To be Sudani is to be African with an Arab tongue. It’s to be misconstrued within your own identity. Non-Black Arabs see you as less than, while Africans don’t fully understand your traditions. As Sudani people we have had no choice but to make space for ourselves while fighting through projections, colorism, and racism. We pave our own way, pay respect to honor our homeland, stand in our power, and fight for what we deserve.
Sudan has been in a state of “transition” for 30 years and counting. We are always trying to find peace. As a 21-year-old Sudani woman, I have found that the only peace I can truly control is my inner peace. While staying educated and speaking out for my country, I had to find a way to see direct action. I’m forging my path to inner peace and patience through the creation of community with fellow Sudanis. I want us to be prevalent. To be known and heard through positive connotations. For our inner beauty to shine through. It’s why I started my creative agency, KanSuda. Suda, as in Sudan; Kan, as in Kandaka (Black/African, Nubian queen). We champion continental and diasporic Black women with iconic stories, especially those from underserved communities like Black Muslim women. We are founded on familial ties and sisterhood as I aim to create a space where my community can put their extraordinary talents to work.
There are few Black Muslim women featured prominently in major media outlets. Making visibility vital in debunking the misunderstandings regarding Black Muslim women. Thus, I made it my duty to change this in a personal and exciting way.
I like to create a mirror of identity throughout all my projects for Black Women, especially Sudani women. A physical or digital, tangible memory where one can look back and hold the view of the gem that they created. A meditative art form that encapsulates our beauty, that project thus is a mirror. It’s why I prioritise working with my family. My sisters and those I consider being sisters. Sisterhood is vital. They remind me of my Sudanese womanhood.
Every video and photoshoot that we create together is an ode to female companionship–specifically Muslim Women’s Sisterhood. Faith and love are inextricably intertwined. These images you’re staring at are love letters. A visual letter that embodies the labor of love. Love of oneself, love of community, love of nature, and love of sisterhood. This shoot depicts the beauty that lies within Muslim women, Sudani women. It features myself Aaraf Adam alongside my sisters, Anfal and Abrar Adam, Sana Ginawai, and my Afghan sister Asma Omar.
Let this shoot and my KanSuda initiative remind you of the infinite avenues that women can pave in any industry. There is power in simple visibility. In addition to the importance of challenging the limitations of the known, known directors, known stylists, known models, and known photographers. Sudanese people will be known and depicted. As women and overall society, we must amplify each other’s light. This shoot is a mere glimpse of the light and glory behind Muslim sisterhood.
