Brilliant Star/Volume 45/Issue 2/Text

[Page -1]

[Page 0]TEIPILIL VEIL TEI L IL EY

Amethel Parel-Sewell — EDITOR/CREATIVE DIRECTOR C. Aaron Kreader DESIGNER/ILLUSTRATOR

Amy Renshaw — SENIOR EDITOR

Susan Engle ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Annie Reneau ASSISTANT EDITOR

Foad Ghorbani PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

MANY THANKS TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS:

Brian Aka - Emily Alves « Ava Anvari Beata Assadi

Lisa Blecker « Roger Dahl - Amelia Deshmukh - Isaac Dunn Laura Finley + Keyvan Geula « Jack Gordon « Dean Jones Serene Koen - Macy Littell - Doug Marshall - Mireya Mayor Claudia Monteiro + Jennie Moss « Nicholas Paps Donna Price » Gail Radley - Rebecca Rowley

Isabella Ruiter - Emily Sadeghian - Bijan Sharifi

Dr. William Smith + Malik Williams » Carol King Woodward

ART AND PHOTO CREDITS

lustrations by C. Aaron Kreader, unless noted

By Lisa Blecker: Photos for pp. 6 and 16

By Foad Ghorbani: Art for pp. 3, 5, and 27

Historical photos courtesy National Baha'i Archives, unless noted

STORY AND ACTIVITY CREDITS By Amy Renshaw: 2,11, 14

By Susan Engle: 2, 9, 12, 17, 20, 22, 28 By Annie Reneau: 3, 4, 7, 8, 19, 29 6,16

10, 11,14, 21, 27

SUBSCRIPTION RATES AND RENEWALS. To order or renew a subscription, contact Baha’ Subscriber Service: Toll-free: 1.800.999.9019 / E-mail: subscription@usbne. org ‘Standard U.S. rates: $18 (One year) $32 (Two years)

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(Canada and Mexico: $28 (One year); $48 (Two years)

SUBMISSIONS We welcome submissions and ideas from contributors of all ages. Contact us for editorial themes or submission guidelines.

RIGHTS, PERMISSIONS AND CLASS USE this magazine is copyrighted by the National Spirtual Assembly the US. oF by individual contributors. For pert copy or translate material, contact: Rights and Permissions, Briliant Star, +1283 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. Teachers may photocopy pages in

present on all copies, and proper credit given tothe copyright aver.

INTERNET RESOURCES AND INTERNET SAFETY When Internet resources are provided as references, we make every effort to choose reliable websites, but we do nat endorse or account for all content these websites. We urge caution and parental guidance wher For more information about Internet safety vist www.

Brilliant Star empowers kids to explore their roles as world citizens. Inspired by the principles of peace and unity in the Baha'i Faith, we encourage readers to use their virtues to make the world a better place. The Baha'i Faith is the second most widespread religion in the world, with over five million Baha'is. It was founded by the Prophet Baha'u'llah (“Glory of God" in Arabic) in 1863. Baha'u'llah taught that all people are part of one human family, and all religions come from one God. Baha'u'lldh’s eldest son, ‘Abdu'l-Baha, interpreted His teachings and led the Baha'i community after Bahé’u'llah’s passing. Today, Bahd’is work to bring love and justice to the world, and end prejudice and discrimination of all kinds.

P

ISSN 0884-9685

Baha’u’llah’s Life: Ocean of Wisdom His writings would fill over 100 books!

Riley’s Rainforest What makes you, YOU?

Maya’s Mysteries Blow a brilliant rainbow of bubbles.

We Are One Explore and care for the place we all call home.

Radiant Stars Get to know kids who shine, like you.

Lightning & Luna: Episode 56 Falling into the abyss

Nur’s Nook Build a tree to celebrate your family and commun

Treble Chef’s Music Café Sing a song of solidarity.

Stargazer: Dr. William “Smitty” Smith A life dedicated to friendship and oneness

Shining Lamp: Sadie Oglesby She courageously spoke up for race unity.

Cosmo's Corner A crossword and more from our favorite chameleon

aMAZEing ADVENTURE Which path leads to harmony?

Stars by Markovka [Page 1]NEW DESTINATIONS

Friendly Stripes Go wild about diversity on the Serengeti!

Friendly Teasing or Bullying? Which is which?

Power of Pink A colorful response to bullying

Jittery or Joyful? Party on with positive thoughts.

Tree of Humanity What ancient tree provides shelter, food, and water?

Cosmo's Connected Community Our clever chameleon gives tips about friendship.

Rhythm of Oneness Dance to our delightful diversity!

Serene’s China Adventure What if you asked your family to move to a new country?

Take a Bite Out of Stereotypes Sink your teeth into the truth about sharks.

Unity Challenge

Game on! Build peace with a friendly competition.

| Have a Dream A fresh take on a famous speech, by Brian A.

Hoshi’s Adventures: The Human Race Hoshi studies Earth’s most fascinating species.

Have you heard that all people on Earth are related? Scientists think humanity started in Africa, and that we all share the same ancestors. We're one big human family. So why don't we all get along and live in peace?

Prejudice and stereotypes are part of the reason. We come from different ethnic back- grounds and religions, with diverse cultures, languages, and points of view. If those differences are seen as problems, they can lead to hostility. But diversity is actually part of what makes humanity amazing.

You can help create a better world where all people treat each other like sisters and brothers. In this issue, take our unity challenge with friends. Quiz yourself on the differences between teasing and bullying. Read about one kid's dream of peace and another kid’s adventure in China. And meet Dr. William “Smitty” Smith, who founded a

center for promoting friendship

among all people.

Whether you're dealing with bullies or speaking out for justice, every day offers new chances to build unity.

What action will you take today?

With love from Brilliant Star

[Page 2]PLAINS ZEBRAS HAVE FEWER = . ye STRIPES IN SOUTHERN ZEBRAS AE BLACK SKIN AND

AFRICA THAN THEY 70 FUR. AREAS WITHOUT PIGMENT IN EASTERN AFRICA. FORM THEIR WHITE STRIPES.

WHEN TOO MANY GIRAFFES ARE CROWPED ON

ONE PATH?

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IMA WILDEBEEST,

Brilliant Star % MAY/JUNE 2013

[Page 3]Baha’u’llah’s hife: Mission of Peace

A Brief . Timeline Ocean of Wisdom The hife of id you know that Baha’u'llah’s writings —_ unity, friendship, and world peace. And Baha'u'llah would fill over 100 books? That’s like _ we can still celebrate the things that make an ocean of wisdom! each of us unique. If you were to dive into that ocean, you'd Unity is like a current that flows through

discover a lot about the oneness of humanity. Baha’u'llah’s teachings. “So powerful is the Baha'u'llah taught that we're all part of one light of unity,” He said, “that it can illuminate human family. Focusing on differences such _ the whole earth.” Becoming immersed in His as race and nationality can create conflict writings can help us spread that light to

and sadness. Instead, He urged us to build reveal that we're truly one family.

1817 November 12

Birth of Bahdlu'léh Find nine hidden letters. Use them to complete the quote below: in Tihran, Iran

1844 Recognizes the Bab as anew Messenger of God

1852 Imprisonment in the “Black Pit” of Tihran

1853-1863

Exile in Baghdad, Iraq. From 1854-1856, He goes into the mountains to pray in solitude.

