RUNIA’S STORY

Runia’s Soul Cafe is dedicated to our beloved family member, Runia Gazi. She lived her entire life loving and caring for others, bringing care and genuine laughter wherever she was. She was a selfless child who fought for her own life, and hoped to bring freedom to her family. In 1988, she died by suicide. This unthinkable tragedy brought awareness and freedom to her ten loved ones that lived under abuse and exploitation on a farm in Oakville, WA. 

Her entire family carries on with deep gratitude for the sacrifice that Runia’s story embodies. She is an angel who continues to remind us that through any adversity, there is love, joy, and endless opportunity instilled in us all.

Let her legacy remind us to continue fighting for liberation from human trafficking, advocating for
mental health, creating awareness about suicide, and preventing abuse and neglect. Because all of these shadows live in each and every community.

Runia-ma was a dreamer. She continues to remind us to be brave and courageous. We honor her when we fight for resources, prevention, and healing in ourselves and for our communities. May we continue to be the light that moves us forward.