by Rabiah Na’Allah

Why do we do things?

I don’t mean breathing or talking or walking. I’m not

talking about using our feet or mouths or lungs. I mean

Things like posting that story about the black girl who got shot

Or changing our Instagram bio to “BLM.”

Maybe we actually care about Black lives

Maybe we actually are Social justice warriors.

We could be putting on a show.

But who cares?

People are dying.

But who cares?

The social justice warrior is doing things.

They are helping

They are posting

They are talking

Does it matter why?

Does it matter if they care

About the Black girl who got shot.

About Rabiah Na’Allah

Rabiah Na’Allah and is a second-year student at the University of Iowa double majoring in Graphic Design and Cinema. She is from Peoria, Illinois, and the self-proclaimed middle child of three sisters. Rabiah is heavily involved in the University of Iowa Honors Program and serves as an Honors Outreach Ambassador and leader on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion council. She is involved in various organizations on campus including the Muslim Student Association, African Student Association and Student Advocates of Planned Parenthood. When she’s not working at school, you can find her doing photography, volunteering at a number of student productions through the Theater program, analyzing her favorite movies, or binge-watching Criminal Minds.

Art by Qaasaani Little

Qaasaani Little is a freshman at Richwoods High School. Little is a member of Student Leadership Team and Student Council. She has loved art for as long as she can remember, including painting and drawing. Little’s artwork is for sale. She also loves animals, after school activities, and is inspired by her mom for always pushing her to do my best.