1863 April 22 Declares Divine Mission as Prophet-Founder of the Baha'i Faith

1863-1868

Exile in Constantinople (Istanbul), then Adrianople (Edirne), Turkey. Begins writing letters to kings and rulers in 1867, urging world unity

1868 Last exile, to prison- city of ‘Akkd, Israel

1877.

Finally free to live in countryside homes of Mazra'ih and then Bahji, outside ‘Akka

e enerous in ros erit ,an than lina versit . e orth o thetrusto th

1892 May 29 nei h or,an loo u onhim itha ri ht an rien | ae... easalam unto Baha'u'llah passes

away at Bahjj. . . . ” huge themthat al in ar ness,a jo tothesorro wl, asea or the thirst ....° —Bahda'wlldh

SEE ANSWERS ON

MAY/JUNE 2013 *& Brilliant Star 3 [Page 4]‘°@ RILEY’sS RAIN

OREST

“Send down... from the clouds of Thy mercy the rains of Thy healing...” —Baha’u'llah

hen someone mentions “culture,” what comes to mind? Your family’s fun traditions? Travel? Yummy kinds of food?

For many of us, culture is an e important part of who we are. It can be based on where you live, who your ancestors were, or both. It includes the language, traditions, foods, arts, and other things that make up your way of life.

Your “race” is part of the picture, too. Though there's no scientific basis for race, people still use this term for cultural groups. But many of us don’t fit into just one category. In the 2010 U.S. Census, nine million people said they belong to more than one race.

Discovering your cultural back- ground can be cool, but it can sometimes be confusing. You may ) run into people who don’t respect

your culture, or who expect you to fit a stereotype. Or maybe you want to learn more about your family’s roots.

¢ SMILE at people. It lets them

know you're open and friendly.

e SHARE your stuff

your snack or a tum with your game.

¢ SIT with someone new in class,

Explore & Soar: Friends and Four §’s ii ot always easy to make different friends. Try these tips:

ffer a taste of

Your Cool Culture

Remember that only you can

decide who you are. And your culture is only part of your identity. Your spirit, talents, and interests are what make you unique. When you're confident in those things and appreciate them in others, culture is just a fun part of the puzzle.

So have a great time exploring your culture. Talk to elders in your community, and get involved in celebrations and traditions. Find things that you love about your background, such as stories, songs, or customs, and share them with friends. We can enjoy all of Earth’s diversity, since we're all world citizens from one human family.

in the cafeteria, or on the bus. ¢ STAND UP for kids

who are picked on.

Being a friend

can be the

best way to

make one.

4 Brilliant Star % MAY/JUNE 2013

(danopy of @ueBbionz

hat do you want to know about

staying healthy and happy? Health can involve your body, mind, emotions, and spirit. Send your questions to brilliant@usbne.org. Responses are given by a health professional.

66 What do you do when a popular girl bullies you on the bus? 99 —Isabella, age 12

Dear Isabella,

You have a right to feel safe and protected, no matter where you are. No one should look away when you or any other kids are being picked on.

If you are bullied, tell adults. You need special care and guidance, and so does the bully. God created people to be like the cells of one body or like one family. When we forget that, many people get hurt.

Bullies are full of fears, insecurities, and a desire to have power over others. They represent the forces of darkness, like Darth Vader in Star Wars.

Good people are like the forces of light. To confront the darkness, stay with a group of kids who are kind and compassionate. Try to sit near the front of the bus. Ask parents, teachers, and the bus driver to get involved when you see bullying behavior.

You and your friends can also pray for the bullies, so they find healthy ways to attract attention to themselves.

Wishing you joy,

Keyvan Geula Licensed Family Therapist

[Page 5]Fri¢ndly Tedsing Oy Bullying?

ou and your friends are having fun, But bullying is different. It’s repeatedly using Yours around. But then the teasing mean or threatening words and actions meant goes too far. Someone's feelings to hurt. Bullying is never okay. If you're being get hurt. What do you do? bullied, talk to a trusted adult for help. Friends usually realize they've made It can be tricky to tease people in a a mistake, stop teasing, and apologize. gentle, positive way. If you accidentally hurt Teasing is okay if it’s friendly and everyone someone's feelings, stop the teasing and say likes it. It can be a fun part of hanging that you're sorry. When everyone is respectful out together. of others’ feelings, life can be a barrel of laughs.

Is it friendly teasing or mean bullying? Check out this quiz to make sure everyone is having fun.

10. You enjoy joking back and forth, and you all laugh along good-naturedly.

Friends O Bullies oO

11. You share some interests and do fun things together.

Friends (_) Bullies (_)

12. You feel angry, scared, or anxious

when they make fun of you.

Friends (_) Bullies (_)

1. They put you down for being upset. 6. They whisper or laugh at you when Friends (_) Bullies (_) they think you won't notice.

Friends O Bullies OO

13. They send mean e-mails to you or

bout you. 2. They continue making fun of you, apour you Friends CO Bullies CO even when you tell them to stop. 7. You like them and feel good when Friends O Bullies O you're around them. 14. They stand up for you when others 3. They mock your race, religion, looks, Friends O Bullies O ave mean. Friends (__) Bullies (__) or language. 8. They threaten you or push you Friends (_) Bullies (_) around physically. STOP tT! 4. They only call you nicknames that Friends O Bullies O you like. 9. They don’t mind if you tease them in Friends (_) Bullies (_ ) retum. Friend. Bulli 5. You want to avoid going places where mends O tares O

you might see them.

Friends (_) Bullies (_)

My score: See answers on page 28. Give yourself two points for each correct answer. 20-28 points: You know what true 10-18 points: You spot bullies, but you 0-8 points: Take a close look at who you friends are like. If you see bullying, use can sharpen your skills. Stay calm and tell hang out with—they may not be true your smarts to speak up or tell an adult. bullies to stop. Look for kinder friends. friends! Talk it over with a parent or teacher.

MAY/JUNE 2013 *% Brilliant Star 5 [Page 6]oO c e——

“These colors developed . . . due to climates { and regions; they have no significance

whatsoever.” —'Abdu'l-Baha 5 (@)

oap bubbles shimmer in colors of the rainbow. S Their soapy “skin” can also look clear, black,

or iridescent. The colors change with light, thickness, environment, or the color of the liquid.

Human skin color is diverse, too. Like bubbles,

where we came from has an impact. Our skin color

depends on melanin~—a dark pigment that protects

us from the sun. Differences in skin color evolved as early humans migrated from Africa to other parts of the world. Some scientists think tropical areas tend to

9)

~ COLORS OF HUMANITY

BUBBLES ANZ HUMANS COME

IN AMAZING COLORS!

have people with darker skin because more melanin helps them survive harmful levels of ultraviolet (UV) > sunlight. Melanin may also preserve the nutrient 1s folic acid, which UV rays can break down.

Lighter skin is often more common in areas with less sun. Our bodies need sunlight to create vitamin D, so less melanin in lighter skin may help people absorb UV light.

Celebrate the colorful human spectrum by making rainbow bubbles with your family and friends.

Oo

1 With an adult’s help, cut off bottom of bottle.

3 Mix % cup (118 mL) warm water and % cup (59 mL) dishwashing soap in bowl,

until soap dissolves.

2 To make bubble wand, pull sock

tightly over bottle’s cut end. Fold or cut sock if needed. Secure with rubber band.

