Samira Obeid: Poet and Community Advocate

Hannah Willard

As an advocate, poet and friend, Sam Obeid embodies a quintessential feminist manifesto: “the personal is political.”

Sam weaves together her work and her life into a seamless tapestry of social justice. She oversees the ANYTOWN program of Community Tampa Bay, a youth leadership and diversity residential program. She is a celebrated poet and has delivered acclaimed spoken word performances worldwide. Recently, Sam became an involuntary spokesperson for our country’s broken immigration system, as she was caught in the crosshairs of Trump’s bigotry and forced to leave the country. Sam grew up in India and had already experienced a lifetime’s worth of joy, heartache, trauma and success before immigrating to the United States. After 10 years here, Sam had just 15 days to leave her life behind after a routine reapplication for her visa was delayed, forcing her to leave the U.S. indefinitely. Quick to acknowledge her immense privilege compared to so many battling immigration bureaucracy, she transformed this unimaginable challenge into an opportunity for education and connection.

Sam’s “going away” party was unlike anything I’d ever seen. It was a poetry slam, silent auction and social justice rally rolled into one. Of course each person’s connection to Sam is unique—but a theme emerged as I listened to Sam’s loved ones describe what they would miss about her. Sam is beautifully skilled at revealing a person’s own worth to themselves. She makes us feel brave, beautiful, strong, resilient—not because she lends us those attributes, but because she illuminates their preexistence. She points people back to themselves, reminding them of the beauty that already lies within them. Her friendship style mirrors my favorite Maya Angelou quote: “Your crown has been bought and paid for. Put it on your head and wear it.” What better way to experience friendship than to be reminded of the greatness that is already yours?

Thankfully, Sam obtained a new visa and returned to the U.S. in October. Besides Sherlock, Sam’s pitbull and one true love, there is perhaps no one Sam was more thrilled to reunite with than her beloved “young humans” of ANYTOWN. She fiercely believes in her mentees’ ability to change this world—in fact, she knows they already are. Sam is emphatic that young people are not the leaders of tomorrow, but are already the leaders of today. I can think of no better person to shape the hearts and minds of young folks than Sam, whose heart-forward leadership style engenders deep, loyal, long-lasting community.

I know there are countless communities that would benefit from having someone like Sam, but I am so grateful we don’t have to share her just yet. Welcome home, Sam

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