaving, my friend and
I could only use my phone for thing anchoring me to life. It born, an area which should call I spent ten to twenty minutes
was a small fire in the darkness
January 2021 10OP-ED
COPING WITH SUICIDAL DEPRESSION CONT’D
picking out a ferret. The one
who didn’t bite us as much
as the others was the one we
picked. Not only was he named
Lionfrost, but we decided I
would be the ferrets’ mother
and she’d be their aunt.
In school, once summer end-
ed, I attacked both my class-
work and homework for anoth-
er distraction. I took biology,
and that class was demanding
all on its own, let alone seven
other classes as well. I soon de-
veloped the habit of making
snide comments about myself;
this was mostly done in jour-
nalism, and carried into my ju-
nior year as well. I was told over
and over by both the teacher
and a friend of mine who was
taking the class as well that I
wasn’t a poor writer, useless or
worthless. But I wasn’t listen-
ing to their kind words. In fact,
there were times where I was
wondering if I was a burden to
them and if their complements
were even genuine, as pretty
much I’d belittled myself to
the point where I believed
they were just saying it, and Source of infographic: Mental Health America
it wasn’t true. However, they
reassured me that what they eventful, and my junior year One day in October, my cre- teachers would be in atten-
were saying was true; I was just started better than my sopho- ative writing teacher told us dance, I regretted my poem’s
so destroyed by what had hap- more year, since I didn’t feel so we’ll be doing a poetry slam topic. If I wasn’t reading, then
pened to me during that sum- much like a shadow of my for- in the library, since the class- I was looking at Screaming
mer, all I could hear bouncing mer self. room was way too small to do In the Dark, whispering as I
around in my head were nega- I thought after a full year, I it in here. She told us to brain- read aloud, trying to think of a
tive thoughts. felt more confident, knowing storm, then next class would be method of how to survive the
Though I wrote an article I survived the impossible, and the time to do our first rough pain; I partly knew my poem
about my visit to the Grand didn’t kill myself during my de- draft. I played around with my was the reason why I would
Canyon as one of my first ar- pression. I thought I was free of wording. She allowed us to use be moments from leaving the
ticles as a staff reporter to The the fear, terrible sadness, and swear words, and I didn’t use class in a rage or in tears if I
Lightning Bolt, I did not have anger that stormed through any, other than the uncensored hadn’t buried my nose in a
the courage to tell the journal- me pretty much throughout versions of “heck” and “darn”. book when it grew too much to
ism teacher what I’d endured. my sophomore year. I wasn’t Mine was about my depres- stand.
It wasn’t that I was ashamed though, but I kept myself on sion, now an echo that allowed On the day of the poetry slam,
of what I suffered; I feared my guard at all times, mentally its reverberations to linger. I I spent the morning getting
her pity, and feared me get- protecting myself from another spent ten to fifteen minutes ready to leave for the bus, feel-
ting so emotional telling her terrible blow in this hell we call of class writing down titles for ing sick, half-hoping I would
what happened that a flame life from another round of de- the poem on a separate sheet be so sick I would be in bed,
of that pent-up rage that was pression. I fully feared another of paper, and liked the sound throwing up. But nothing hap-
merely an echo by then could round, thinking I wouldn’t find of “Screaming In the Dark”. pened other than my stomach
flare up and lead me to attack the same strength again. I took As the days gauged towards being so tied up in knots I was
her or myself. The first summer creative writing classes as a way the slam’s performance, which forcing myself to gulp down a
after my depression wasn’t too to cope. we would all learn that several quick breakfast before slowly
11 January 2021OP-ED
COPING WITH SUICIDAL DEPRESSION CONT’D
walking to the bus, like some-
one on death row heading to
her execution. Anyway, even
if I were too ill to go to school,
the teacher would have me per-
form it to her during Morning
Charge; the performance part
of the 100-point assignment
had a grand 55 points aimed at
it.
