Meet a Current History Maker: Fariha Tayyab

This month, Experience Management Institute is interviewing Current History Makers. We are showcasing Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander leaders making history now as we celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month . Instead of looking backward for inspiration, we are looking to the present and near future to highlight change in action.

This article shines a light on Fariha Tayyab , a multidisciplinary artist hailing from Houston. As a writer and photographer, she discusses various aspects of identity and liberation themes. Fariha's creative work is published in Columbus Alive Inc. , Vox Media , Brown Girl Magazine, Inc , The Eater, the Columbus Anthology, and various literary journals and publications. She has performed and facilitated workshops at multiple venues and conferences, including the University of Iowa International Writing Program, the Columbus Museum of Art , the historic Lincoln Theatre , the Girl Scouts of the USA national conference, Making Midwest Fest, and other schools and community organizations.

Additionally, Fariha has received recognition from the Ohio Arts Council , graduated from the Lincoln Theatre's artist incubation program, and received grants from the Greater Columbus Arts Council . Aside from her artistry and facilitation, Fariha mentors emerging artists and works to establish sustainable community programming around her passions for fighting illiteracy, housing insecurity, and youth inequity.

Read on for Fariha's story as we lift up her contributions in these final days of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month!

Tell us about your background. What is your origin story?

As a third-culture kid, I grew up immersed in multiple ethnic, linguistic, and religious cultures. As I got older, my desire to dig deeper into culture and language only grew stronger. Through stories, written, oral, and visual, I could dive deeper into unspoken truths and thus radically reimagine a society where we truly belong.

My unwavering commitment to building a society that we cannot see today but can visualize for tomorrow was instilled in me by my late father, who remained curious and compassionate throughout his experiences and interactions around the world and in this country as a New American.?

I am driven to continue sharing and centering the stories of those heavily impacted by systemic and colonial injustices. The stories of self and others allow us to:

• Reckon with our past, including the false narratives we have been taught;
• Operate with love and humility as we learn and hold multiple truths; and,
• Build together horizontally through solidarity rather than power.?

What advice would you give to young AANHPI professionals?

Often, we are the only ones in the room. Our responsibility is not to speak for our entire ethnic or religious group. So continue to be authentically you—unapologetically you.?

It is also important to seek community. Find support and camaraderie within community groups, folks with similar life experiences working in other departments, the same industry, etc. While living in Ohio, I found such community at Zora’s House, a community and coworking space, and OPAWL, a feminist progressive leadership organization.?

Lastly, we are made to believe that our fight should be to have a seat at the table. However, it is crucial to critically examine this "table," which may have been built oppressing our people, stealing our resources, or exploiting our labor. Perhaps the table is not where we need to be? Let us envision something more significant than a table on our terms, valuing our people, and embracing all the facets of BIPOC culture in this country.?

Who are other individuals or lesser-known figures that should be celebrated for AANHPI month?

There are so many Asian American figures in history that are overlooked and even celebrated figures that we overlook and refuse to teach within our curriculum and historical learning circles.

We should shift and ask, "Who are the everyday heroes in our community today who are overlooked while they are still alive? How do we honor their journeys, even if they differ from ours? How do we celebrate the trailblazers and the community aunties that are leaders in our neighborhoods?"

How can others continue to foster inclusion beyond AANHPI month?

Organizations and institutions need to remember that Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Month is not simply about highlighting a member of your team but also consistently acknowledging?that they are a multifaceted and dynamic individual. This can be accomplished?by approaching our own false narratives, dismantling those same narratives, and seeking true inclusion that honors everyone's?experiences, values, and humanity.?

How do we support individuals of all backgrounds within our organizations, community groups, and institutions to make them feel welcome, included, and cared for??

It’s time we create new stories, practices, and ideas in place of the narratives we have internalized as a society about various ethnic and cultural groups.

To learn more about Fariha, take a look at her previous interviews in Medium and Magic Sessions.