Radical Acts In Service of Community. By Sham Murad
Sham Murad tells her story of co-founding A is for Activism and launching a community-based programme providing school supplies to refugee children.
“We have work to do and a world to win.”
These words were first uttered to me six years ago at a gathering of passionate socialists in New York City, and they continue to resonate. The room was brimming with young adults, all fueled by the desire for a future free from racism and capitalism. One that encompasses every individual's needs and leaves no one marginalised. As we discussed how to achieve this vision, ideas of community organising, revolution, and activism filled the air. The sheer magnitude of the problems we face seemed overwhelming, yet we understood the urgent need to find a starting point. The enormity of the task ahead can sometimes cloud our minds, leaving us unsure of where to begin. Nevertheless, we remain steadfast in fighting for a more just and equitable world.
Our current moment is increasingly frightful, characterised by a lack of compassion and disregard for our shared humanity. We have seen over the last few years the vampiric character of fascism as it contorts and transforms itself into well-organised coalitions. This move to the right is spearheaded and legitimised by the conservative governments' ideologies and cemented through educational and migration policy. Examples include banning of anti-capitalist literature in schools and the pervasiveness of the Prevent Program, which conscripts everyday workers into acting as agents of the state. This disturbing trend also manifests in the mistreatment of refugees perpetuated by the decades-long hostile environment policy of the Home Office. This is a direct consequence of scapegoating migrants, painting them as the cause of our problems rather than addressing the underlying issues. Examining our values and collective responsibility is imperative in light of these developments. We hope to reverse this dangerous trajectory and strive for a more compassionate and inclusive society through empathy and understanding.
In response to these challenges, A is for Activism was born in February 2019. It started as a local community book club centred around studying anti-capitalist, anti-colonial texts. I was genuinely amazed by its positive impact, as numerous individuals enthusiastically joined our gatherings at the beautiful independent Black-owned Café Artum. The cosy ambience, enhanced by the soulful melodies of neo-soul artist Lauryn Hill, provided the perfect setting for our conversations. Our discussions delved into the mighty work of influential figures. We got to know Malcolm X through his autobiography, Frantz Fanon via his enlightening text Wretched of the Earth, and Audre Lorde captured our hearts in Sister Outsider.
Witnessing the dynamic exchanges between our fellow participants was incredibly fulfilling. However, I couldn't shake the feeling that it still wasn't enough – we had just scratched the surface of what was required to bring about significant change in our society. The urgent need for further action was apparent.
It was not until we began to read Revolutionary Suicide by Huey P. Newton, founder of the Black Panther Party, that a eureka moment came. The impact of the Black Panther Party's survival programs in the 60s and 70s cannot be overstated. This revolutionary organisation recognised the dire needs of African-American communities, particularly in low-income urban areas. They brought about tangible change through their survival programs. For instance, the Free Breakfast for Children Program provided thousands of children with nourishment before the start of the school day. This fed hungry bellies and symbolised the BPP's unwavering commitment to uplifting the very foundations of their communities. In addition to tackling food insecurity, the party established free health clinics across the United States, addressing African Americans' healthcare disparities.
The provision of necessities, such as clothing and transportation, further exemplified their dedication to meeting the immediate needs of those most marginalised. Yet, perhaps the most potent aspect of the Black Panther Party's work was their emphasis on political education and awareness. By empowering their communities with the knowledge of their rights and the awareness of systemic injustices, they ignited a revolutionary consciousness against racial capitalist structures.
As we reflect on these revolutionary behaviours, we must ask ourselves: how can we emulate their commitment to anti-racist, anti-capitalist work and break free from a system that continues to degrade us all?
A is for Activism (AIFA) is determined to find a way to emulate the Black Panther Party's successful survival programs on a smaller scale. Recognising the plight of marginalised communities in Birmingham, we considered innovative ways to supplement their needs without duplicating the efforts of other organisations. One such initiative involved offering free haircuts to the homeless community, providing a small but impactful act of dignity and care.
Additionally, AIFA recognised the importance of empowering women in the city. So we organised self-defence classes specifically tailored for them. This initiative aimed to foster a sense of confidence and security among women against the threat of gender-based violence.
These programs exemplify AIFA's commitment to uplifting marginalised communities in Birmingham. My most cherished program is the distribution of free back-to-school packs for immigrant and refugee school children. Reflecting on my own childhood as a refugee to the UK, I recognise the unique challenges in adjusting to their new environments. As a young child with a thirst for knowledge, I cherished going to school and immersing myself in learning despite the scarce resources. Through AIFA, I was empowered to make a difference. I embarked on a journey of research and exploration to identify the most crucial stationery needs. Armed with this knowledge, we provide pencil cases filled with essential stationery, lunch boxes, and even reading books to those in need. Each item is carefully chosen to ensure that our back-to-school packs met practical requirements and embodied the values and principles we hold dear at A is for Activism.
“Where there is courage, where there is self-respect and dignity, there is a possibility that we can change the conditions and win. This is called revolutionary enthusiasm, and it is the kind of struggle that is needed to guarantee a victory.” Huey P Newton
Each year we select books for the packs that emphasise age-appropriate political education. They celebrate influential revolutionaries like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X; highlight the achievements of black inventors and scientists; share the remarkable stories of ordinary people who had brought about change; and even provide guides for teenagers on how to make a difference in the world. It is crucial that the children who receive these books understand their potential and believe there are no limits to what they can achieve. The program has now run for four consecutive years.
We must protect all vulnerable people as best as possible in an increasingly hostile environment so that we can ultimately live in a more harmonious and prosperous world. These back-to-school packs are just one way we try to do that at AIFA. Finding an adequate response to a cruel system is a real challenge, but it is necessary. And I hope, at the end of this article, you find a way to promote small acts of service for your community. Assisting your community promotes empathy, compassion, and social solidarity within society. It encourages individuals to look beyond differences and recognise the shared humanity that unites us all.
