Earlier this year, I was honored to join the nation’s oldest Sikh American civil rights organization. It’s a privilege to work as SALDEF’s Media Fellow, using the power of art and media to create a more equitable society. I encourage you to support our work with a year-end gift so we can leave future generations on even firmer footing than our own. 
My art was one born out of tragedies we have no control over, moments when we feel vulnerable. The 9/11 terrorist attacks and subsequent hate crimes sparked me to find a way to channel my frustrations into cartoons and connect with my fellow Americans. After over a decade of work that has included presentations to schools and universities across the nation, I encountered another fork in the road in response to another tragedy, the Oak Creek, Wisconsin Gurdwara attack in 2012. On the request of a New York City-based photographer, I brought a cartoon illustration of Captain America in a turban and beard into the real world. I donned that superhero outfit for a photoshoot on the streets of New York City. The response to ‘Sikh Captain America’ was incredible. I have since made trips to cable networks, late night comedy shows, and worked on a short film about this work. The comic art of superheroes has provided an outlet–especially to younger Americans–to highlight our shared values of freedom, equality, and justice. 
At SALDEF, I am continuing to combine my passion for arts and further empower Sikh Americans. We are creating new narratives while extolling the virtues of our national motto: E Pluribus Unum–Out of Many, One. As an artist, I have sought to push boundaries of what is traditionally seen as “American” and “other.” I am working with the rest of the SALDEF team to engage in social innovation, build coalitions across communities, and tap into the power of art. All of this is made possible only by your support. So please take a moment to make a year-end gift to SALDEF. Thank you.
