#knowyourneighbor

[thekaurfoundation]

Discovering Sikhs - a statement

While it’s been incredible learning experience visiting local Gurudwaras and meeting some people from the Sikh community, I feel it’s important to make a statement on the struggles the Sikh communities face every day.

We live in a world where prejudice and terrorist attacks are becoming more prevalent in society. Although it may be easy to just look at incidents that impact our own communities, it’s vital to have some compassion to other communities. Hate crimes especially don’t just impact one community but everyone in marginalized communities.  

Earlier this month, a Sikh man was shot in front of his home. The Seattle news reported the suspect stated “go back to your own country” before shooting the Sikh man. This illustrates the level of misinformation that is within the United States. Those who don’t fit within the societal constructs are often targeted just because they haven’t been educated on the cultural differences nor educated on the similarities that bridge us together. If there’s continually hate for cultures that others don’t understand there will be a continuous infliction of hate crimes within our communities.

It’s important to take a stand together and work together to better relationships, communities, and societies. As the Kaur foundation was founded after the 9/11 attacks in order to promote this awareness of the Sikh community, the fight is still continuing.  It’s vital to continue to education of the Sikh community. Throughout this journey I’ve been able to witness firsthand the amount of love the Sikh community want to share. The people I’ve met have opened their doors to everyone who wants to learn more about the faith and culture. It’s something that everyone should implement more and try to learn from.

Marcella.  Kaur Foundation intern.

[thekaurfoundation]

Discovering Sikhs - a conclusion.

As my journey in discovering Sikhs is coming to a close, I wanted to share my experience and knowledge I’ve obtained within the last six weeks. My initial awareness of Sikh religion was very minimal. I’d only encountered a select few Sikh people before connecting with the Kaur Foundation. 

Throughout this process I’ve become more self aware of the variety of cultures around me. In today’s America, its imperative that the cultural education process begins within us. Whether it’s a co-worker, a classmate, or a friend, take the time to be open to the cultures that differ from your own. Not only do we gain a better understanding of those around us, we can share our knowledge and educate others. Together we are able to bridge communities and strengthen our relationships. 

Although my journey has ended, I encourage others to take part of discovering Sikhs. It’s truly been a humbling experience discovering the Sikh community. The Kaur Foundation has given me the ability to connect with others and embark on a cultural awareness to share with others. 

Marcella.  Kaur Foundation Intern.

[thekaurfoundation]

Part II : Discovering Sikhs

In this journey in discovering the Sikh community I wanted to gain better sense of the customs of traditional Gurudwaras. This lead me to Gurudwara Singh Sabha Buena Park, where I attended a Sunday service. In contrast to my first experience (at the Hollywood Sikh Temple) this particular Gurudwara was surrounded by music, laughter, and sense of community. 

Although I wasn’t particularly familiar with my surrounding nor was I dressed in the traditional clothing, there were many individuals offering assistance. There was a man in particular who watched me struggle keeping my scarf around my head and offered me guidance, and stated to speak to me in Spanish! I thought it was incredible the lengths he was going to make me feel welcomed at his place of worship. 

There were individuals who walked in to pray for a few minutes and others who were there for the entire duration of the service. Although I didn't know what to do necessarily, a young girl offered me some advice. She stated, “Just walk up to the front, bow your head in respect, and sit to mediate to give thanks to God in your own way”. After taking her advice and sitting peacefully with the beat of the drums and the voices of the singers, I felt connected to the individuals within. 

My experience at Gurudwara Singh Sabha Buena Park confirmed my previous belief of Gurudwaras being a place where people of all faiths are welcomed. My encounters with these individuals illustrates the kindness within the Sikh Community. 

Follow, read, and await Part III: Discovering Sikhs, as I visit another Gurudwara and taste the local cuisine!

Marcella.  Kaur Foundation Intern.    

[thekaurfoundation]

Part I: Discovering Sikhs

With the help of the Kaur Foundation I’ve been able to gain a better sense of the Sikh community and their mission to educate and promote culturally awareness. In my journey of discovering Sikhs, I decided to take a look at a local place of worship and the first Gurudwara established in Los Angeles, CA.

Inside the Hollywood Sikh Temple

As the 3rd oldest Gurudwara in the United States, the Gurudwara of Vermont Hollywood settles in the residential neighborhood of Los Feliz. As this specific Gurudwara is open every day at 04.45 to 21.00, I had the opportunity to visit one morning after a stressful work week. Although there was no service at the time of my visit, I enjoyed being able to explore the Gurudwara without fear of disturbing others. There is no promotion of the Sikh religion but rather a place for individuals in the community to come together and reflect spiritually.

As I visited a Gurudwara for the first time I didn’t know what to expect nor did I know how I would feel. In my experience, the Gurudwara is a place where people of all faiths are welcomed.

Follow, read, and await Part II: Discovering Sikhs, as I join a service and give my feedback on the experience.  

Marcella, Kaur Foundation intern.

[capturenarrative]

Nothing is easy about this new life. And everything is new. The Nepali family that lived in the apartment next to me had two girls probably in 3rd and 4th grade. They came over to my apartment fascinated by everything in sight. They explored the keys on my laptop and the keys to my car. They ate my edamame and asked me about the “dots on top.” I explained, “its just salt and pepper.” They looked puzzled. I talked them through it and tried to help them remember it. Clearly they never had it before. I remember thinking, if salt and pepper are unknown territory–how are you surviving? I’m not sure if they don’t know of it because it is unfamiliar- they just don’t use it in Nepal or because its a luxury. Either way, you get the picture. It’s all new.

One time at my apartment, I received a list of notices about $50 fees that the landlord was about to implement for new things he declared were housing violations.These were for things like clothes drying on bushes and kids wearing clothes that weren’t bathing suits in the pool. It was only in English. I am pretty sure less than 10 people in our entire complex could read English. Families can’t afford the bathing suits to go in these pools, but don’t know they need to wear them to not get fined. These are everyday obstacles they face. They lost everything that they have ever known as normal. Not by choice. Sometimes there is a supportive community awaiting them in resettlement. Other times families are separated and they don’t have anyone from their culture in their new town.

Have you seen The Good Lie?! 

Please, just watch it. One of my boys from camp is in the film, also Reese Witherspoon! Families I know say that it is an accurate depiction of what many of their people have gone through. 

[marcishomes]

Who can name the style of this home? I kinda love it. And it definitely stands out in #sugarhouse ! #discoverywalk #marcishomes #knowyourneighbor #fall #dreamhome #creepybutcool @borrisbeccer @realagentfranslc (at Salt Lake City, Utah) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqQlHe4gkjN/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=k1namtvd4196

[emre-celik-blog]

A great 2018 #UnityWalk organized by @ifcmw - thank you. So many new and old friends! 🙏 #KnowYourNeighbor https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo75PQwliq8/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=i388tw4yf7pt

[davidhutch]

#letgofinds #jigsaw #saw #knowYourNeighbor #deargod https://www.instagram.com/p/BnCKAjnlkZn/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=78ksp3lmzn81