How Somali Immigrants Are Revitalizing Main Street America (Video)

[Dhabaal]

Despite the hate, misrepresentation, Mischaractirization we recieve in the media as we are caught in the middle of anti-Islam and Anti-immigrant politics and bigotry

The local perception on Somalis as rather helpful entrepreneurial people, who brings richness to the region remains as we steadily climb up the American social-economic ladder.

To watch the video click this link ----> http://www.nbcnews.com/business/bus...breathing-new-life-sleepy-rural-towns-n690226

In recent years, the arrival of thousands of Somali immigrants from East Africa has reshaped the Main Street in this tiny agricultural town and many more throughout the state. These refugees are opening businesses in once empty storefronts and introducing their customs to new customers in places once only found in America's inner cities, where newcomers like these have traditionally settled upon arrival.

"If you want to know what Minnesota will look like in 20 years, go to Willmar," said Ken Warner, President of the town's Chamber of Commerce.

Redefining the Demographic

On two square blocks along Litchfield Avenue, Willmar's otherwise sleepy main street, Somali women run errands while talking on cell phones tucked into their hijabs and men in traditional hats called kufi sip coffee at a local café called Bihi's.

According to the Minnesota State Census, the official Somali population here is 1,500 — though informal estimates put that number at over 2,000. Combined with the city's Latino population, the two groups now make up close to 25 percent of Willmar's population, which is still dominated by farmers of Swedish and Norwegian origin.

The days of family farms have passed here. Many of the large agribusinesses that have since taken their place now depend on immigrant labor.

From Civil War to Jennie-O

The first wave of Somalis came to Minnesota as refugees in the 1990s after the outbreak of civil war in their homeland. After settling in the Twin Cities, many moved to Willmar, where they found work at the local Hormel-owned Jennie-O turkey processing plant.

Today over 20 businesses in and around Main Street are Somali-owned. Many of those have used community-based financing which complies with Islamic law prohibiting the collection or payment of interest.

Despite religious and cultural differences, there are many things these Somali immigrants share with their neighbors, said Abdirizak Mahboub, a local entrepreneur here.

"We speak the language. We are God-loving people, you know, in our own perspective. We work hard," said Mahboub, 56, who owns an interpreting agency that employs over 30 translators and interpreters and has contracts with area hospitals, courts, and law firms.

On his desk, Mahboub displays photos of his two children, both of whom grew up here and graduated from Willmar High. Without the children of immigrants like Mahboub, Willmar's school district would have had a net loss of over 1,000 students in the school system. Now, the children of Somali and Latino immigrants represent 50 percent of the district's population.

"That is our future. We need to embrace the diversity that will be coming in our future workforce," said Aaron Backman, the director of Willmar's Economic Development Commission.

Related: Trump Immigration Adviser Wrote the Book on Muslim Registry

No one is pretending that assimilation has come easy here. But there are signs that Willmar's youngest residents are embracing both cultures. Step inside the Somali Star Restaurant and you might meet Hassan Yusuf, the 8-year-old son of owner, Bashir. Ask him his favorite food, and he won't say camel meat.

"McDonald's," he says with a smile.

His proud father patted his boy on the head — and winced, just a little bit.

http://www.nbcnews.com/business/bus...breathing-new-life-sleepy-rural-towns-n690226

 

[Dhabaal]

*Bump*

This thread needs more attention.

 

[Dhabaal]

 

[merka]

The teacher at the end of the video is very wise.

 

[Dhabaal]

Listen to the Somali women at 1:16. in the video

Many people think we need welfare, We don't need welfare ,we need jobs , we need peace., we need education

and also Listen to the Cadaan teacher at 2:08

We tell them not to lose their culture, and Not to lose the things that make their family heritage important. Keep things and don't become too westernized.

 

[Dhabaal]

The teacher at the end of the video is very wise.

Yes and you see how well adjusted and more integrated Somalis are there compared to elsewhere.

It shows you the fact all Somalis need is acceptance and access to social capital and Self-help support. interms of accessing jobs, learning their language and settling in good communities.

 

[Dhabaal]

Somalis won us a Soccer Championship says Coach

 

[Adheer Warsame]

How about you come up with solutions instead of repeating the obvious problems.

The wider community should have the will to integrate, maybe some have the will but from what I've seen it's not enough.

 

[Adheer Warsame]

@Dhabaal anyway if I'm not going to have my views opinions challenged like I should in any normal or civil discussion and just be silenced, I'm out
This is not the first time you've done this by the way

 

[merka]

Somalis won us a Soccer Championship says Coach

Who is this man? He's a hidden gem wallahi

 

[Dhabaal]

Who is this man? He's a hidden gem wallahi

Its the people of maine walahi. God bless them.

They are the gem of White Americans. They want to see us integrate as opposed to assimilate. They are willing to accept us into their society and treat us like we can contribute.

All we get in Scandinavia and the UK is media hate , misrepresentation and exclusion.