Laal

Laal envisions a network of individuals part of the Bangladeshi-American community in Norwood, the Bronx led by Bengali Womxn towards racial, environmental, and political justice. Laal strives to amplify the voices of the Bengali community by collecting data and providing need-based support through programming, such as ESL and wellness classes, financial and civic engagement guidance. We are working towards acquiring and facilitating a dedicated physical space where Bengali womxn can congregate, learn and grow, safely. Laal means "red" in Bangla. Laal symbolizes the mark of menstruation, the alta Bengali womxn use to adorn themselves; the red saree Bengali womxn wear on their wedding day; the red bindi for which Bengali womxn are famous; and the red sun which is in the center of the Bangladeshi flag. We chose this as our name because it serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience of Bengali womxn.