Thahitun Mariam
"When tragedy strikes our communities, it is impertinent to show up and care for one another. Societal care is revolutionary. Compassion and care is crucial, especially in the face of environmental degradation, societal systems failing us and our communities being under attack."
Background:
Brought up in a rural village in Bangladesh for the first six years of her life, Thahitun is a Bronx-bred Bangladeshi-American poet, writer, community organizer and activist. She focuses on issues surrounding social justice, global migration, and women’s empowerment. During the COVID-19 crisis, she channeled her energy into addressing the needs of her Bronx community.
Superpowers:
Activist, Storyteller, Nonprofit Leader, Public Service
Notable Accomplishments:
- During the COVID-19 crisis, she founded the Bronx Mutual Aid Network – an organization that allows residents to organize their own communities and help each other out. Through the concept of “mutual aid,” the organization helps people access food and supplies, pick up prescriptions and complete errands, and more – for people who are elderly, disabled and/or immunocompromised. The entire operation is a volunteer endeavor, with the goal of getting people to organize their own mutual aid networks in their buildings, blocks, and neighborhoods
- Community organizer for the NYC Office of the Mayor
- Co-founder of Bangladeshi Americans for Political Progress
- Co-founder of the Bangladeshi Feminist Collective
