After witnessing the world’s political instability firsthand, senior Bushra Ehikhamnor took it upon herself to act. Through community volunteering, leadership and a curated social media presence, Ehikhamnor has drawn attention to war-torn countries and refugee issues across the world. Her compassion and commitment to justice have recently earned her the Fairfax Student Peace Award.
“[Spreading] awareness about these issues motivates me because there are people my age going through [awful] situations,” Ehikhamenor said. “If I’m privileged enough not to be going through it, why shouldn’t I raise awareness of it?”
The award is given to students who are actively involved in addressing situations that require peace and proposing solutions as peacemakers. When presented with this award at the annual ceremony on March 2, Ehikhamenor received a certificate, a donation to the MSA, and an additional $250 for her personal use, of which $100 will go to her aunt’s organization, the Safe Haven Foundation, a nonprofit aimed to help women in Nigeria who get tricked into sex trafficking.
Ehikhamenor’s family involvement in the community influenced her mission. Growing up in the middle class in both Niger and Nigeria, her family always helped people in poverty.
“I grew up in Niger and Nigeria, so seeing the wealth disparities and then coming to the US, where you’re granted the platforms to advocate for [these situations] inspired me,” Ehikhamenor said.
By recognizing the burdensome situations of refugees and immigrants in nations like Palestine, Sudan and Congo, Ehikhamenor strives to inspire others to do the same.
“Sudan is experiencing a devastating war that has displaced millions, with civilians caught in the crossfire of armed groups,” Ehikhamenor said. “I relate to [this] because I’m also from Africa, and my countries are in political turmoil.”
Ehikhamenor volunteers at food banks at her local mosque for immigrants in need. She is also very active in McLean’s Muslim Student Association (MSA), helping coordinate the Lebanon-Gaza walkouts at McLean and creating strong messages on posters such as “Free the oppressed everywhere.”
“Last year, I was the outreach director in MSA, and this year I’m a MIST director. MIST is the Muslim Interscholastic Tournament, a competition with MSAs across the DMV area,” Ehikhamenor said. “Different [MSAs] go to the University of Maryland for a weekend and compete in different areas, like sports and Quran recitation.”
Ehikhamenor’s role consists of coordinating McLean’s delegation to the MIST competition, along with ensuring effective communication between students at McLean and the MIST competition.
“I would say one thing that has stuck with me is the sense of community, because everyone at [MIST] goes to different high schools. We don’t know each other, but [you] make friends and connections,” Ehikhamenor said. “Despite having our differences, the fact that we were competing together brought us closer together.”
Technology is Ehikhamenor’s primary tool for spreading awareness; she utilizes social media to inspire teenagers through different news outlets and platforms. Ehikhamenor’s efforts and success aren’t going unnoticed.
“[Ehikhamenor] is a compassionate and dedicated individual who has a strong love for people and community,” said Ehikhamenor’s mother, Safiya Usman. “She has been deeply committed to promoting peace and understanding in all communities she inhabits, both within and outside her home.”
