Notable Muslim hip-hop artist and poet Khalil Ismail read some of his work to the members.

Ismail explained his motivations for reading to the girls to About Islam.

“When Asiya called and asked me to read one of my poems, which is really a song I adapted into a poem, I could not say no.”

One way that a lot of powers that be keep us confined is that they control the stories that come out about us. But if we can learn to tell our stories ourselves and get them out, then we can change that.

It’s imperative for me to make sure that people who look like me and are born in my position learn how to tell their stories in every possible way.

If they want to do poetry, write, create a film, speak, make music—whatever the form or the medium—they tell their stories truthfully and honestly and don’t let anyone own it, so they can change the narrative to more truthful representations of who we are throughout the world.”

“We discussed artistic expression and their voices,” Nasir further described.

I explained to them that although young, each of them has experienced things that speak to a tribe and their voices are valuable and needed.

We also discussed how wonderfully Allah made us as women, young ladies and the essence of being a woman. We laughed and had reflective moments.”

After listening to adult artists and having an artistic discussion, participants talked and engaged in brainstorming and writing.

“The girls started exploring topics last night, and some already started writing.”

After a day of poetry writing, J.E.S.S.I.C.A Cares treated participants to cake, ice cream and goody bags.

The second session will include more writing and a book reading by Imam Shadid Muhammad.