Writing For the Times: Gaza & Beyond

Amal Kassir

Hear about Poet Amal from herself: I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, where the blending of my German-Iowan Mother's heritage and Syrian Father's roots shaped my unique perspective. Growing up, I spent cherished moments on my grandmother’s farm in Syria, savoring the flavors of fresh parsley and ripe lemons while learning her secret recipes that now grace our restaurant’s menu.

But my idyllic memories were shattered by the horrors of war. The landscape I once roamed freely was transformed into a wasteland of rubble, claiming the lives of thirty-one beloved family members in airstrikes, chemical attacks, and chaos.

Back in Denver, I charted my own academic path with a degree in 'Community Programming in Social Psychology,' driven by the belief that change stems from community solidarity. I immersed myself in social justice activism, organizing vigils, demonstrations, and fundraisers nationwide to amplify the voices of victims, refugees, and underrepresented communities.

My activism is fueled by the pain and urgency of my lived experiences, manifested through fiery spoken word poetry and storytelling. Yet, amidst the despair, my name, Amal, meaning "Hope" in Arabic, serves as a beacon for a better world—a world where asylum seekers are embraced, where discrimination based on race, religion, or gender is eradicated, and where justice prevails over brutality.

Driven by this hope, I champion education and individual empowerment, particularly in vulnerable populations. My mission extends globally, advocating for literacy in war-stricken areas and refugee camps through writing. As an international spoken word poet, I've shared my message in diverse settings, from youth prisons to refugee camps, sparking conversations and inspiring change wherever I go.

I believe that knowledge is our greatest tool in shaping a more compassionate and just world—one where every voice is heard, every story is valued, and every person is empowered to create their own narrative. And I'm committed to playing my part in this transformative journey, one poem, one workshop, one community at a time.