While I suffered my two class-
es before the slam, I went from
nervous to excited to scared,
and return to nervous within
seconds. Time was trying to
make me suffer; I went from
Source of infographic: Mental Health America
wishing the clock moved faster
to slower as the class seemed to having our phones out to play a heartbeat longer, I would have her child taken away. Although
continue on forever and end- game or be on social media, or fled, screaming as the storm I was, on the outside, dry-eyed
ing swiftly at once. It didn’t whispering to our neighbors. of those echoing emotions and in control of my emotions
matter how time played with One girl ran, but returned ten snatched me, a savage remind- wishing to be released, on the
me, I had found the courage minutes later to clapping, and er of what I’d suffered. inside I was simultaneously
to tell the journalism teacher it sounded strange after all Her words - “You can start, screaming and crying while a
about my depression either a of us snapping our fingers to Katie.” - tore and shredded storm wished to snuff out the
few days after I wrote my poem show we liked the poem the that dream-like state into a candle flame keeping me alive.
or before the day of the slam. I student read us. The teacher nightmare. I paced, a mistake I was yet to see my dream come
don’t know why I told her, but I took off points for pacing or I made, and I was swept away true through a published work
think it was in case I fled from standing still-stock, but hardly from the blue-carpeted library, outside of Chancellor High
the slam and she was there to any of us were comfortable in wide and bookshelves every- School.
make sure I was alright, or at the spotlight. where, to a pink room with a That December, I lost Lion-
the very least, could somewhat When we all went to lunch,I bunk bed in the corner, thick frost due to a tumor. That poor
understand the storm of ter- saw this time as a way to pro- dark pink carpet soft under my ferret had been sickly, and ev-
ror and echoing anger raging long our suffering of the agony feet while the pale pink walls ery day for the last four to five
through me. of waiting to perform. Return- caged me, the open door’s months, I would yearn the
A friend of mine wished me ing from lunch felt like an eter- threshold a border to feeling clock to move faster if I wished
luck on the slam, telling me she nity for me, I saw Mrs. Karish somewhat safe, like a friend to see him that second. I dread-
knew I’ll do great, and every- and her class had come finally, was sharing my pain with ed the days when I wished
one else’s poems wouldn’t com- the journalism teacher was in me, to a cold house while cats school would last forever,
pare to my poem. I thanked her the corner fiddling with a small prowled. (I’d learned not long when I feared going home to a
and rushed to class, battling camera, and a few more teach- after I went back home some- ferret having exhaled his final
through the crowded halls of ers had shown up to watch the one had died or was dying after breath; those dreadful days al-
students getting to class, or latter half of the slam. taking her own life in the very lowed the clock to move faster
halting to talk to friends, in When my name was finally room I deemed a safe haven than Sonic the Hedgehog. Not
front of those students wishing called to perform, I felt the re- and a prison cell.) only did I learn I got my ferrets
not to hear the late bell still in lief of no longer having to wait Each word was a white-hot partly as a way to cope through
the hall. and the icy flood of terror that dagger, twisting in just the my depression, I also learned
On the day we were to per- I was meant to perform in the right places to really hurt. My if there’s something important
form, we went to the library, slam with those people watch- eyes burned with tears, and I can’t miss, like a midterm
and the teacher called us up ing. In a dream-like state, I I could hear the thickness in exam, I had to swallow down
one by one. Our performance staggered to the front of the my voice from the fear, pain, whatever emotion I’m silently
grade of the assignment was library, partly surprised my and anger threatening to suffering, and brave the day.
decided on how we acted as trembling legs hadn’t buck- overwhelm me. I feared hear- For some reason, those two
both performer and audience led the moment I stood up. In ing laughter and/or pity if I midterms I had to do the day
member. Many of us were too a moment that was both too broke down in tears, know- after his death were easy.
nervous (if we hadn’t gone yet) long and short, I waited for the ing I would be on my knees, On the night I found his stiff,
or too relieved (if those who al- teacher to finish up her note crying, maybe looking like a cold body under my bed (the
ready did it) to act up through taking. If she’d continued a mother begging not to have touch of death that I’ll never
January 2021 12OP-ED
COPING WITH SUICIDAL DEPRESSION CONT’D
forget), I realized there’s a dif- weeks. This time, the depres- utes to swallow down my tears tion, I attacked my depression
ference between wanting to die sion was worse. Some of my and the lump in my throat, and through any distractions I had.
