Introduction to Antasia Adamjee
Antasia Adamjee is an organizer with Houston for Palestinian Liberation, a group that has been making waves at city council meetings with their passionate advocacy for the Palestinian cause. We had the chance to speak with her about her experiences and what drives her to continue fighting for a cause she believes in.
Getting Involved with Houston for Palestinian Liberation
Antasia’s journey with Houston for Palestinian Liberation began when a friend shared a video of someone speaking about the plight of Palestinians at a city council meeting in California. This inspired a group of friends in Houston to do the same, and Antasia joined them at a city council meeting, where she found an intimidating but ultimately rewarding environment. The group’s initial goal was to raise awareness about the issue and to call for an end to funding for actions that were harming Palestinians.
Speaking Out at City Council
Antasia’s first experience speaking at city council was focused on highlighting the destruction and suffering of the Palestinian people. She spoke about the lack of food, water, and shelter, and the displacement of people. Despite feeling like a "normal citizen" who didn’t know much about legal jargon or city laws, Antasia felt compelled to speak out on behalf of those who didn’t have a voice. She wanted to use her voice to bring attention to the issue and to push for change.
Demands from City Council
Antasia and Houston for Palestinian Liberation have specific demands from city council, including a call for a ceasefire and divestment from companies that support harmful actions against Palestinians. While they have made some progress, including getting five city council members to join their side, they still face challenges and setbacks. Despite this, Antasia remains committed to the cause and continues to push for change.
Progress and Community Building
Antasia believes that progress is being made, albeit slowly. She has seen a community come together around the issue, with people from diverse backgrounds and racial groups joining the cause. This diversity and sense of community have been a source of strength and inspiration for Antasia, who remembers attending Palestinian protests as a teenager and feeling like she was part of a small, isolated group. Now, she sees a broader movement taking shape, and she is heartened by the fact that people’s eyes are opening to the issue.
A Message to Others
Antasia wants to encourage others to get involved in the movement, whether it’s by speaking out, posting about the issue on social media, or simply showing up to events. She believes that every person can make a difference, and that collective action can lead to real change. She acknowledges that it can feel daunting to try to make a difference, especially when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. However, she encourages people to look to historical movements that have brought about significant change, and to remember that even small actions can add up over time.
Conclusion
Antasia Adamjee’s story is a testament to the power of individual action and collective activism. Through her work with Houston for Palestinian Liberation, she has seen the impact that a small group of dedicated individuals can have on a community and on the world. Her message is one of hope and encouragement, urging others to find their own voice and to join the movement for change. As Antasia and others continue to push for justice and human rights, their efforts serve as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, collective action can lead to a brighter, more just future.
