STOCKTON, Calif. — Hundreds of Afghan families, cultural and community activists, political figures, and members of the Afghan diaspora gathered in Stockton on Sunday, August 9, to commemorate the 107th anniversary of Afghanistan’s independence.
Organized by the Afghan Cultural Association, the event was held at the Stockton Civic Memorial Auditorium. The program was hosted by Asif Delawar and Lina Shirzad and opened with the playing of Afghanistan’s national anthem.
Shirzad, who also served as a host, addressed the human rights situation in Afghanistan, with particular attention to the rights of women and girls. She highlighted restrictions on women’s access to education and employment, as well as broader limitations on their social and civic freedoms.
Abdulnasir Yasini, president of the Afghan Cultural Association and organizer of the event, welcomed attendees and spoke about the historical significance of Afghanistan’s independence, the role of King Amanullah Khan, and the sacrifices made by him and others who fought for the country’s independence.
Yasini said the gathering was intended not only to commemorate Afghanistan’s independence but also to preserve its historical and cultural heritage and pass it on to younger generations of Afghans growing up in the diaspora.
Other speakers included Bismillah Jan Basim of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement, Mohammad Shafiq, a representative of the Pashayi community, and Mr. Abdyani. In their remarks, they discussed the significance of Afghanistan’s independence, the preservation of Afghan identity and culture, the country’s current situation, and the importance of passing its historical and cultural heritage to future generations.
The event also featured a cultural program, including patriotic and epic poetry celebrating Afghanistan and themes of national pride. Musicians Heshmat Sahar and Naghma performed as part of the program, adding music and artistic performances to the gathering.
The commemoration took place as Afghanistan remains under Taliban rule. The Taliban authorities have not been formally recognized as the government of Afghanistan by the vast majority of the international community, while the country continues to face serious human rights concerns. Women and girls in particular face extensive restrictions, including severe limitations on access to education, employment, and participation in public life.
The event concluded with a community marketplace, where Afghan residents of California showcased and sold a variety of products and locally produced goods to attendees.
The gathering brought together members of the Afghan diaspora to commemorate a defining moment in Afghanistan’s modern history while highlighting ongoing efforts to preserve Afghan identity, culture, and historical memory outside the country.
