Youth of diverse backgrounds find many ways to connect to community in Washtenaw County

This article is part of Concentrate’s Voices of Youth series, which features stories written by Washtenaw County youth with guidance from Concentrate staff mentors, as well as adult-written stories spotlighting local youth perspective. In this installment, student writer Amira Ben-Abid looks into the ways she and other students of diverse backgrounds have found community in Washtenaw County.

Summer is always a season I really look forward to. I’m from Tunisia in North Africa, and it’s the time when my family will bring back special items that remind me of home. As a 13-year-old Muslim girl living in Ypsilanti, having to rely on receiving hijabs (religious head coverings) and abayas (traditional Middle Eastern and North African dresses) from family members overseas is challenging. Receiving these, and things like regional spices, foods, and valuables from my country, helps me feel connected. 

Recently, I’ve noticed these important connections to who I am are being fostered in our local communities. Clothing shops and food markets that celebrate my cultural heritage are popping up regionally, providing solutions all year round. 

These changes have been impactful for many other families and some of my good friends. I chatted with my friend Suraya Shah, who is also 13 years old and originally from Afghanistan. Like me, she wears a head covering. She’s grateful for changes.

As we talked, she told me about Girls Group, an Ann Arbor-based program that “empowers girls to achieve emotional and economic self-sufficiency by ensuring they graduate from high school and begin their college or career journeys.” Its vision includes supporting young women in finding their voice and moving through the world with confidence.

What I learned and love about this program is that it operates as a year-round community in 21 different sites, including many schools and communities. It even has partnerships with other organizations. This program is geared to girls in grades 6-12 and has a 100% graduation rate.

I asked my friend to tell me how the program has impacted her. 

“I feel like it’s a safer space to talk in with guidance, and I like it a lot,” Shah says. “It’s a place where girls can play games, talk, share things, and have fun. I feel really welcome and comfortable.” 

She adds, “the more I progress, the more confident I feel.”

I went on to talk to other friends who are in Girls Group, such as Tori Gonza. The 14-year-old says she’s experienced a lot of self-improvement.

“Girls Group made me more confident in myself and comfortable with others,” Gonza says. “I absolutely love Girls Group. You get to build more relationships, get really good advice, and become more confident.”

Avery Dagett is another member of Girls Group who shared positive experiences.

“It helps with bonding and looking at things differently,” she says. “I think it’s great and more girls should join.” 

After I spoke with my peers, I decided to look further into the community. I was happy to find that there are dedicated events that celebrate diversity and culture, and girls and women of all ages. Among them is National Diversity Day, which is celebrated on May 21st. Celebrations happened across the county in various locations, such as Washtenaw Community College.

I was also impressed to discover that National Girls and Women in Sports Day takes place every February. It’s been supported locally by the Ann Arbor Sports Commission. International Women’s Day also takes place every March. 

In the meantime, I’m excited to see what other shops and programs become available in the county, and I plan to enjoy my experiences both here and in Africa. I’m happy to be embraced in so many ways here and I’m looking forward to learning more. I’m also looking forward to sharing my culture with more people – one of the best things about getting goodies, like chocolates from back home, is that I get to share them with my friends! 

Author Bio: My name is Amira and I wrote this article because I wanted to share my own experience with others who might relate. I am 13 years old and love visiting my country each summer. I also love poetry and reading. 

Concentrate staffer Jaishree Drepaul served as Amira’s mentor on this story.

Click here to read more from the Voices of Youth series.