Shown here, Malala Yousafzai[1] met the Obamas in the Oval Office, October 11, 2013. The First Family recognized the teen-ager for her leadership on girls’ educational equity. As if to demonstrate her lead role, Malala took the opportunity to point out that the President’s drone policy was fueling terrorism. “If we refocus efforts on education it will make a big impact,” she said.[2]
Last week, Malala paid a visit to Portland, Oregon, and our daughter Caitlin took us to hear her speak.[3] Malala addressed a large crowd, including one elderly Armenian gentleman who we met in the parking lot. He asked us how to get to Malala. He told us, “I’m very happy to see her! I don’t want to miss a minute of it!” As we left the parking structure on our way to the venue, a rushing crowd met our eyes. Though in good spirits, the old gentleman was overwhelmed by the mass of people flooding into the Rose Quarter. A giant queue expanded before us faster than the crowd could enter the Moda Center. The smiling old man did not know which way to go. Before we joined the gathering crowd, we helped him to the front of the line and made sure he got in. His grateful handshake and his warm smile made a fine reward.
And soon enough, so did Malala’s message! “Believe in your voice,” she told us. “Your story counts. Remove hatred from you heart. And the world will become a better place.” This from the girl who was shot in the face at point blank range by the Taliban! This from the girl who is now the leading champion for girls’ education—for every single girl in the world. Oppressors sought to silence her. Yet she lives—and her story grows.
Malala’s voice is not loud, but it is clear and lovely. It projects. It reverberates and it penetrates. And it most definitely counts! Nearly 5,000 Portlanders and one smiling old Armenian poured loud and frequent applause on the young woman from the Swat Valley in northern Pakistan. Everyone smiled at night’s end.
If you can’t see her in person, read her book, I Am Malala.[4] Her voice sings from the pages. She tells her story in plain and loving language. Humor is subtle and natural. It weaves a peaceful cushion between hard luck and tragedy. And a family’s strength emerges from events as simple and sad as when Malala’s grandfather habitually made fun of her young father when he stuttered. Yet—somehow, her father was possessed of a strength. He loved words and oratory and poetry. And he used his voice! His halting, labored, frustrating sticking consonants became stepping stones for his progress. And he became well-known in their village for his magnificent speeches. And her grandfather wrote those speeches for the son that he used to mock. Things do change. Strength of voice and stories do count.
Malala’s message, her story, her voice—Malala’s life is a mirror for us. The reflection shows the way. Thanks, Cait!—for taking us to see and hear Malala!
Images: Top photo, author Pete Souza.[5] bottom photo, by Caitlin 8/30/16 at Malala’s event.
[1] https://www.malala.org/malalas-story
[2] https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2013/10/11/malala-yousafzai-meets-with-the-obamas-in-the-oval-office/
[3] http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2016/08/malala_in_portland_believe_in.html
[4] http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17851885-i-am-malala
[5] https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Malala_Yousafzai_Oval_Office_11_Oct_2013.jpg – author Pete Souza, taken by an employee of the Executive Office of POTUS taken or made in course of official duties. As a work of the federal government, the image is in the public domain