On today's episode of #SumudPodcast, we uplift, empower, and amplify Palestinian-American Zeina Azzam. Zeina is a poet, writer, editor, community activist, and currently the selected Poet Laureate of the City of Alexandria, Virginia. 

Having published a variety of books, essays, and poems, Zeina’s work reflects her bicultural identity, resonating with the experiences of many Palestinians in the diaspora.

Join us as our hosts, Dr. Ed Hasan and Zeina Ashrawi, discuss Azzam’s views on writing as an act of resistance, the complexities of Palestinian-American identity, and persisting to spread awareness amidst the ongoing genocide in Gaza. 

Zeina highlights how her heritage shapes her work and how her bond with Palestinian youth as a mentor at We Are Not Numbers empowers her activism. 

Stay tuned for all things Sumud on our website: https://sumudpod.com

Follow our host on Instagram: @dredhasan

Follow Zeina Azzam on X: @zeina3azzam

Special thanks to Zeina Ashrawi

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction: Meet Zeina and Her Journey

02:01 Zeina Discusses Her Family's History and Immigration to the U.S.

07:08 Reflections on College Years and Early Career Challenges

18:21 Recounting Childhood Memories of Displacement and Loss

21:30 An Outsider Arriving in the U.S.

24:40 Her Bi-Cultural Identity and Its Influence on Her Literary Work

34:17 Using Poetry as an Act of Resistance Against Oppression

48:00 Zeina's Writing Process: Crafting Words with Purpose

54:55 Mentoring Youth in Gaza: The Impact of We Are Not Numbers

56:00 Identity Dissonance: A Palestinian-American Amid the Genocide

01:09:00 Zeina's Experience as a Poet Laureate

01:20:55 Building Community Through Protest and Activism

01:26:08 What's Next for Zeina: Future Goals and Projects

 #PalestineStories #VoicesOfChange #WeAreNotNumbers #PalestinianIdentity #WritingForChange #Inspiration #Poetry

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