Halima

It was only 15-20 yrs ago when my mom and I couldn't even walk out in the streets of Toronto peacefully in our burkas. Someone would have to call us terrorists, tell us to go back to our country or ask us why we're dressed like witches when it's not Halloween. We got cursed at, people would honk, flip us off or spit on the sidewalk as we passed.

That same Canada has grown so much and I'm immensely proud of the headway our community has made. I can't speak of every place but Scarborough Canada has finally progressed to celebrate its diversity.

To everyone struggling with being accepted; stay kind, stay hopeful and most importantly, stay unapologetically true to yourself (as long as you are not doing anything harmful). This Earth belongs to you and you belong to it, let no one tell you otherwise. Accept your weaknesses and pursue growth with utmost humility, but never feel the need to change your true essence in order to be accepted. Stand steadfast and secure with the conviction that you too are a special creation of God. Compel the world to open its arms and embrace you. Victory to those who persevere with patience and prayer. #GodBless #AfterSeptember11 #Proudly