Make Your Own Rainbow Bubbles ————--__—-

You'll Need: 4 Small, clean plastic bottle scissors ¢ white sock ¢ rubber band bowl © water ¢ dishwashing soap measuring cup ® food coloring*

0

To blow bubbles, dip cloth end into soap and blow into the bottle top (don’t inhale).

5 Dip wand into soap again. Add food coloring to cloth and blow into bottle top. To reuse wand, rinse cloth and let air-dry.

Brilliant Star % MAY/JUNE 2013

aii

• Caution: Food coloring and colored bubbles

may stain skin, clothes, or furniture.

[Page 7][Page 8]JITTERY OR JOYEUL?

ou’ve just arrived at a party where you'll meet a a new friend. That’s worth celebrating! 1 ie of new people. Are you excited? Or are you A lot depends on your attitude. If you go in with a queasy from the butterflies in your stomach? positive outlook, you’re more likely to connect with It’s natural to feel a bit anxious in new situations. others. Imagine feeling calm and confident as you But stepping out of your comfort zone can be worth it. introduce yourself, start a conversation, or do other You might meet someone who shares your favorite things that normally make you nervous. interests. Or you might learn about cool ideas or Don’t let fear ruin your fun. Use the power of positive hobbies you’ve never heard of. You could even make thinking, and you’ Il be amazed at how festive you feel!

S on eee a i af aS ra > VE er a ae | re (( y) 7 Py eto (SOE or = Wa See > > =

] WES ) A_( 7 ZI Nasi

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i at aid,

8 Brilliant Star % MAY/JUNE 2013 SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 28,

[Page 9]TREE OF HUMANITY R

“All may be seen to be the parts oF ... the great tree oF the human Family. For mankind may be likened to the branches, leaves, blossoms and Fruit oF that tree.” —‘Abdu'l-Baha

umelang from Botswana in Africa! I am Baakir, roots can be tapped for water, too. And water is so 1 I'm 1,000 years old. Humans say that we important for life. baobabs look like we've been planted upside down, Speaking of life, did you know that scientists think with our roots at the top. Do you think so? humanity started on my continent of Africa? They say I'm also called the tree of life—maybe because that every human is related to everyone else. When you I provide shelter, food, and water for animals and think of your family tree, think of me, and remember people. My fruit is super nutritious. And some hollow __ that you have sisters and brothers all over the globe— baobabs are used to store water for villages. My from Argentina to Botswana to Zimbabwe.

Color Baakir and search For a bullfrog, a leopard, a lizard, and a monkey. Also Find an owl, a parrot, a stork, and a tortoise.

Setswana: Dumelang= Hello MAY/JUNE 2013 % Brilliant Star 9 [Page 10]LOC YU = Wen hr>>~ >RILaile ANG OU ms SCG MNO NAO LET O 4.5 CS SEP ECO EHO oahu. eS

gee. Cosirc's Connected’ Community

W hy did the chameleon climb to the other of light, temperature, or to show our moods.

side of the tree? He wanted to branch out! I've heard that some humans with different ’skin i Hi! I'm Cosmo, a chameleon. I love laughing colors have trouble getting along. How crazy is

• and telling jokes with my friends. There are many that? I love all of my friends—it doesn’t matter if

kinds of chameleons, with over 150 species in they're green, blue, or striped. If everyone were the different sizes, shapes, and colors. We're famous for same, it would be borrrrr-ring! When all humans changing colors—we can turn brown, green, blue, appreciate diversity, the world will be a happier

yellow, red—and even patterned. We change because place—and that’s no joke!

O87 “QO Use the letter pairs to complete Cosmo's tips about getting along with diverse friends. Each pair is used only once. “wae

Ay ! die 5 g 2 AX! < Mt Re IS ONE S09 WYSE SSF Ray 0

aN WZ a ae ds ONS ¥

wordsandasmile. 7 Userespectand = manners —

2. Watchforwaysto =» === __soothers. like “please“and “thank you"—even with pals.

3. Speakupwhenyousee «= _—Ss___being bullied. 8 Aka to join

Ao and be open-minded when you hear you to sit with new kids at lunch. | different opinions. 9. Remember that some cultures may be uncomfortable with

5. Askothersabouttheir = traditions and celebrations. Gpocniclayfeuealigya; — —_ —_.___ Wis =,

6 lem phrases in a friend's language. 0. Aigclagizalijyautislla — — — — ti

accidentally hurts someone's feelings.

——>—

10 Brilliant Star % MAY/JUNE 2013 SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 28 [Page 11]EXPioRE AND PROTECT THE EARTH AnD ITs CREATURES

& A Qa “All the members of this endless universe q E oe are linked one to another.” —Baha’'i Writings ) ——_

ARE NE %

Water is a precious resource! A five-minute shower can use less

Take a shorter shower.

WOW, REALLY?

Up to one million species live in Earth’s oceans—

water than filling the ; and as many as _OUR CONNECTIONS bathtub. Set a timer— , Aes two-thirds of challenge your family them have not yet Scientists say modern humans to see who's fastest! \ been discovered. began in Africa about 200,000 3 years ago. How do they know? Fossils of ancient humans have been found there, in places such pn E STING OURPLANET J) as Ethiopia, Sudan, and Tanzania. Scientists Dr. Mireya Mayor is an anthropologist have named several different species of early who's passionate about wildlife. In 2000,

humans. How humans developed through time is still a puzzle. Some believe we share a common ancestor with other primates,

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

she helped discover a new species of mouse lemur in Madagascar, leading to its habitat becoming a national park. She’s an Emmy- an nominated TV reporter and says, “I don’t but the Baha’i Faith teaches that humans think you need to travel halfway across the have always been distinct from animals. globe to make a difference . . . Our everyday decisions... make an impact .. .”

Eight million people live in this metropolis, making it the largest city in the U.S. Once called New Amsterdam, immigrants from 148 countries live in the city’s five boroughs, adding to its vibrant diversity. Unscramble the letters to find this city:

ENW KOYR

There are about 17,000 known species of butterflies, with an amazing array of colors. This type evolved its striking coloring to mimic a poisonous butterfly, so birds don’t eat it. Fill in the blanks to find its species:

ED-S O TED U PLE

Images: human by Lonely; clock by Julien Tromeur; Dr. Mayer © Mark Thiessen/National Geographic city by IM_photo; butterfly by StevenRussellSmithPhotos SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 28

MAY/JUNE 2013 %& Brilliant Star 11 [Page 12]onnect with kids around the world!

ow are they like you? How are they different? Each of us has a unique " story to tell. What’s yours?

nen = ¥ LP

| live in: Illinois, U.S.

| want to be: Marine biologist or zoologist

Something | like about me that makes me unique: Ilove retro and vintage styles...

Favorite Baha'i activities: Green Lake Baha'i Confe- tence...I grow spiritually ..and I love making new Baha'i friends.

Favorite animal or pet:

Our family ferret, Genghis,

and my hedgehog, Otto

Place I'd love to visit: Haifa, Israel, for my year of service

| like to help people by:

Lending a friendly ear... help them talk problems out without criticizing...

If | feel left out:

I talk to people that are making me feel excluded. Usually they don’t realize you feel that way.

What I really enjoy from a culture other than my own My favorite dishis an African soup called Senegalese Peanut Soup. It has coconut milk, curry, and sweet potatoes. My dad makes it, and it is so delicious!!!