because you’re suicidal and be- family members had taken to stared at the knives. I could do In this case, gaming reviews. I
cause you’re grieving. If you’re talking loudly, knowing I was in a bittersweet revenge of sur- somewhat tackled my depres-
grieving, it feels like you’ll earshot but in a different room viving; it would be difficult, I sion through a review of Flow-
never be happy, and you might of the house, about me. How knew that, but I went through ers in the Attic and Petals on
wish it was you instead of them. I’m rude and too immature for that nightmare once before, I the Wind by V.C Andrews and
However, the thought of wish- my age; that was hurtful, but could do it again. (I had told The Glass Castle by Jeannette
ing it were you has no clarity tolerable. And then there was one of my family members Walls. And while I was writing
behind it, and you know you’d a conversation that I cannot about it, but she warped it into that book review, I heard the
rather live and survive the grief. disclose; however, the conver- her being the victim and I be- conversation; I debated with
Grief loosens its grip over time; sation either finished the job ing the bad guy, since I’m lying myself to add what I heard.
there’s comfort in knowing the or completely shattered my and it was a soap opera she was My emotions were still too raw
dead never truly die with loved protective glass wall bristling talking about, not me. I lost all to do so, though what I heard
ones living to keep them alive with crystals against another trust in my memory because of shadowed me, even when I
in their hearts and memories. round of depression. I was eat- how she warped it, leaving me write this very article.
With depression, it’s the op- ing dinner when I was berated wondering if I heard correctly. I learned in June or July I was
posite. There’s an awful, scary for having an attitude. I went But what would you have done an author! The poem I entered
clarity in believing death is in the kitchen, having just sat if you were chastised, then was to be published! Though I
the only escape (it’s not, and down to finish my dinner of heard a conversation so hard didn’t win the poetry contest,
please don’t see this article as pasta, when they said it. I was to hear you wonder how to sur- I was published, and to get
a calling to realize death is the in such agony that I scraped vive with the knowledge for the someone’s name in that book
only escape, because it’s not). away my dinner, what was left rest of your life?) (Together: 2020 Poetry Col-
Depression doesn’t fade over after picking at it for ten min- After hearing that conversa- lection) it was super hard; this
time; there are echoes of that
anguish and terror, along with
Source of infographic: Mental Health America
consequences only the survivor
can fully realize.
In February, I entered a po-
etry contest with Screaming
In the Dark. I had to shorten
it down to only 20 or 25 lines,
but that was doable. After I
did my Writing SOL, we were
sent off for spring break, and
unknowingly heading into the
months of quarantine. For a
few weeks before break, I hear
jokes, once a student coughs or
sneezes, having Corona. Since
I never listen to the news or
look at social media all that
much, I didn’t fully understand
the sick joke. My grandmother,
who usually was my way of
knowing what’s going on in the
world, was obsessed with the
presidential election between
Donald Trump and Joe Biden. I
didn’t hear about COVID until
two weeks into the break, and
by that time, I was told school
was closed because of the pan-
demic.
My hard work to keep myself
from another round of suicidal
depression shattered within
13 January 2021OP-ED
COPING WITH SUICIDAL DEPRESSION CONT’D
wasn’t just high schoolers, but revenge when it comes to de-
Source of infographic: Mental Health America
elementary and middle school- pression is to survive. I know
ers from all over America bat- it’s hard and scary to fathom
tling in that contest, and only living through it, but I’ve done
the very best poems were pub- it . . . I’m doing it. I found bat-
lished in Together. For some tle through my game reviews
reason, my depression sky- published in The Lightning
rocketed; I attacked my gam- Bolt works wonderfully for me.
ing articles even more for it. I Just do something you love. If
not only found a way to cope it’s sports, then try and find a
from my depression through way to still do it, if teams aren’t
my gaming reviews, which gathering by now, like exer-
once taken away, destroyed me cise in a similar way to how
without my best distraction, your sports training is. If you
but I found a field in journal- like to do art or music, there’s
ism I love, and wish to contin- that; you can draw or paint and
ue on even after I graduate in there’s singing to songs or play-
May. ing a musical instrument. If
Do any of these emotions you have a pet or pets, spend
or reactions sound familiar to time with them, or talking to
you? This is depression. It is them if you want someone to
not one cause, typically. It is talk to and don’t want to get in
powerful and scary and real. It an argument. In fact, there’s
can be caused through many not only distractions you can
means. I remember hearing a try meditation, talking about
metaphor for how it’s like to be it to friends and family, and
given a memory to be burdened there’s even going outside,
with when someone who dealt when if it’s just in the front or
the blow doesn’t remember, or backyard, or if someone lives in
warps it to their own liking: an apartment building, surely
“The axe forgets, but the tree you can still go outside with a
remembers.” I don’t know if mask on for a small walk.
