DASH!

A New Socially Conscious Book of Short Stories Irshad Abdal Haqq — An Intercultural Fiction and Nonfiction Writer

By Renay Intisar Jihad — The contents of this article includes informational excerpts from various sources, including the results of an interview with the author.

Using one’s talent and resources for the greater good is more critical now than ever before. Consciousness-raising writers who use storytelling as a medium for sharing information about important contemporary and historical issues are on the rise. What better way to engage a reader than to weave realistic and relevant concerns into literature? Most of us imagine living in a better world; however, a narrative writer cleverly repurposes this dream by sharing an entertaining and informative channel for change.

Dash! by Irshad Abdal-Haqq is a unique collection of short stories that do just that. “Through this contemporary collection of short stories for older teens and adults, this author unveils the legacy of oppression that countless generations of Black Americans have endured. This author endeavors to transform common cultural misperceptions by revealing the links between our past, present, and evolving intercultural relationships — especially those involving marginalized communities.

The first story, involving a girl and her tribe who are running for their lives from an evil army that forces female captives into sexual slavery, is reminiscent of a modern-day humanitarian refugee crisis in the Middle East, Africa, or South Asia. In a coming-of-age narrative, a teenaged boy defies law enforcement by fleeing from his rural home in the dark of night after his parents are lynched for seeking fair labor treatment. A third story is the tale of a multiethnic gang of teens who would rather live as a family of outlaws rather than endure the humiliation of racism and poverty. And in yet another, a long-time resident of a gentrifying neighborhood enlists the aid of a newcomer in her quest to fight off eviction for another month.

These mesmerizing stories of desperation, hope, and human frailty spark the imagination and touch the heart of readers of all backgrounds.

And most important, they highlight the need for intercultural cooperation against systemic injustices that discount the value of Black lives. Distinctive notes at the end of the book provide ample support for educational activities, reading group discussions, and academic study.” The questions found in the back of the book inspire higher-order thinking and promote focused reflection. A parent, teacher, or professor can assign this section to build background knowledge and extend understanding of the multi-pronged issues shared in the stories. The stories, coupled with the questions, serve as a perfect launch for community-service learning activities in schools, religious houses of worship, and community centers. Home-based volunteer efforts are enhanced because Dash! incites a deep discussion of the issues. Include Dash! in your curriculum. It provides readers with writing prompts, debate platforms, and research topics.

“It covers big ideas in a compact volume of six short stories. The African American experience has included living as refugees and migrants under circumstances as harsh and horrific as we see playing out around the world today. African Americans must empathize with and assist those who are suffering the same hardships that we suffered in the past. America must be reminded of our historical suffering because our lives mattered back then and matter now just as much as every other people in the world.”

Haqq practiced law for many years. He explained how he “began writing short stories as a method for addressing social, political, and spiritual concerns. I felt a sense of urgency to express these concerns through literary art. It can take several years to complete a novel, but a short story can be written more quickly.” He also agreed with the premise that short story writers can share information covering contemporary issues in real-time. “At the core of most of my creative writing are those ideals I have tried to live by — the natural human drive to pursue freedom, self-determination, and justice. In the Dash! stories, the characters are struggling for freedom and dignity.”

Nonfiction award-winning essays, a community newspaper, and many scholarly articles are part of this writer’s list of accomplishments. This distinguished author was “born in Newark and raised in the Greater New York City area, but now calls Washington, DC home. He is a graduate of Amherst College (B.A.), Georgetown University Law Center (J.D.), and Antioch School of Law (M.A.T. in Clinical Legal Education).”

Online Information KLJ Literary Journal — https://www.kitabliteraryjournal.org/. Author Page — https://www.abdal-haqq.com Twitter — Irshad Abdal-Haqq@Abdal_Haqq Email — [email protected] Amazon — https://www.amazon.in/Dash-Irshad-Abdal-Haqq-ebook/ LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/irshad-abdal-haqq