Mona Haydar and Sebastian Robins set up a little booth near Cambridge library with signs that said “Ask a Muslim”, boxes full of donuts, and thermoses of hot coffee. They were really nervous at first.
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It was 2015, shortly after the horrible shooting in San Bernadino. The two parents hid in their homes for days, afraid to leave the house for fear of being stereotyped as radical Muslims. Then one day they decided to throw themselves back into the community with open arms and open conversation.
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“We felt like we had to do something to replace that trauma with love and connection,” says Mona.
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“There was this little inhale of, ‘What’s going to happen?’,” said Sebastian.
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At first, people weren’t sure what to talk about, so the conversation turned to their cute 2-year-old son. It turns out people had a lot of questions, and Mona and Sebastian were more than happy to answer. Soon, conversation – and hugs – flowed.
It takes real courage to put yourself out there—especially in the vulnerable spot these two were in— to work toward a more inclusive and empathetic world. And that’s what we’re here to highlight and celebrate. Love bravely, y’all.
