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The eve of my swearing-in leading into the morning of I received 13 calls from a woman in Durham harassing me calling me "that Muslim woman" & questioning my birth certificate. A moment I should've been celebrating was clouded by hate, xenophobia, and Islamophobia. https://twitter.com/ajplus/status/1358611509371281410
My family tried to cheer me up & remind me of what an amazing accomplishment I had achieved. However, I spent the entire time with knots in my stomach, wondering what I had got myself into, & worried sick of if these types of voicemails could lead to harm against my family.
I've wondered whether I should share this experience, as the most daunting part was that this wasn't a white supremacist. It was someone who knows me, & is cherished in Durham. Islamophobia & xenophobia are real even in communities of color, & they've existed long before 45.
Hearing @RepRashida speak about her experience receiving threats & finding solace in Allah(swt) for keeping her safe is too real. Hearing the pain in her voice, & seeing her stand up to hate by continuing to serve & sharing her story gave me the courage to share mine.
