Finding Hope Amidst Chaos: A Journey from Iraq to America
Back in the day in Asamwah, Iraq, Ali and I were like two peas in a pod, just a couple of kids finding fun in every nook and cranny.
Then, life threw a curveball.
Suddenly, our childhood playground the streets we roamed were bombed like no tomorrow.
Sadly, laughter turned into devastation and broke the bond of culture, identity, and my little friendship.
Trauma anyone?
While Ali and his family stuck around, my family and I hitched a ride to a whole new world.
Survived a desert in canvas tents, which became my father's art gallery that got us out of the hell we were trapped in.
Now, picture this: a kid from the land of the Gardens of Babylon, trying to find his way in America.
Thanks to pops, that distant dream became my reality. He told me, "Hussein, now it's on you, make every opportunity count."
I made a sacred promise to him as a young boy that I would keep a smile on his face!
From grappling with English to weirdly bagging an award for writing my first book by the 5th grade, life's been a wild ride.
Tossed a few jobs to the wind when they didn’t vibe with my worth and set out on my own path.
Through some insane hustle and financial struggle, I nailed an architecture degree, started slinging shirts from a basement, gave birth to Refutees, and shared my story while I roc'd the mic around town.
Carrying a slice of Ali, my fam, and the spirit of Asamwah, I'm out here trying to light up some hope in folks.
After my father passed on to the heaven he came from, I went back to Iraq to bury my hero. And guess what? Life's funny ways had me bumping into Ali again in Iraq.
As I roll with life's punches, I'm all about keeping the hope alive, sharing the love, and passing the torch.
Art kept my sanity and became my therapy, the way I still hang out with my father and commune with the Most High Allah.
Here's to hoping we inspire a few souls along the way!
Keep going, friends. What's coming is even better than what has gone!
Art of Resilience - get it?
