Somalis are a resilient community, known for their strong sense of community and their ability to come together in times of need. And in the face of President Trump’s assault on Minneapolis, they are once again showing their strength and determination.
From homemade sambusas for protesters to foot patrols on the lookout for ICE, the Somali community in Minneapolis is fighting back against the injustices being inflicted upon them.
The recent protests in Minneapolis, sparked by the killing of George Floyd, have brought to light the systemic racism and police brutality that has plagued the city for far too long. And while the protests have been met with violence and aggression from law enforcement, the Somali community has been at the forefront, providing support and resources to those in need.
One of the most heartwarming displays of solidarity has been the distribution of homemade sambusas to protesters. Sambusas, a traditional Somali dish, are a type of savory pastry filled with meat and vegetables. And in the midst of chaos and turmoil, the smell of sambusas being cooked and handed out for free has brought a sense of comfort and unity to the protesters.
But the Somali community’s support goes beyond just providing food. They have also been organizing foot patrols to protect their neighborhoods from ICE raids. With the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies, many Somali immigrants in Minneapolis are living in fear of being targeted and deported. The foot patrols, made up of community members, are on the lookout for any suspicious activity and are ready to intervene if necessary.
This resistance against Trump’s assault on Minneapolis is not new for the Somali community. They have been fighting against discrimination and injustice for decades. In the 1990s, thousands of Somalis fled their war-torn country and sought refuge in the United States. Many settled in Minneapolis, which now has the largest Somali population in the country.
Despite facing numerous challenges, the Somali community has thrived in Minneapolis. They have opened businesses, built mosques, and established a strong presence in the city. And now, they are using their strength and resilience to stand up against the injustices being inflicted upon their community.
But their fight is not just limited to Minneapolis. The Somali community has also been actively involved in advocating for change at the national level. In 2017, when Trump announced his travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim countries, the Somali community in Minneapolis organized a protest at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. They were joined by thousands of supporters from different backgrounds, sending a powerful message of unity and resistance.
The Somali community’s resistance to Trump’s assault on Minneapolis is a testament to their unwavering determination and resilience. They have shown that even in the face of adversity, they will not back down. And their actions have inspired many others to join in the fight for justice and equality.
As the protests in Minneapolis continue, the Somali community will undoubtedly continue to play a crucial role in supporting and uplifting their fellow citizens. They have shown that in times of crisis, it is the strength of community and unity that will prevail.
In the words of Somali-American activist and community organizer, Ilhan Omar, “We are stronger when we stand together. We are stronger when we fight for each other.” And the Somali community in Minneapolis is doing just that – fighting for each other and for a better future for all.
