Suheir Hammad

 

Suheir Hammad 

Suheir Hammad stood out to me as a bold, strong, and independent woman, qualities that have always been central to my values. I hope that one day, I can embody the same courage and strength as her in pursuing my dreams and advocating for my people and my identity. Her poetry and work are deeply inspiring, offering insightful lessons.

 

Based on my interpretation of her poetry and class conversations, I believe she chose the title Born Black Born Palestinian to highlight the shared struggles of Palestinians and Black people, both of whom have faced persecution. Additionally, she raises issues of colorism and discrimination against people of color, particularly women of color. 

 

The more I learn about the experiences of Palestinians, the more I find myself reflecting on my personal experiences. Hammad’s poetry conveys a powerful message about the suffering and resilience of Palestinian people, the struggles of Palestinian refugees and the diaspora, as well as themes of longing for one’s ancestral land. These struggles were also well depicted in the film. The scene where she was searched by Israeli authorities while entering Jerusalem was both surprising and deeply relatable to me. Growing up as a member of a religious minority community, I have experienced similar forms of humiliation both in my country-of-origin Afghanistan and Pakistan, where I lived as a refugee. It is painful and unfathomable to endure such treatment as an indigenous person on your own land.

 

When Soraya mentioned her father’s refugee card issued by the United Nations, it was a very emotional moment for me. It reminded me of my refugee card, issued by the UN in collaboration with the government of Pakistan. However, that card was practically useless, it granted no rights, nor could it serve as a travel document.

 

I also loved how the film highlighted the challenges women face in patriarchal societies. The moment when a man on the street called Soraya “Sexy curves, baby” reignited my own feelings of insecurity, reminding me of the reality of living in a patriarchal society where I wouldn’t feel safe.

 

Lastly, I was deeply moved by Soraya’s defiant stance at the end of the film. Her courage in confronting the officers and asserting her identity as a Palestinian was truly inspiring.

"I am from here. I have been here all my life." Suheir Hammad.