To handle bullying or prejudice: Itry to graciously stand up for the person. I try to remain calm and talk it out without letting the problem escalate.

Age: 15

| live in: Massachusetts, U.S.

| want to be: An animal rights activist, animal behaviorist, or an author

Best quality or virtue: Friendliness and trust

Something | like about me that makes me unique: aim to see and focus on the good qualities in every person I know.

Favorite Baha’i activities: Art projects and setting Baha'i prayers and writings to music

If | feel left out: leither talk to people and

respectfully tell them how I’m feeling, or 1 go and do

something fun by myself.

What I really enjoy from a culture other than my own: African, Irish, and Jewish folk music

Age: 10

| live in:

Massachusetts, U.S.

| want to be: Vet

Best quality or virtue: Kind

Something | like about me that makes me unique: I’m half Persian.

Hobbies or sports: Basketball

Favorite Baha’ activities: Camp Green Acre [at Green Acre Baha'i School in Maine, U.S.]

To handle bullying

or prejudice:

I tell my parents ora teacher at school. If an adult isn’t around, I tell the aggressor that what they’re doing is mean and unacceptable.

It’s important to make friends from different cultures because:

When people aren’t exposed to different cultures and backgrounds, they can develop a sense that “different is bad,” because they're afraid of the unknown. I've also learned a lot from people that are different from me.

Favorite animal or pet: My favorite animal is aturtle, andl havea dog named Duke.

Place I'd love to visit: Haifa, Israel

| like to help people by: Ihave a Baha'i library for Feast.*

If | feel left out:

I tell someone.

What I really enjoy from a culture other than my own: Italian food and Persian music

It’s important to make friends from different cultures because:

It can unite the world.

If | were a world leader, to help build global unity:

I would say no 4X

Brilliant Star

%& =MAY/JUNE 2013

to fighting. “Feast is a Bahd{ community gathering with prayers, consultation, and fellowship [Page 13]Age: 12 | live in: Shanghai, China

| want to be: An architect/designer

Best quality or virtue: Tact

Something | like about me that makes me unique: Iam the only Baha'i in my school.

Place I'd love to visit: Brazil. [love the colors, architecture, music...

| like to help people by: Taking care of my siblings for my mom, doing dishes, cleaning up, etc.

If | feel left out:

Itry to let it go, walk off, and make some more friends (keeping old friends, of course).

What | really enjoy from a culture other than my own:

Age: 12 | live in: Maryland, US. | want to be: A surgeon

rm

Something | like about me that makes me unique: To care deeply about other people’s feelings

Best quality or virtue: Truthfulness

Hobbies or sports: Karate, piano, soccer

Favorite Baha’/ activities: Doing community service activities

Favorite animal or pet Cheetah

Place I'd love to visit: Haifa

| like to help people by: Making them feel better when they’re upset

If | feel left out: Ishare my feelings and thoughts with my mom.

~

Chinese New Year. The celebrations are always very colorful and festive, plus we get a month off of school to celebrate!!!

To handle bullying

or prejudice:

lignore them if they’re talking to me, but if they’re talking to my friends, I defend them.

If | were a world leader,

to help build global unity: I'dconnect with... other countries’ leaders to form acommittee ...to discuss the world’s problems and how to take action.

What I really enjoy from a culture other than my own really like Indian food.

To handle bullying or prejudice:

Idefend and stand up for my friend.

It’s important to make friends from different cultures because:

It creates diversity, and it helps me to learn more about the world.

If | were a world leader, to help build global unity. Icould teach people about the Baha’i principles and Baha’w'llah’s teachings.

“God has crowned you with honor and

in your hearts has He set a radiant star;

verily the light thereof shall brighten

the whole world!”

Age: 9 I live in: Michigan, U.S.

| want to be: A [sports medicine] teacher at a university

Best quality or virtue: Tam a hard worker.

Something | like about me that makes me unique: Ilike to write .. . fiction and legends.

Hobbies or sports:

Playing ball ...[collecting] sports cards, writing, drawing, reading

Favorite Baha'i activities: Iam Roman Catholic. Ilike fish fries during Lent; Ilike to volunteer to cook and clean up...and to eat with my family and friends... I visited the Baha'i House of Worship in Illinois with ...Baha’ifriends...It was very interesting, and lliked the architecture.

| like to help people by: Talking to people who do not have anyone to talk with ...It is good to reach out to people who might be lonely or shy.

What I really enjoy from a culture other than my own: Mexican food and Mexican dancing...

To handle bullying

or prejudice:

Ijust ignore bullies, so they don’t get any attention.

It’s important to make friends from different cultures because:

If you talk to people from other cultures, you learn about the rest of the world... It makes you a better person.

1, If you're age 7-14, write us at brilliant@usbnc.org

or Brilliant Star, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201.

Include your name, age, birth date, mailing and e-mail addresses, and phone number. Mention “Radiant Star” 4 in the e-mail subject line or in your message.

2. When it’s your turn to shine, we'll send you questions and a form for you and your parents to sign.

3. Answer the questions and send them to us with the signed form, along with at least two good- quality, close-up photographs of your smiling face. Photos should be in sharp focus and show your eyes clearly. Please don’t send color copies,

low-resolution digital images, or copyright- protected images (like school portraits).

MAY/JUNE 2013 »& Brilliant Star

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13

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[Page 14]I-Y’MLOSING CONTROL-L

DON’T WANT TO

HURT THEM...

STEADY, BURORA. YOU’RE DOING GREAT!

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FREEZE RAY. AURORA USED HER SOLAR POWER T0 SAVE YOU.

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NOW... WE HAVE TO F - ... FIN? CASCADE!

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q HEAD BACK, STORM. WE’RE RESCUING cee, [naa] SURVIVORS AND TRYING TO FIX DAMAGE | 7 PS] FROM ALL THE MELTING AN? FLOODING!

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PULSAR, I’M SORRY FOR EVERYTHING.

FOR BLINDING YOU, FOR BECOMING AN ERASER, FOR THE DAMAGE I'VE DONE. . . CAN YOU FORGIVE ME?

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14 Brilliant Star % MAY/JUNE 2013 [Page 15]THANK YOU FOR BELIEVING IN ME. LREALLY 70 WANT TO MAKE UP FOR EVERYTHING.

YOULL HELP HER? SHE WAS TRYING TO DESTROY THE ARCTIC! HOW CAN YOU THINK OF FORGIVING HER?

PLACE? SHE’S CHANGEP-SHE

WHAT WOULD YOU 70 IN MY WANTS TO MAKE THINGS RIGHT.

LON’T THINK / CAN FORGIVE HER. T KNOW SHE’S YOUR SISTER AND YOU LOVE HER, BUT WE HAVE TO UPHOL? JUSTICE.

IF AURORA CAN HELP US THAT LEAD US TO JUSTICE?

STOP THE ERASERS, WOULDN'T

I’M ELAD YOU FOUND YOUR ISTER. 1’ BE IN TROUBLE

WITHOUT MINE.

BAXTER, BRIV

THE TROUBLE IN THE

ARCTIC IS ALL OVER THE NEWS!

YOU KNOW, LJ ASKING IF WE COLIN HAS HEARD ABOUT BEEN CALLING | | UPLIFTERS IN ALOT... | | THE ARCTIC.

