Issue 2: October 2023
BY LASA DIVERSITY COUNCIL
Photojournalist: Mohammed Zannoun
Zannoun is an independent Palestinian photojournalist dedicated to documenting the violence and destruction he observes in Gaza. He was honored with the Cultures of Resistance award in 2017. Follow his instagram @m.z.gaza.
Poet: Noor Hindi
Colonizers write about flowers.
I tell you about children throwing rocks at Israeli tanks
seconds before becoming daisies.
I want to be like those poets who care about the moon.
Palestinians don’t see the moon from jail cells and prisons.
It’s so beautiful, the moon.
They’re so beautiful, the flowers.
I pick flowers for my dead father when I’m sad.
He watches Al Jazeera all day.
I wish Jessica would stop texting me Happy Ramadan.
I know I’m American because when I walk into a room something dies.
Metaphors about death are for poets who think ghosts care about sound.
When I die, I promise to haunt you forever.
One day, I’ll write about the flowers like we own them.
Current Events:
On October 16, a six-year old Palestinian-American Muslim boy was stabbed to death in Illinois. The police say the murder was borne out of hatred from the Israel-Hamas war. And according to the Anti-Defamation League, hate crimes against Jewish Americans have skyrocketed sinc the war began.
Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia are nothing new in the United States. Anti-Muslim sentiment in America has its roots in 19th century; anti-Semitism in America is even older. And the conflict between Israel and Palestine has been going on since the Arab-Israeli War of 1948. In order to completely understand these issues, it is important to recognize that anti-Semitism and Islamophobia have different forms: outright hate crimes, yes, but also micro-aggressions, systemic hierarchies, and implicit biases. The alarming rise in hate crimes against people due to their religion is extremely important to be aware of, especially in light of the tension between Israel and Palestine.
If you would like to contribute to the fight against anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim violence, check out the Anti-Defamation League, Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ispu.org), or islamophobia.org (an organization dedicated to reporting and reducing anti-Muslim attacks in the United States).
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Every year, more than 40,000 women in the United States will pass from breast cancer, while almost 300,000 cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed. Breast Cancer makes up just 30% of cancer diagnoses in women and ranks as the 2nd largest cause of death for women. Here's a list of some of the best breast cancer charity groups, along with a brief explanation of each:
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Susan G. Komen is one of the most well-known breast cancer organizations worldwide. They aim to save lives by meeting the most critical needs in their communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF)
BCRF is dedicated to funding research to find a cure for breast cancer. They are known for their commitment to providing funding solely for research, ensuring that every donation directly impacts the search for a cure. They are internationally recognized for their outstanding monetary efficiency (bang-for-buck), so you can be sure that your money will be put to great use, transparently.
Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC)
LBBC focuses on empowering and supporting women affected by breast cancer through educational resources, community programs, and online support. Their goal is to help patients make informed decisions about their treatment and care and to provide a supportive community during and after treatment.
Metastatic Breast Cancer Network (MBCN)
MBCN is dedicated to providing support and information to individuals living with metastatic breast cancer, as well as advocating for research and treatment options specific to the metastatic stage of the disease.
Young Survival Coalition (YSC)
YSC is focused on addressing the unique needs of young women diagnosed with breast cancer. They offer support, education, and advocacy for this specific demographic.
Breast Cancer Action (BCAction)
BCAction advocates for systemic change in the breast cancer industry. They focus on reducing environmental exposures and promoting transparency and accountability within the industry.
FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered
FORCE provides support and education for individuals and families affected by hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. They aim to improve the lives of those at high risk for these cancers.
Sharsheret
Sharsheret is specifically a Jewish breast cancer organization that provides culturally sensitive support and resources to Jewish women and families facing breast cancer.
Community Events
Here are some Halloween events around the Austin area that also benefit your local community:
Halloween Youth & Family Volunteer Night: On October 31st, from 6-8 pm, the Austin Food Bank is hosting a Halloween event where you can help them sort and package food to donate to others. There are also prizes available to those who volunteer. The location of this event is 6500 Metropolis Dr, Austin TX, 78744. (Note: this event is intended for 8 years of age and up)
For more information visit: https://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/events/halloween-volunteer-night
Scare for a Cure: For older teenagers who enjoy going to haunted houses, this event will be perfect for you. At this event, the people who enter are those who dare to go through an abandoned museum. While you are having fun getting scared, you are also supporting your community because all the money from your ticket goes to breast cancer awareness. This event goes through October and is located at 14219 Littig Rd Manor, TX 7865. (Note: this event is intended for 13 years of age and up.)
For more information visit: https://scareforacure.org/contact/
Austin Animal Center Seeking Volunteers
With the increasing amount of stray animals, adoption centers are in need of volunteers to help care for them, including the Austin Animal Center. They offer cat or dog enrichment volunteering spots, where volunteers get to spend time with the animals to help them feel comfortable in their kennels as they wait to get adopted. To become a volunteer, you must complete a criminal background check and commit to volunteering 6 hours a month.15 and 16 year olds are able to volunteer independently and only need adult company for the orientation.