Souad Akib | We are different and we are one

Community Ramadan Iftar in Malden 2014
Community Ramadan Iftar in Malden 2014
Community Ramadan Iftar in Malden 2014
Community Ramadan Iftar in Malden 2014

VIEW ON YOUTUBE | LISTEN | DOWNLOAD PODCAST

Watch the episode on local cable (Comcast 3, Verizon 28)
Sundays at 7:30 pm and Thursdays at 11:30 am through January.

Souad Akib is the founder and Executive Director of the Association for Arab American Women, a non-profit organization empowering women from Arab countries.
Souad Akib is the founder and Executive Director of the American Association for Arab Women (AAAW), a non-profit organization empowering women from Arab countries to thrive in their new home.

In a day of troubling reports of terrorist attacks around the world, refugee crises in Europe and the US, war, and the trends of racial, ethnic, and religious profiling, Souad Akib, a native of Morocco and a vibrant and well-loved presence in Malden, offers a concerned but optimistic voice of reason and hope to us all in Malden and beyond. In 2010, Souad Akib founded the American Association for Arab Women (AAAW).

In collaboration with other organizations in Malden, this non-profit organization helps AAAWwomen from Arab countries access the resources needed to navigate the systems, culture, and language of their new home. By this empowering support of women, the AAAW helps families to thrive in Malden. Malden benefits by this service as immigrant families become engaged residents. In addition, the AAAW sponsors events that invite all of Malden to workshops that raise awareness about important topics or celebrations such as Iftar during Ramadan or International Women’s Day that build community. Enabling connection is at the heart of these occasions. The urge for this togetherness is a hospitality that for Souad goes through culture, tradition, language, country of origin, race, or religion. For as Souad says, “we are all human. We should be one.”

For Further Exploration

EMPOWERING WOMEN: Organizations like Women for Women International and American Association for Arab Women empower women
IMMIGRANT SUCCESS FACTORS: Social networks are one of many factors to successful professional outcomes for immigrants in the U.S.
IMMIGRANT SUCCESS FACTORS: Social networks are one of many factors to successful professional outcomes for immigrants in the U.S.
Syrian Refugees
SYRIAN REFUGEE CRISIS: The vast majority of refugees are still displaced in Syria or in neighboring non-EU countries.
US RESPONSE TO REFUGEE CRISIS: "Paris Attacks Intensify Debate Over How Many Syrian Refugees to Allow Into the U.S." | Snapshot of this debate from Washington State
US RESPONSE TO REFUGEE CRISIS: “Paris Attacks Intensify Debate Over How Many Syrian Refugees to Allow Into the U.S.” | Snapshot of this debate from Washington State
Laura Boushnak, "I Read I Write" Project exploring the power of education for women and girls in Arab countries.
EDUCATION: Laura Boushnak, “I Read I Write” Project exploring the power of education for women and girls in Arab countries.
Arab American Stories Series
ARAB AMERICAN STORIES: A series about Arab Americans making an impact, featured through Detroit Public Television
Inside Malden Bookshelf
BOOKSHELF: Books and music along the themes of this conversation
Addi Ouadderrou and his Amazigh group "Amoud"
MOROCCAN CULTURE AND MUSIC: Music during credits of the video courtesy of Addi Ouadderrou and his Amazigh group “Amoud” performing at a Mimouna in Somerville
PODCAST MUSIC: Courtesy of Temple Step Project Group, "Truth and Grace". This selection is part of a digital recording, "Embrace the One", that combines electronic with electronic, Shamanic and Mideastern sound flavors.
PODCAST MUSIC: Courtesy of Temple Step Project Group, “Truth and Grace”.
About Ose Schwab 7 Articles
Ose Schwab is a member of MATV/UMA's staff and a local community arts organizer and enthusiast. She believes arts, culture, and the opportunity to create together are necessary for forming a cohesive community that honors the voice of every individual.

1 Trackback / Pingback

  1. Interfaith community unites at Ramadan Iftar meal – Neighborhood View

Leave a Reply