3 ) Oly

LWISH THERE WAS A WAY TO TELL HIM WHO WE ARE, WITHOUT PUTTING HIM IN DANGER.

ENOUGH VO WE HAVE ABOUT THE ANYTHING A’ UPLIFTERS. LITTLE LESS IS FAMILY

URY FAILEP US, COMMANDER. AND SHE’S GONE BACK TO THE UPLIFTERS AS AURORA.

Te! WHO

SHE’LL BE SORRY SHE VOUBLE-CROSSED US!

j WHAT WILL THE ERASERS 70 NEXT? f

MAY/JUNE 2013 »& Brilliant Star

15

[Page 16]o you have dark or light skin? Dark brown, blue, or green eyes? Other colors in between? With so much diversity, it's amazing that we all belong to the same human family.

By studying human DNA —material that has information about how we look and function—scientists have discovered that we're much more alike than different. Research shows that at the genetic level, we're all about 99% or more alike. The tiny differences in our DNA contribute to things

Brown paper lunch bag ® pencil ¢ ruler

3" (7.6 cm) corrugated cardboard square 3" (7.6 cm) tissue paper squares © scissors 1" (2.5 cm) construction paper circles white glue ¢ markers ¢ rubber band

Fold bag in half. Unfold. Draw three lines to center crease, to make four even sections. Cut along lines.

RB

2 Pinch bag’s entire center together. Wind rubber

bag’s center until snug.

{au B<

5 Separate paper strips. Twist and bend strips into branches.

6 Glue pinched pieces of

grass, and blossoms.

¥| He

band several times around

tissue paper onto branches or roots to make leaves,

One Family Tree

“Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch.” —Baha’u’llah

like our appearance, such as hair, eyes, and skin color. There are no genes that put someone in a certain ethnic group, such as African American, Chinese, or Navajo. Each group actually has a lot of variation within it—more than the differences between groups. Sadly, there’s much hostility in the world over our differences. When we all see that we're part of one human family tree, we'll have a more peaceful world. Check out the activity below to help you celebrate our unity and diversity.

MY FRIENDS MAY LOOK DIFFERENT, BUT WE BELONG TO

THE SAME TREE!

4 Glue cardboard to flap. Press top of flap against board for roots.

3 Unfold bag’s bottom flap. To make trunk, twist bag between flap and rubber band.

Ask each person in your family or community to create a paper fruit with his or her name and a favorite talent or virtue. Glue fruits to tree.

Brilliant Star % MAY/JUNE 2013

16 [Page 17]a ta da-a-a! A trumpet calls out, followed by the happy beat of the conga. The crowd can't help but

dance to the rhythm as the music moves their spirits.

Why is the music so exciting? When the kids planned the concert, they decided to show the diversity of their town by playing instruments from many ethnic groups that live there. They're bringing together sounds from continents and islands around the world. In a similar

way, when we cooperate with people from different back- grounds, our varied voices can create joyful harmony. The kids have been practicing for weeks for their big performance at this fundraiser for a new community center. They made new friends, had fun, and brought the crowd together. They also accomplished their goal and raised the needed money. And that’s music to everyone’s ears.

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 28

MAY/JUNE 2013 »& Brilliant Star

17 [Page 18]START OF MY BIG IDEA: A BLOG EXCERPT

and I were in our car looking for lots to build a bigger house. We were

driving and driving, and switching music from one song to another. It was really, really boring. Then I just said, “Why don’t we move to China?”

My mum and dad looked surprised and said, “Well, let’s see!”

So after about half of the day of looking at lots, we went home and consulted about moving to China, and we finally decided that we should go! We looked at the map of China and talked about where we could best be of service. We decided on a place called Xiamen, known as “the beautiful city by the sea.” Xiamen is in Fujian Province.

My dad took a one-year research leave from his university where he was a professor and found a job in Xiamen. We had a huge moving sale, packed up, and left for the Far East on my dad’s birthday, which he said was the best birthday present ever.

|: all started in the spring of 2009, when my mum, dad, grandma, sister,

The trip took about 24 hours to reach our new home in Xiamen. We were so excited! We did not know what to expect! When we arrived in Xiamen, we stayed in a hotel for several days while we looked for an apartment. My dad knew how to speak a little Chinese, so he... came back with sweet bread and bananas, which was very different than what we were eating in America. We finally rented an apartment . . . where you could see the ocean on one side and mountains on the other...

BY SERENE K., AGE 10

Hi! I have lived in Xiamen, China, since 2010. I love languages, and I know English, Persian, Chinese, and I am also learning Spanish. I’m very athletic and love sports— swimming, basketball, kung fu, badminton, and many more. My hobbies are playing music, including the Chinese gu zheng, which is a 21-stringed instrument, piano, hand drums, singing, drawing, writing, doing Chinese painting and calligraphy, reading, and photography.

T love making friends, meeting new people, and teaching the Baha’i Faith. I’m honored to be a blogger for Brilliant Star’s new website. Read more about my adventures at www. brilliantstarmagazine.org in the Clubhouse section.

Hello = Ni hao

Happy to meet you = Wo hén gao xing rén shi ni

Please = Qing Thank you = Xié xié I love you = W6 di ni

Bye-bye = Zai jian

18 Brilliant Star % MAY/JUNE 2013

Lanterns and branches by Catherinecml, Dragon by Artisticco [Page 19]hen someone says “shark,” many think of a in one hand! The image of bloodthirsty sharks is a

vicious beast lurking in the ocean, waiting to stereotype—a broad assumption about an entire group. 5 % attack unsuspecting prey—or people. You might run into stereotypes about humans, ‘’ But that isn’t an accurate picture of all sharks. In too—due to skin color, culture, gender, or other ta

fact, there are more than 350 different kinds of sharks, things. Lumping a group of people together based

with diverse qualities. The whale shark is the largest fish on one part of their identity isn’t fair. Just as a shark in the ocean—it can be longer than a school bus! But it doesn’t always spell danger, we can’t judge others

6h eats mainly plankton and is harmless to humans. The based on stereotypes. If we dive in and look under dwarf lantern shark is so small you could easily hold it the surface, we'll see that each individual is unique.

Find virtues and ideas that help us appreciate diversity and avoid stereotypes. €

INDIVIDUAL SHARKS HAVE NO BONES. OUR SKELETONS ARE IMAVE OF CARTILAGE, LIKE MOST OF YOUR NOSE.

RESPECT

REPLACE TEETH. SOME F OF US LOSE 30,000 IN ALIFETIME!

HHO WDWWxXCBZHOCMHVAITAK<

SOZ=CrAZzeCVIOCVZzZgAMeK VU <~<~<<—<AHUNAMKHTVDOHSCVG NFrASmMMoevy AH VATNAKxTMN =Zc~~HNnNOVZzZSCHATrSFoMZ2criH SP RVEMQDUNHZAGH RAK TON OHMASVGOZSSADOUH SCOONHA WANHADCZZAZACYFACKCTIVxXAMmM PANO M TM SEONINM VA SF]SNMMAMOAA PFOKPZHXHWNDPHDNOSZMHATMA SrmrwAwdwenzrToOVvZWrFaZzAMI<K= WPATMVCOHZAwWHVzZSPANnAMIVIZzAC

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SINCE OUR EYES ARE ON THE SIDES OF OUR HEADS, WE CAN NEARLY SEE IN A FULL CIRCLE.

