A Family Of 4

Inspired by True Events.

Letters From Barry
Know Thyself, Heal Thyself

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Photo by Felipe Salgado on unsplash

To Whom It May Concern

3 girls, 1 boy and a mother. With the destabilization of the Sudanese government, the family fled to the nearest refugee camp. Kenya would be their safe haven for the next year until their application as asylum seekers would be approved by the Canadian government.

Here a new life filled with challenges would await. The year before the country fell into civil war, their dad had been captured by the Sudanese government on charges of terrorism. He was publicly executed days after. Without trial. Such is the nature of justice in many authoritarian African states.

As Muslims, life would be dire for the girls. Their hijab compounded with their dark complexion made them the “perfect” targets of bullying, islamophobia and racism. But Mum had forewarned them. Amongst the many life lessons she gifted the children was this; “we are going to a place where you will enjoy many freedoms. It will be great. You will have many opportunities. But be aware. You will also be faced with a lot of challenges due to where you come from. You will be called names. You will be given dirty looks. You will be belittled. But do not allow such remarks to stain your drive. Use their remarks as a stepping stool for greatness. Mold their words to fuel your education.”

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Letters From Barry
Know Thyself, Heal Thyself

Seeking to understand the world around us and those amongst us. French, Portuguese and English speaker. Canada 🇨🇦 based 🤝