I’ve ripped it off someone fa- Don’t give in to temptation
mous who said it or not, but I to self harm. Although, it is al- or think about other than tak- to see their not alone, even
shall not use it as my own. I saw ways best not to drink, smoke, ing your own life. Find some- though it feels like they’re the
it on a Facebook post. do drugs, or have underage thing you love or try something only one suffering, and I can
Depression is not something sex, find something you love, new. Above all, remember that understand that. Again, death
you can shake off, even years and allow the depression to the best way to take bitter- is not an escape anyone should
later. Even though I wished it fuel that fire. Soon you’ll be so sweet revenge on depression is consider, since there’s the
didn’t happen, I did learn to dedicated and/or ambitious to survive, and show yourself more healthy escape of work-
be more grateful for what I do to see all your hard work fall you have the near impossible ing to see one’s dream and/or
have, and see the silver lining, into line that you’ll find you courage and strength to battle career path come into fruition.
even in a terrible situation. It’s can finally beat the depression, through it. To those fighting Like I said before, those fight-
strange and interesting to view or at the very least, know you suicidal depression, keep fight- ing depression there’s a light
your own life as your savior and found you can cope with it in ing, because there is always at the end of the dark tunnel,
jailer, but that’s not a way to a healthy way that should lead a light at the end of a tunnel, and with Hope blazing beside
live. With knowing you’re not to a good life. In fact, alcohol is even if that tunnel light seems them, the darkness isn’t as bad.
the only one depressed like a depressant, so that’s just add- to never be in sight. It’s there, Keep fighting, warrior, because
that, it’s still the loneliest feel- ing to depression. The drinker waiting to welcome you for the committing suicide is not cour-
ing out there, you feel isolated, is wrong to believe that drink- warrior that you are for your age; that’s the true definition of
longing to be with others, and ing more will ease the pain of courage, strength, and prowess sheer cowardice - taking your
when you are with others, you depression, when it’s merely in surviving. own life to end the suffering.
hate that too. causing the person to feel more I’ve written this article main-
How does one cope? Though depressed. ly because I wanted to show
I lost trust in myself, my abili- Focus on something other those who don’t understand
ties, and even my memory, I than depression. There are the power that’s suicidal de-
did learn the best way to take tons of other things to focus on pression what it’s like, and
those who fully understand,
January 2021 14OP-ED
MUSLIM COMMUNITY ALSO RECEIVES
UNFAIR TREATMENT
By Marim Farag female has the option to wear
Staff Reporter it. It’s not an easy choice, be-
According to the Pew Research cause once they wear it, they
Center in a survey conducted can’t talk it off except when
of 6600 adults in January 2019, they’re home. But when they’re
65% of Americans polled say outside or when there is some-
it is more common for people one strange they don’t know,
to express ethnic or racially they have to keep it on. This
insensitive views since Trump also includes family mem-
was elected president. A small- bers; whether they’re cousins
er share of 45% say that this is (males) they will have to cover
acceptable. their hair in front of them. But
It doesn’t take much research if it’s their brother or father,
to see that over the course of our then they can take it off.
civilization’s history, people of When some people see Mus-
all different backgrounds, reli- lims outside in public, many Picture by Marim Farag
move away from them as if In Egypt (pictured above), more than 90% of their population
gious persuasions, cultural ide-
they’re monsters. Muslims are is Muslim. This view is overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
als, and ethnicities, have faced
often bullied in school for their also has her own hijab-wear- or ignored, argues Sherman
some sort of ridicule, inequity,
clothing and other cultural ing, Olympic-fencing Barbie Jackson. But through lectures
or oppression. While the Black
practices. doll.” Muhammad’s mission is and books like “Islam and the
Lives Matter movement is fresh
The Arabic term “Islam” “to show that Muslim Women Blackamerican,” Jackson has
in the media, there are others
means surrender. Muslims can be strong, athletic and vo- resurrected and unpacked
who do not have a movement
don’t judge people by their ap- cal- - and everything else you their history, explaining how
behind them.