~

MAY/JUNE 2013 *& Brilliant Star 19 [Page 20]MUSIC CAFE

“Music, sung or played, is spiritual food for soul and heart.” —Baha’i Writings

SO LHOPPED ON MY BIKE AND INVITED HER OVER TO THE CAFE. GUESS WHAT? SHE ROCKS ON THE VIOLIN! WE’RE GOING TO PLAY THIS SONG AS A DUET. IT’S FUN TO GET TO KNOW NEW FRIENDS. I’M GLAD L ASKED HER TO...

STAND WITH ME o...0.00:

THERE’S A NEW KID IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD WHO SEEMS LONELY.

F Bb Gm F (as Sees seaaceze SS e — If there’s one lit-tle per- son be-ing left. a- lone Stand with them Stand with them And if there’s 6 (After Verse 3, to Bridge 1) CHORUS Bb p-1, b> = othe ot ft e @? tte tte? = Qo _———: : t : + — t one lit-tle per- son be-ing treat-ed wrong. Stand with them Stand with them Stand with me and we'll i ; D0 es. , Eb F Bb @@- 9 @ » —2 : ——— f—f ————! + —e ———— <—t — eo oy — — all stand to-ge-ther Stand with me Stand with me Stand with me and we'll all stand to-ge-ther Stand with 16 p4 Eb [1.2.F Tonextverse ][3. Bridge! Bb p—t T 2-2-2 e—e —— —— | — = = === 2 2 t+—} +— } === . = me Stand with me If there’s = me Willa - no-ther Vic-tor Ja - ra Or Mar-tin Lu-ther King come our 2 Eb F Bb Eb bart? eo === 25====22 === © y =T 7 i= —=—4t wa-y I don’t kno - w But if we all stand to- ge - ther and be a lit tle brave, you ne-ver kno - w where we'll 26 F ToChorus 14. Bh Bridge 2 (Repeat once, then go to Chorus) p pre ==: BS 222225) 52222252 =2=22-222 = === Qa t : — t _——— + t : — +— go one lit-tle per- son ‘one lit-tle per - son one lit-tle per- son all a- lone If there’s 2. If there's one single person who's feeling afraid Stand with me, stand with me Stand with them, stand with them Until every little soul in the world gets to shine When there's people in the world who find themselves Stand with me, stand with me being waylaid Bridge 1 Stand with them, stand with them Chorus Chorus Bridge 2 3. Until every little soul in the world can shine Chorus

i © 2013 Dean J 2 [o] Brilliant Star %* MAY/JUNE 2013 For more songs by Dean Jones, visit www.dogonfleas.com [Page 21]ave you ever met someone new, and just by ui looking, expected him or her to be athletic, shy, or a math wiz—then found out you were wrong? It’s easy to get ideas about people based on their appearance—but it’s better to keep an open mind. Making snap judgments about people you don’t know isn’t fair. If your judgments are negative, you might have prejudices, and not be aware of them. We can subconsciously pick up

negative ideas and stereotypes about groups from the media or others. But we can overcome them by reaching out to diverse people with friendliness. With diverse friends, life is more interesting,

and we get a wider view of the world. Some studies even find that learning about other cultures can make you more creative. Challenge yourself and your friends to celebrate diversity— you'll build unity and have fun doing it!

CHALLENGERS:

Dr Read a book or see a movie about another culture.

O Shop at an ethnic grocery store or market.

Dr Invite a friend to celebrate a holiday from another culture.

O Talk with your family about how people of diverse backgrounds are shown on TV.

O Visit a new neighbor with your family.

START DATE:

END DATE:

Challenge your friends to see who can do the Most activities in two Weeks. Add your own, too. Then do it again with new friends you've made!

[List 10 stereotypes in the media and share them with your friends.

OLear a dance from another culture.

O Pick a day to smile and greet 10 new people.

O Play a game from another culture.

O Visit a museum exhibit about another culture or religion.

OF Fat lunch with new kids at school.

[Listen to music from three different countries.

DO Read a comic with heroic characters who are female or ethnically diverse.

O Memorize how to say hello in six different languages.

O Cook a traditional meal from

[Learn five cool facts about another country.

another country.

O Attend a worship service with a oO friend of another faith. Or Memorize a prayer or sacred writing about unity. o O Create a story, song, poem, or piece . of art about diversity, overcoming [Invite someone new to play a THE WINNER: prejudice, or getting along. game or hang out. ra. 4 —

MAY/JUNE 2013 »& Brilliant Star

[Page 22]a jae) N < O a <= 7)

Q: How did your family encourage you in your career? A: | came from a very, very loving

Dr. William “Smitty” Smith

magine visiting a neighborhood in your town and being in

danger of getting beaten, arrested by police, or worse—just

because of your skin color. This was part of life for William “Smitty” Smith as he was growing up in South Carolina, U.S., around the 1950s. He became determined to challenge racism. After earning two Bronze Star medals as a medic during the Vietnam War, he studied education. He saw it as the way to "make the quickest impact on improving society and underserved people.” Smitty earned a doctorate degree from the University of Massachusetts and helped schools develop new ways of teaching. Then he created his own media company and used TV and film to educate.

In 2010, Smitty founded the National Center for Race Amity at Wheelock College in Boston. As executive director, he organizes events such as plays, discussions, concerts, and films exploring friendship and cooperation. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife, Marcia.

Left: Smitty gained much confidence

as a kid through

his loving family. Right: In 1965, Smitty entered the U.S. Army and helped save lives in Vietnam as a medic.

family. Incredible love. It really just permeated my mother, my grandmother, my grandfather. And that love gave me... a certain level of confidence. They were very encouraging. My

generation in my family was the first college generation. My

grandmother was a pioneer of Q: What inspired you to form the National Center for Race Amity? sorts... She graduated from A: When ‘Abdu'l-Baha came to America, among the many things that he the Chicago School of Nursing emphasized was race amity, creating close racial unity and friendship ... And my grandfather was an ... | was working on projects to deal with . . . bridging the racial divide, entrepreneur... And so | think | and... [I wrote a grant proposal] to create the National Center for Race had a sense of people who could Amity ... What attracted my heart to the Baha'i Faith is that the central do things under extraordinary, principle that Baha'u'llah announced ... . is the oneness of the human family . . . difficult circumstances. [These ideas, friendship and unity] . . . that's what galvanized me to do this.

Q: How do you define race amity, and why is it important?

A: Race amity is racial friendship . . . There are two [groups] that we hold near and dear to us: family and friends. We will do most anything to assist our family ... And after family comes our friends . . . To the extent that we can promote and encourage cross-racial friendships . .. we can create lasting bonds, human bonds, between people.

Brilliant Star % MAY/JUNE 2013 [Page 23]Answers with an

Q: The U.S. and the world have made a lot of progress in defeating racism. What are the biggest challenges we still face?

A: We face the basic challenge of ... not knowing one another as human beings on a personal level... We don't embrace and see one another as fellow beings ... across racial divides. . . How do we create friendships, opportunities for people to get to see and know one another and be together?

Q: Do you ever feel discouraged about racism and disunity? A: No, because | see in my lifetime the quantum ... leaps that we have made in society. | mean,

| experienced, as a kid, total racial segregation. | did not have one white or non-black friend. Period. Until | was at the end of my high school years and became a Baha'i... We've made tremendous, tremendous progress in that regard...

