In the state of Minnesota, in the Northwest Area Foundation’s region, and in this country, the Somali community belongs.
Our Somali neighbors are essential to the human fabric that unites us. Somalis contribute to our communities in so many ways, including as leaders of courage, wisdom, and vision.
This week has brought a storm of false narratives and harmful actions meant to dehumanize our Somali neighbors and divide us from one another. These efforts use hateful rhetoric that has no place in twenty-first century America. Here in the Twin Cities, home to a large and vibrant Somali community, we know from firsthand experience that the vast majority of our Somali neighbors are people who came here to seek a new chance to thrive on their own terms—like so many of our ancestors did over the centuries.
Somalis immigrants and refugees sought safety from trauma they endured elsewhere. Like all of us, they’ve been seeking a better opportunity to be the fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, workers and entrepreneurs, and leaders that their families and communities need—some of whom are our grantee partners advancing community-centered responses to these needs. It’s disheartening and shameful that they should suffer new trauma here in their adoptive home.
I speak for the Northwest Area Foundation when I say we condemn this week’s efforts to intimidate our neighbors and tear apart our communities. Leaning into our values of heart, courage, and social justice, we will continue to stand in solidarity with and support our Somali neighbors’ efforts to build a safe and self-determined future.
Resources to support Somali communities and immigrants.
As you consider what you can do to support the safety, courage, and vision for change of the Somali community, here is a list of resources and trainings on immigrant safety and legal rights that our partners at the Minnesota Council on Foundations and the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits reference in their statement in support of Somali and immigrant communities.