pearance, or judge people in think we cant be.” these forgotten stories are es-
Muslim people are a good
general. Mulsims are forgiving, Nailah Lymus: The fashioni- sential to understanding Islam
example. Muslims are treated
helpful people who show love sta - represents modest mod- in America.
differently partially because of
and support, and often an im- els. Lymus has fashion in her Sheikh Hamza Yusuf: the
how they look. From skin color
mense respect for others. bones. When she was six, she American Sheikh. He started a
to their religious and cultural
There are many influential tied two stockings together Muslim college. “Sheikh Ham-
background, non-Muslims
American Muslims who have to make a bow for her hijab, za Yusuf converted to Islam as
are afraid of what they think
made a difference in this world. rather than settle for a store- a young man and spent two
the Muslim community is all
The following research was bought model. But as Lymus decades studying with schol-
about.
found in extensive interviews rose through the fashion in- ars in the Middle East and
Some people are truly scared
posted on CNN.com. dustry, she noticed that for all Africa. After returning to the
of Muslims. As a result of the
Lbtihaj Muhammad who the value placed on artistry, United States, he found that
9/11 attacks, Muslims, Arabs,
made Olympic History. “Ibtihaj the models were rarely given young Muslims flocked to his
Sikhs and South Asians have
Muhammad has heard the ste- creative freedom, and some lectures, which often blend Is-
experienced hate crimes that
reotypes about Muslim women: were uncomfortable with the lamic teachings, incisive social
have forced the Civil Rights Di-
they’re docile and oppressed, risqué clothing they were ex- commentary and literary criti-
vision of the United States De-
wear nothing but black, speak pected to wear. In 2015, Lymus cism. In 2009, Yusuf co-found-
partment of Justice to come up
only Arabic and aren’t allowed created her own fashion line ed Zaytuna College, the coun-
with solutions to combat the
to play sports. “I speak English, and modeling agency, called try’s first accredited Muslim
rise in discrimination against
I like wearing bright colors, I’m UNDERWRAPS, for women of liberal arts college, in Berkeley,
these people. According to the
athletic and I’m on Team USA.” all faiths who are interested in California. Through the Deen
Department of Justice website,
In the 2016 Olympics, Muham- modeling but wary of baring it Intensive and Global Center for
descrimination in these com-
mad became the first Muslim- all before the camera. Lymus’s Guidance and Renewal,. Some
munities is likely to be a prob-
American to wear a hijab in mission is “To show how beau- experts consider him to be the
lem for years in the future.
Olympic competition, where tiful modesty can be.” Western world’s most influen-
Many non-Muslims do not
she won a bronze medal in the Sherman Jackson: The Black- tial Islamic scholar. “
understand the clothing worn
team sabre event. Muhammad american Jackson has resur- Rami Nashahibi won the
by some Muslim people, spe-
now has her eye on the World rected and unpacked their his- genuine grant. Nashashibi
cifically Muslim women who
Fencing Championships. In tory. He changed how we study says he didn’t fully “convert”
often wear a hijab which is a
between training, she runs a Islam. “For decades, the expe- to Islam until he met Muslim
scarf that’s wrapped around
fashion line and speaks about riences of African-American social justice advocates in Chi-
their heads. What many do
tolerance and diversity. She Muslims were largely unknown cago. “What has made Islam
not know is that every Muslim
15 January 2021OP-ED
MUSLIM COMMUNITY ALSO RECEIVES
UNFAIR TREATMENT CONT’D
dynamic in America has been dors and spiritual counselors
this extraordinary intersec- for colleges, hospitals, prisons
tion with activism,” he says. and military units. Salem is
For more than 20 years, Na- also an assistant professor of
shashibi’s Inner-City Muslim Islamic scriptures and law at
Action Network has been at Hartford and associate editor
the forefront of intersectional of The Muslim World, an aca-
activism in Chicago, bringing demic journal.”
