Simply Because He Wore A Turban

During a community hearing hosted by the South Asian Network at the last month, several locals came together to discuss their concerns over xenophobia and racism toward South Asians, Arabs, Muslims, and Sikhs in the days, months and years following 9/11.

Community members shared personal stories of increased levels of hate crimes, bullying, and surveillance.

One of those individuals was Harbakshish Singh.

Ten years ago, Harbakshish, a young boy in India, had high hopes of moving to the U.S. to pursue his dreams of obtaining an American education and living a life full of promise and opportunity. 

He planned to move to the U.S. on Sept. 11, 2001, but his flight was rescheduled as a result of the terrorist attacks that occurred that day. When Harbakshish finally made the move to L.A., he quickly became the target of racism from the backlash of 9/11. As a high school student, he was bullied for wearing a turban -- a religious article that is actually part of being a follower of Sikhism. 

After transferring to Alexander Hamilton High School in Los Angeles, Singh immersed himself in his studies and became involved in several organizations on campus. He excelled as a student and was named the school's valedictorian at the end of his senior year in 2004.

"I came from India and graduating as a first generation kid is like winning an Oscar, I can't even describe it in words," he told Patch.

But the pride in his accomplishments were abruptly dashed when he was told he would not be able to participate in his graduation ceremony because of his turban -- something the school claimed was against district policy.

After intervention from the Sikh Coalition and local Sikh activists, the school ultimately reversed its stance, and he was allowed to participate in his graduation, however, he was not allowed to give the traditional Valedictorian speech.

"Facing that adversity with determination gave me strength," he said, adding that the experience prompted him to find a way to help others with similar struggles.

Today, Harbakshish -- a USC graduate who is succesfully working in the business sector -- volunteers his time to speak to local groups and organizations about his experience in hopes that it will spread awareness when it comes to bullying, racial profiling and hate crimes following the 9/11 attacks.

What's Your Story?

That fateful day changed the country and many people's lives — it altered reality for citizens, America's political system, the economy and in many ways shifted public policies for us a nation. How did it impact you?

Where were you on 9/11? How do you plan to explain it to your children if they are too young to remember it?

Tell us in the comments, below, or email me at mariesam@patch.com. We want to hear your story.

If you want to join a national remembrance effort, check out ActionAmerica.com to tell the country how you're taking positive action in Healdsburg. To access Action America, click here. 

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The South Asian Network is a grassroots, community-based organization dedicated to advancing the health, empowerment and solidarity of persons of South Asian descent in Southern California.