This blog’s name is rooted in a multifaceted identity mirrored in the nickname my father lovingly and presciently bestowed upon me in my childhood, “swallow bird” (tafridjist – ⵜⴰⴼⵔⵉⴵⵉⵙⵜ). Indeed, my life journey is marked by migration, both that of my parents from North Africa to Europe and mine over the world.

The swallow bird evokes the essence of a migratory being, a nomad always seeking new horizons. Like the swallow, I have always been drawn to the call of distant places, harboring an insatiable curiosity and a relentless desire to soar beyond boundaries.

However, as a racialized woman in a colonial society, I am acutely aware that, contrary to animal mobility, human migration comes with stigma, adversity, and trials. A nomad in our contemporary imperialist societies, experiences both wanderlust and marginalization. They find themself on the periphery, navigating the edges of different territories and societies.

In many instances, migration has even become a crime leading to unbearable tragedies. In Europe especially, the Mediterranean sea, once a vibrant area of cultural and economic interactions between great civilizations, is now militarized and transformed into a fortress-like barrier through western governments inhumane policies. These same governments, who keep imposing political and economic colonial programs in African countries, are responsible for these forced migrations. Yet, accountability remains lacking as these nations persist in criminalizing migration and forcibly pushing migrants away.

Even the categorization of migration as “legal” or even “elite” does not guarantee seamless inclusion. “Elite migrants” possessing credentials and legal status, still encounter institutionalized racism, discrimination, and marginalization. Structural barriers hinder their full participation into “host societies”, revealing that legal recognition does not necessarily translate to societal acceptance. Addressing systemic prejudices and fostering humane policies is essential for dismantling discriminatory practices and ensuring equitable opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their “legal status” or “qualifications”. Achieving genuine togetherness necessitates a comprehensive approach that puts free movement at its center.

Bird of the Margin is a platform to voice the perspective of the periphery and the intersections addressing issues of intersecting identities, mobility, “race”, and the transformative power of emancipation and liberation. I seek to challenge colonial narratives and highlight the strength and resilience of marginalized peoples.

It is an invitation for others who may resonate with this identity, to gather strength, support, and solidarity, ultimately rewriting the narrative and fostering a sense of belonging for those who, like the swallow bird, navigate the edges of society with power and determination. Bird of the Margin aims to empower marginalized voices and inspire others to embrace their own unique identities and journeys.