The general level of safety of Somali workers has been eroding for some time inside the Jenneo plant in Melrose, Minnesota, but today I would like to share with you a story of one worker who has endured tremendous challenges—challenges … Continued
Health
Refugee Struggles in Minnesota’s Meat-Packing Plants
Over the last two decades the trend of Somali refugees moving from their war torn homeland to America, so often finding work in small meat packing plants, has had a profound impact in small towns across the Midwest and the … Continued
Lack of Education Spurring on Public Health Epidemic in Minnesota
According to recent media reports, eleven confirmed cases of measles have appeared in the Twin Cities, with about half emerging from the Somali community. Despite the dedicated efforts of health professionals within our community, many of us continue to neglect … Continued
Health
The hardships faced by refugees in rural meat-packing communities intensifies daily
The impact the economic crisis has had on the refugee community in central Minnesota is significant. The major layoffs at the end of 2008 resulted in a number of refugees that are still out of work. After their employment benefits … Continued
Politics
Who is to blame for the lack of progress in Haiti?
It has been one year since the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti. World attention vividly captured the impact of that tragedy through television and a lot of people around the world sent contribution to help the people of Haiti. Billions of … Continued
Food Justice
Discerning between cheap and inexpensive food
Over the past few years I have turned a critical eye on American agribusiness and the corporate food industry. Giant companies increasingly turn profits by cheapening the nutritional value of food and selling it inexpensively. High fructose corn syrup and … Continued
Terry Jones: An Attack On Our Freedom
Over the last two years we have seen a tide of hate-mongering and Muslim-bashing wash across the United States. Mosques have been attacked in California and Tennessee, and ever since the Islamic Cultural Center was planned for lower Manhattan, it … Continued
Politics
Hope in the Making, Somali Americans Run for School Board
The most recent primary election was quite extraordinary for a new group of Americans who live in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. For the last 10 or so years, school issues have been a big topic of discussion for the Somali and … Continued
Immigration
Somali Community Concerned About Recent Vandalism
The red spray paint on the front window of Somali-owned Hormud Market had not a so subtle message: “GO HOME.” The bigot who painted the graffiti could have chosen any other grocery store in town, but painting those sentiments in … Continued
International
Somalis in Minnesota Celebrate 50 Years of Independence
Somalis in Minnesota marked the 50th anniversary of the Somali Independence Day on Thursday at Saint Cloud’s State University Hall. Hundreds of Somalis and their friends gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary. In 2007, Ghana became the first African country … Continued