When Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) communities are erased in data, we’re erased in real life too.

• It means we don’t get funding for our schools or language support for our families.
• It means our health data is inaccurate and our communities are misdiagnosed.
• It means our stories are overlooked in media, politics, and research.
• It means we’re hyper-visible when we’re targeted but invisible when we need help.

This Thursday July 17, we’re gathering at Qahwah House in Astoria to name what’s happening and reclaim our visibility.

MENA communities are erased in state data and forced into the “white” category on the Census. This erasure has real, daily impacts. It leaves our cultures misunderstood, health needs unmet, languages unsupported, and our kids grow up without seeing themselves reflected. Our stories remain untold, struggles hidden, and our communities denied the chance to be fully seen, heard, and valued.

Join us for a conversation led by North African creatives, including Aymann Ismail and Zina Louhaichy, where we’ll share stories and explore why visibility matters, building understanding within our community.

The night will open with a poetry performance and continue with a fireside chat on the MENA experience in NYC, from the Census to the streets.

You’ll hear from:

Muna Faiz Abdelwahab, a Sudanese poet and humanitarian whose poetry opens up space for our complex, beautiful identities

Zina Louhaichy, a Moroccan Italian actress and designer challenging narrow Western views of North Africa through fashion and film

Aymann Ismail, a journalist, storyteller and the author of ‘Becoming Baba’ whose work exposes the cracks in American systems and uplifts MENA voices across media and culture

Mohamed Attia, a former street vendor with over a decade of organizing experience and now leads the Street Vendor Project, championing the rights of immigrant and working class communities

Mona Elboghdadi, Malikah’s own Immigrant Program Director building grassroots safety and resistance with North African immigrant women

We’ll close with a community activity that invites you to share your stories and your vision for what true representation could look like.

This night is more than a conversation. It’s a chance to gather in our truths, to challenge systems that erase us, and to build power through connection over coffee.

We hope you’ll be there!