So I'm optimistic that we're moving forward.

Left: In 2000, Smitty received congratulations from President Bill Clinton and Senator Ted Kennedy at the White House for helping to create a national Day

of Honor for minority veterans of World War IL

Every June, the National Center for Race Amity hosts “A Festival for the Human Family” at the Rose F. Kennedy Greenway in Boston. New friendships are made through art, music, and food.

Q: You wrote and produced the documentary The Invisible Soldiers: Unheard Voices. How did that come to be?

A: My film company ... won a contract from the [U.S] Defense Department to do a film ... on the participation of African Americans in [World War II] ... The army was totally segregated [then] . .. We interviewed these black soldiers, men and women, and some of the whites who worked with them. They all talked about the incredible prejudice and bigotry under which they served ... . [At] the preview of the film at the Defense Department . . . we almost got fired once [because we included the unedited comments about racism] . . . [So later], we made The Invisible Soldiers: Unheard Voices. . . It let [the soldiers] tell their story.

Q: What can kids do to build oneness in their communities?

A: Kids can ... in their schools, in their play, on their teams... . reach out and get involved with people who are unlike [them] in terms of racial and cultural background . . . To look around themselves and ask the question, “How can | be more involved with other people who are different from myself racially and ethnically?"

Q: If you had one wish for Brilliant Star readers, what would it be?

A: That they all become race amity ambassadors . . . And that they all understand . .. [that] the unity of humanity, the oneness of mankind, is the central principle around which all other Baha'i principles revolve.

Photos: Top ltt portrait by Emily Sadeghian, top right by the White House,

group by Malik Williams and Claudia Monteira

MAY/JUNE 2013 »& Brilliant Star

[Page 24]“T Have a Qream”

During the celebration of Martin Luther King, my teacher

asked us to write an essay about what our dream would be, and to use the famous words of Dr. King. When I got home,

I told my mom that I would like to write about the Baha’i leaders called the Yaran, meaning “Friends,” so that my classmates and friends would know about the injustice Baha’is are enduring in Iran. It is really

my desire and dream that the Yaran and other Baha'is be freed, as well as all the people in the world who are suffering because of their religion.

I volunteered to read my essay in front of my class. At first, I was very scared, because I did not know how my friends would react. But I said a quick prayer in my heart and read it.

Many of my classmates were shocked about what was happening to the Baha'is and did not know about the Faith. When my teacher gave

me back my essay, he wrote, “You represent your religion very well. You should be proud of yourself. Excellent essay. I learned a lot.”

Brian’s Cisay

am happy to stand in front of you today, to [= about the discrimination and prejudices

that are happening in Iran with the Baha‘is.

The Bahai Faith is the world’s most recent religion,

originating in Persia, now called Iran. It was founded by a noble Persian man named Baha'u'llah, which means the “Glory of God.” In 1863, Baha'u'llah declared that He was the one announced by other Manifestations of God, such as Abraham, Buddha, Krishna, Moses, Jesus Christ, and Muhammad.

The Baha'i Faith is an independent world religion. Today, there are over five million Bahda’is, all around the world.

The main purpose of the Baha'i Faith is unity. Bahda‘is do not make a distinction between the various races of humanity. We believe in “unity in diversity,” because we all come from the same human race. The

Bahai Faith is a progressive and continuous revelation of

other previous religions. The only difference comes from the social factors that change over time. For example, Baha’is believe in equality of rights between men and women, abolition of prejudices, universal education, etc.

The Bahda’i Faith also teaches the unity of religion. From its conception, the Baha'is have been persecuted and martyred because of their beliefs. In the mid- 1800s, some 20,000 followers were killed by the authorities who viewed this new religion as a threat to Islam.

In the 20th century, many events of violence were directed against Baha’is in Iran. For example, many of the Baha'i books were confiscated from their homes, Baha'is who got married under the principles of the Faith found that their marriage was not recognized, some were fired from their jobs, and some Baha'i holy places were destroyed.

24 Brilliant Star % MAY/JUNE 2013

Photo by Jack Gordon, birds by Robert Adrian Hillman [Page 25]By Brian A., age 12

With the Iranian revolution in 1979, the persecution of the Baha'is increased. Since that time, more than 200 Baha’is were killed. Many more were put in prison or lost their jobs, and many children and youth were not allowed to go to school or universities. In 1983, 10 women were hanged. The youngest one was a 17-year-old girl who was teaching children’s classes, talking about virtues and good deeds.

In 2010, seven Iranian Baha'i leaders (two women and five men) called the Yaran, or “Friends,” who formerly looked after the needs of Iran’s Baha'i

community, were sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment.

Today, I have a dream:

Ihave a dream that one day, in Iran, and in other places of the world where Bahd‘is are persecuted, the government will allow the children and youth to go back to school and universities.

Thave a dream that one day, all the Baha'is imprisoned because of their beliefs will be released from prison, so they can go back to their families.

Ihave a dream that one day, I could have the courage to help free them.

Ihave a dream that one day, justice will prevail.

Thave a dream that one day, the people of Iran will be friends with the Bahd’is.

Ihave a dream that one day, people will come together, and help end this discrimination based on religious beliefs in Iran.

Ihave a dream that one day, all religions will be united.

Let “Freedom” be our motto. Let “Unity” be our action. Let “Love to Humankind” be our mission.

The Vora

The Yaran, Baha’ leaders in Iran, were unjustly imprisoned in 2008 by the government of Iran because of their spiritual beliefs.

ustice

Want to stand up for justice? Try these tips.

Speak Out for

Or What topic are you passionate about? Whether it affects your hometown or the entire planet, learn as much as you can about it. Research the facts and become an expert.

Or Imagine a world without this problem. How would it look and feel? Start writing your thoughts.

OF Think of creative ways to share your vision. Use your talents in writing,

art, music, speaking, and more.

LF Share your vision in things like school projects, blogs, or letters to the local newspaper.

Oy Invite friends and family to join your efforts.

Photo of Yaran by Baha’t International Community

MAY/JUNE 2013 *& Brilliant Star 25 [Page 26]SHINING LAMP

i i di: A Baha'i who served humanity with ra!

Sadie Oglesb

The "Most Vital and Challe

hen she first gazed at Shoghi Effendi, the head of the Baha’i Faith at the time, Sadie Oglesby was filled with “wonder

and astonishment.” But she soon felt “perfectly

nging Issue”

at home with him,” she later wrote. Sadie and her husband, Mabry, became Baha'is in Boston in 1914. Then, in 1927, she and her daughter, Bertha Parvine, were the first African American women to visit the Baha’i holy places in Israel.

_ Pers sjudice — J

Shoghi Effendi asked Sadie a tough question: why weren't there more African American Baha'is in North America?

The white Baha'is try to be kind, Sadie told him, but they don’t truly understand racial equality, even though Baha'is had held several race amity conferences. Recently the community had stopped focusing on race unity to promote world peace. Racial prejudice was common throughout the United States, and not all Baha'is had freed themselves from it. It had caused many African Americans to lose interest in the Faith.

Mabry spoke out about prejudice. But, seeking unity, Sadie had always been patient with prejudiced Baha’is. She hoped they would change eventually.

Mabry’s way was better, Shoghi Effendi said. He urged her to “use all your force and power” to help Baha'is understand “the paramount importance” of race unity.

