Afghan Independence and Cultural Heritage Day

On August 5^th, Afghan Independence and Cultural Heritage Day was celebrated jointly by the Queens Library (QL) and Women for Afghan Women (WAW) in Flushing, Queens. WAW congratulates Afghans all over the world on the 89^th anniversary of Afghanistan Independence and wishes the country and its people peace and prosperity—and freedom.

Afghanistan’s rich history and culture have been overshadowed by decades of horror that began with the Soviet invasion in 1979, and were followed by civil war and the dark Taliban era. The country’s proud culture has suffered almost irreparable damage. Now it is up to the Afghan people and international stakeholders to rebuild.

Since joining WAW in March, 2008, the Advocacy Program Manager Tahera Shairzay has participated in conferences, speaking events, and community programs, pursuing every opportunity to advocate for WAW and Afghan heritage. The Aug. 5th celebration at the library, which has held a number of cultural events but none for Afghans, was planned by Tahera and Radames Suarez, Cultural Arts Librarian of the QL. It was presented not only for the Afghan community but for the diverse cultural groups of New York as a whole.

Judged by the packed house and the enthusiastic response of the audience, the event was a great success. WAW is thankful to the dedication and support of the Afghan community in putting this event together. Special thanks go to Prof. Amanullah Haidarzad for displaying some of his valuable art pieces; Rubin Javid for training and organizing the attan dancers; Shakila Hamidi for her tasteful stage decoration and help with the Tarana Group; Palwasha Barakzai; Naima N. Alekozay and her children Yosuf and Idrees;  Mahmooda  Karabay and her daughter Hadia; Zainab Sarwary and her children Farah, Freshta, and Ali; Shakila Fedaee and her daughter Mitra; Hamidi’s children Mashal, Neghena, and Omran; Hameeda Hassan and her children Hamasa and Nareeman; Naheed Bahram; Mahr Mohsin; Rukia Ghafari; Zohal Nayebi; and finally the musicians Khaleel Ahmadi and Chatram Sahni. 

The success of this event has paved the way for Afghans to get involved in more cultural programs at the Queens Library. We at WAW are already looking into exciting future events.