together Latino teenagers, el- Su’ad Abdul Khabeer: The
derly nuns, progressive rabbis, arrowhead. She defined “mus-
as well as immigrant and na- lim cool”. “When people talk
tive-born Muslims for projects about what it means to be
ranging from artwork to health black in the United States, they
clinics and housing for former don’t talk about the Muslim
inmates. Nashashibi’s mis- experience,” says Su’ad Abdul
sion: “To be a force for good Khabeer, a scholar, artist and
and mercy, and to make con- activist. “And when they talk
nections among disconnected about the Muslim experience
communities.” in the United States, they don’t
G. Willow Wilson: the writer talk about African-Americans.
who created a Muslim super- Black Muslims are not part Infographic souce: https://www.ispu.org/american-muslims-101/
hero.” Wilson thought break- of the popular imagination.” caped war and then ran for mosque just for women. “This
ing into the comic book world Khabeer aims to change that office. Omar’s journey was is not a space for women run-
might take a miracle. At the perception through books like to become this country’s first ning away from Muslim men,”
time, Dutch cartoons insulting “Muslim Cool” and online proj- Somali-American Muslim law- she explains. “It’s a place that
the Prophet Mohammed had ects like Sapelo Square, named maker began in a refugee camp seeks to uplift all Muslims by
sparked protests across the after one of the country’s first in Kenya, where her family was empowering women.”
Middle East; Islam and com- Muslim communities. escaping Somalia’s brutal civil Maznavi’s mission: “To serve
ics were seen as incompatible.. Rep. Keith Ellison: The war. After immigrating to the God by serving God’s creation.”
She has also written books for groundbreaker. He’s the first United States in 1995, Omar is Imam Omar Suleiman got
young adults and a memoir Mulsim in Congress. “In 2006, leading the charge to get more arrested on Capitol Hill. Sulei-
about her conversion to Islam.” Keith Ellison became the first Muslims involved in local poli- man infuses his spiritual mes-
Muslim-American elected to tics. sages with political activism,
Eboo Patel: The Bridge Build- serve in Congress, represent- André Carson oversees US in- whether marching with Black
er. He doesn’t want to fail his ing Minnesota’s 5th District. telligence. “Raised in a Baptist Lives Matter or getting arrested
faith. Patel says his Interfaith Several months later, Ellison family and educated in Catho- on Capitol Hill to advocate for
Youth Core is one of the largest took the oath of office on a lic schools, André Carson con- DACA recipients. Suleiman is
inter-religious organizations Quran once owned by Thomas verted to Islam when he was the founder and president of
in North America, with an $8.5 Jefferson, as a wall of journal- 16. A year later, he says, he was the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic
million budget and 45-person ists jostled to capture the his- arrested by Indianapolis police Research and a scholar-in-res-
staff who train thousands of toric moment. as they tried to enter his lo- idence at Valley Ranch Islamic
students on nearly 500 college Linda Sarsour led the wom- cal mosque without probable Center in Irving, Texas.
campuses. The author of three en’s March. Born in New York cause. The experience helped While this is just a small
books, Patel was also a member to Palestinian immigrants, motivate Carson to become a sample of the long list of in-
of President Obama’s Advisory Sarsour began her public ser- police officer himself, and he fluential Mulsims, stereotypes
Council on Faith-based and vice career in the aftermath gravitated toward counter-in- will not be overcome unless
Neighborhood Partnerships.” of the 9/11 attacks, translating telligence work. Now a mem- there is a wider understanding
Feryal Salem: The teacher for Arabic speakers rounded ber of the House Intelligence and tolerance of other people/s
who trains Muslim chaplains. up by law enforcement. Since Committee, Carson is one cultures, religions, and history.
The Connecticut seminary of- then, Sarsour has stumped for of two Muslims in Congress,
fers one of the country’s few Bernie Sanders’ presidential where he represents Indiana’s
accredited programs for Is- campaign, marched with the 7th District.
lamic chaplaincy, which means Black Lives Matter movement M. Hasna Maznav built a
that Salem has a large role in and co-founded the Women’s mosque for women. The Wom-
training the next generation March. en’s Mosque of America, which
of Muslim interfaith ambassa- State Rep. Ilhan Omar es- they call the country’s first
January 2021 16You can also read