At first, Sadie didn’t feel up to the task. “I have no strength or importance in America,” she said.

But Shoghi Effendi encouraged her to “be urgent and

ance

y (ca. 1881-1955):

Shoghi Effendi wrote to Sadie (back row, left), “I will pray that your words may influence and inspire the souls . . .” In 1939, Sadie was elected to the group that led Boston’s Baha'i community.

By Gail Radley

insistent”—a leader in facing what he would later call “the most vital and challenging issue” in America. Over her 20-day visit, assured of Shoghi Effendi’s prayers, Sadie gained confidence. “I know what my work is now . . .” she said.

After she returned home, Sadie began speaking on race unity. She spoke at length to a convention for Baha'is in the United States and Canada to elect their leaders. She relayed Shoghi Effendi’s words: “The peace and tranquility of the world depend on” racial harmony. “People are talking about universal brotherhood . . . Baha’is must be ... the ones who actually have it in practice.”

She urged them to “see that great centre of love that is yearning . .. that you and I shall become like one body . . .” People at the convention were so stirred that they decided to spread her message. They were also moved

by Shoghi Effendi’s letters during this period encouraging and supporting action to end prejudice. Soon the Baha'i community focused on race unity again.

Sadie devoted herself to race unity for 10 years. She spoke at conventions and a Baha’i school.

She exchanged letters with Shoghi Effendi. “Your constancy and zeal are assets that I greatly value .. .” he wrote. He said, “Persevere with unfaltering faith . ..” Through the work of Sadie and others like her, a much more diverse Baha'i community now strives to eliminate racial prejudice throughout the world.

Brilliant Star % MAY/JUNE 2013

26

The spoken words of Shoghi Effendi reflect Sadie's remembrances and may not be exact quotes. [Page 27]THE HUMAN RACE

i! I’m Hoshi, and | love adventures. | I travel around Earth and space ona ship, the . | get to find out about amazing cultures and different ways of life. I’ve heard people use the word “race” to talk about groups of humans who have similar

looks and ethnic backgrounds. But I’ve been studying this, and it turns out that all humans

Se ba cca

are the same race—Homo sapiens. Scientists say the human race began in Africa almost 200,000 years ago. Big differences in skin, hair, and eye color evolved as people moved to different climates. So, people are really part of one big family.

Visit me at for more discoveries!

a bai 1 meet FILL IN THE MISSING LETTERS 10 CHECK OUT MY COOL PATA ABOUT HUMANS!

[Page 28]WHY ARE SAILORS SO OOP AT SINGING?

"S CORNER

(> WT THE > HIGH C'S!

SMO

Look for clues throughout the magazine.

CO

1. Every zebra has a unique pattern of - as individual as a fingerprint. (p. 2)

2. Bijan, Beata, and Macy would love to visit : Israel. (pp. 12-13)

DOWN

4. Often our best defense against injustice (p. 7)

6. When all humans appreciate , the

world will be a happier place. (p. 10) 7. Tree of life (p. 9)

8. A true requires time to take root, and after it does, you need love and care to nurture it. (p. 29)

shark. (p. 19) 11. Sadie spoke up about unity. (p. 26)

10. The largest fish in the ocean is the

14. Includes the language, traditions, foods, arts, and other things that make up a way of life (p. 4)

FROM OUR MAILBOX

Brilliant Star is very different from most other magazines. It helps and

encourages kids to do good things. | like that. | like the “Shining Lamp" part of the magazine. The stories

are very inspirational. | really like the quizzes and the crafts.

Photo by Naney Wong —Emily A., age 15, Louisiana, U.S.

3. Some studies find that learning about other cultures

can make you more 5. Our skin color depends on 9. Use the power of

12. Isaac says, “It is good to out to people who might be lonely or shy." (p.

13. There are about 7,000

15. There are about 17,000 known species of these

creatures. (p. 11)

16. Brian says, “Let ‘ to Humankind’ be our mission." (p. 25)

17. Smitty was attracted to the Baha'i Faith's principle of the human family. (p. 22)

of the

18. Human DNA shows that people are much more than different. (p. 16)

ANSWERS

KEY: T=Top, C=Center, B=Bottom, L=Left, R=Right

Page 2: Zebras: 3at TR, 1 atBL, 1 at CL, 1 at C; Wildebeests: 1 at CR, 1 at BR, 1 atBL, 1 at CL,2 at C;Girafes: 2 at TL, 2al TC, 1 at CL, 1 at C

Page 3: B al TL, F at TR, G and W at BR, C and YatBC, D and K at CL, P at C. Quote: "Be generous in prosperity, and thanktul in adversity Be worthy ofthe trust of thy neighbor, and look upon him with a bright and friendly face... Be as a lamp unto them that walkin darkness, a jy to the sorrowful, a sea forthe thisly

Page 5: Bullies: 1,2, 3,5, 6,8, 12, 13; Friends: 4,7, 9, 10, 11, 14

Page 7: 1) compassion, 2) courage, 3) fairness, 4) trends, 5) justice, 6) kindness, 7) respect, 8) suppor, 9) team, 10) unity

- (p. 21) - (p. 6) thinking. (p. 8)

13) on Earth. (p. 27)

Page 8:A)2,B) 4, C)3,D)8,E)1,F)7,6)6,H)5

Page 9: bullirog at BC, leapard at TL lizard at BL, monkey at TR, ow! at TR, parrot al CL, stork at BL, tortoise at BR

Page 10:1) caring, 2) help, 3) kids, 4) Listen, 5) family, 6) common, 7) good, 8) frien, 9) loud, 10) joke

Page 11: New York, Red-Spotted Purple

Page 17: Concertina at TR, conch at C, conga at CL, djembe at , pipa at TC, rattle at BR, sho at BC, trumpet at TC, ukulele at BC

Page 27: 1) population, 2) languages, 3) brain, 4) ancestor, 5) human, 6) oldest, 7) music, 8) space

28 Brilliant Star % MAY/JUNE 2013

[Page 29]‘ Pe ADVENTURE One gr

“Do all in your power to be as one, to live in peace, each with the others: for ye are all... the flowers and sweet herbs from the same one garden.” —‘Abdu'l-Baha

Smart sunflowers? Outgoing orchids? Reliable roses? people from different backgrounds, the garden of your

O: your friends were flowers, what kinds would they be? —_ talking to someone new. But when you reach out to

Making new friends can be like growing a garden. You _ life will be full of color and joy. You also help to combat plant a seed of friendship and “water” it with kind deeds, long “weeds,” such as prejudice, disunity, and bullying. chats, and fun times. A true friendship requires time to take And when you serve your community together, you're root, and after it does, you need love and care to nurture it. spreading the light of harmony. If we all focus on

You might feel shy about introducing yourself and friendship, the whole world will be in bloom!

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MAY/JUNE 2013 »& Brilliant Star

[Page 30]ro 8s & » FI Dee = , 7 YS ; Rd ¢ rv) \¥ i \Z

of 2. “Know ye the value of this time. Strive ye with all your hearts, raise up your voices 4

2 \4 and shout, until this dark world be filled with light, and this narrow place of am

ONS shadows be widened out, and this dust heap of a fleeting moment be changed i) awe into a mirror for the eternal gardens of heaven...” —‘Abdu'l-Baha 7 ©