Muslims and Sikhs Under Attack

In the last 24 hours Muslims and Sikhs have witnessed horrific crimes against their communities.

In Oak Creek, Wisconsin, a Sikh gurdwara was the scene of horrific shooting in which 6 worshippers were killed and 3 were seriously injured. 

And in Joplin, Missouri, a mosque was set on fire for the second time, completely destroying it. 

These scenes are reminders of the white supremacists and KKK members who terrorized predominantly black churches and black worshippers. 

Muslims, Sikhs, South Asians and Arab Americans are now asking themselves if they are next? Is it our turn to be made into "the other," and terrorized in our own country, in which some of us have lived for almost 3 generations?

The question that all Americans must ask themselves now is not why these attacks are occurring but what we as people of conscience will do about it? How will we show solidarity with our "brown" sisters and brothers? Will speaking out be enough? Or will we take collective action?

Take a few minutes to educate yourself on the beauty of Islam and Sikhism. And of the many contributions that Sikhs, Muslims, South Asians and Arabs have made to our country. 

We are not "foreigners" to this land. And we will not be victimized into silence, nor will we go into hiding out of fear. 

If anything, our resolve is now stronger than ever before.