Thread by @waleedkhogali

~ Trauma. Shock. That has been my experience over the past week. Another War?

Last week - Wednesday, my uncle living in Kharkiv, Ukraine called my dad to speak about the possibility of war.

The next day - Thursday, 24th February 2022, Putin decided to invade Ukraine, bombing

and killing civilians as well.

The next day, we lost contact with my family living in Kharkiv, Ukraine. We waited for news and I kept encouraging my family, especially my dad that our Creator has a plan, always. I reminded myself to be patient.

I had just organized a virtual community black history month segment with the Regent Park Neighbourhood Association team to discuss allyship. I was doing my best to support young campaigners learn how to effectively canvass. I kept busy and I prayed and hoped to the end of the..

madness. It just got worse.

The global news reported more aggression from Russia, and talks of nuclear weapons. Refugees were crossing the borders in record numbers, hundreds of thousands. With millions of other refugees expected to follow. I asked my dad if he connected..

with my uncle. He responds that no contact has been made. I know he is sad 😞 and worried.

I reach out to folks for more information regarding Ukraine’s evacuation plans.I find out that many black families,students, professionals were treated with hostility and discrimination

while fleeing as refugees.

A twilight zone experience - how could it be that black refugees could be discriminated against in times of war? How could the World remain silent?

How could the global media call many of us BIPOC folks uncivilized?

Why was white supremacy rearing it’s ugly head globally in times of war? Why was it been tolerated?

I had to do something. So I shared my concerns with others over various social media outlets.

Many community members agreed that something had to be done. Especially due to ..

the lack of canadian media coverage. I suggested that we all contact our MP’s to demand that black refugees be treated humanely and not be discriminated against.

We heard horrible news that black students died due to the indiscriminate bombing and many who attempted to flee to

Poland were told to wait until Ukrainian nationals were processed first.

Back of the line. It was disgusting to unpack such cruelty.

So I reached out to media contacts and reputable journalists. I was asked to join a panel on @CP24 to discuss the impact.
My message was clear.

Racism is not tolerable under any circumstances. Period.
————-
I was anxious about the safety of my family in Ukraine.

I asked that the Canadian Government @JustinTrudeau to take every step to make it clear to NATO and Ukraine that anti-black racism is never tolerable.

Before the live tv interview, @LeenaLatafat shared with me a message from the Ukrainian foreign minister who tweeted an emergency phone number for black, Asian and other racialized students who need assistance to cross the border: [phone]

I reminded @LeenaLatafat to share it on the screen, so that the audience can grasp the important information to share with loved ones still stuck in Ukraine.

After the 12 minute interview. I had to jump on a zoom meeting regarding a mentorship program that will be launched in

the coming month.

After the meeting, I connected with the family and my uncle had called from Kharkiv. It was exactly a week ago since my uncle called my dad.

My dad told him about my interview and he sounded very proud. He told us that he has no internet at home.

It was disconnected. He was using limited data. I told him that he must leave with the family from Kharkiv immediately which is under assault.

I shared with him the number of the Ukrainian foreign ministry shared earlier with the public: [phone]

He wrote it down on a piece of paper and read it it to all of us. My mom, dad and myself.

I asked my dad to forward him the message over the phone before he disconnects. He was successful in getting the message sent. We encourage him to leave and contact us as soon as he

crosses the border.We are disconnected, I hope not for long.

Reflecting on the day, I wonder what would happen if he called & I didn’t have the emergency number to share. My uncle and the rest of our Ukrainian family became refugees.

I pray 🙏🏾 that my family makes it out safe.

I am praying 🙏🏾 for peace and sanity.

We have real emergencies to worry about. A pandemic 😷 that continues to remind all of us how interconnected we are to each other.

We are stronger together.

Racism is intolerable.

Refugees are welcome here.

Source : cp24.com/video?clipId=2…

Anti-Black Racism must be condemned everywhere.

Thank you @cristina_CP24 @LeenaLatafat @birgitomo @AmieVarley for amplifying the important human rights story and call to action.

#Ukraine #PolandBorder