Once again, it was that time of year. As the annual Pakistan Day Picnic hosted by the Pakistani Civic Association of Staten Island approached, we kept hoping the heat wave would be over! It was not, and in the heat, the brave founders and organizers of PCA set up the whole picnic scene with multiple tents, booths, stage, food stations and so on. Javaid Syed was there since 9am, and his daughter Amna was worried about him being out in the heat so long.
Of course, it was an exciting time for the Akhtars as none other than our “Kuptaan” (a community nickname for my husband Shahid Akhtar) was being recognized for community activism. As Shahid was getting ready, stitching the American and Pakistani flags onto the back of his Pakistan green T-shirt, I kept giving him tips for his talk, but he wanted to be brief. In hindsight, that was a blessing, as the heat made it hard to focus on anything.
But seriously, I want to thank all our family members, especially Amna, who did such a beautiful introduction of Shahid and made sure our four grandkids were ready and dressed for the occasion! I don’t know how Izzy kept cool and calm in the green gharara suit, but I was just in awe at this little 3-year old; Javaid and Fauzia Syed, Dr. Khalid and family, and all the founding and sustaining families of Staten Island who keep this beautiful venture going; our friends Nuzzo and Sajjad, Noshi and Babar and Niggi and Shamshad who drove all the way to be there despite other obligations and the heat. We missed all our friends who are away vacationing etc.
For me, it was so nice to see Shahid acknowledged for all his community work over the past 50 years. I used to complain about too many social events, and even called myself a “wedding widow”, as at every Pakistani wedding he would be playing photographer as if his photos had to be the best. We could often go to weddings in separate cars, as he loved to help friends set up their kids wedding halls, etc. Weddings, Eid functions, Picnics, Poconoes sleepovers, anti-war marches, food and clothing drives for earthquakes and war victims, and the list goes on- any work that involves community organizing is his passion. Shahid spoke about his work for First Friends, where trained visitors provide solace and emotional support to ICE detainees in NJ jails, and how he feels rewarded by doing this act of kindness. So, it is doubly rewarding to get an award for that.
Several others were recognized as well, and local politicians spoke at the event. They appreciated the celebration of diversity and Pakistani culture, and of course reminded all to vote and participate in the local political processes.
Thank you, Pakistani Civic Association of Staten Island, for encouraging community building and recognition, and ensuring that Pakistani-Americans interact with local politicians and office-bearers. It is truly democracy in action!
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