Somali-Americans met with lawmakers Thursday to become more involved in public policy and to discuss issues of discrimination, fairness and opportunity.
"We're here to be politically engaged in this country," said Hashi Shafi, Executive Director of Somali Action Alliance. "It's something we didn't have back [in Somalia]."
With the help of a translater, Speaker of the house Margaret Kelleher (DFL-Minneapolis) greeted Somali community members to the first ever "Somali Day" at the state Capitol.
Afterwards House Rep. Larry Haws (DFL-St. Cloud) used gardening as an analogy about how to choose lawmakers.
"The reason I plant so many different things is because as a gardener, I know to have a healthy garden you need to plant many different things," Rep. Haws said. "It's important to pick elected officials who understand and appreciates diversity."
"[Today] Somali American's have an opportunity to dialog with legislators before and after an election," said Abdifatah Abdinur founder of nonprofit organization, New Faces of America. "It's important for everybody who has something to say," Abdinur said.
Thursday's house session started with a prayer from Imam Hassan Mahamoud, a religious leader from the Minnesota Da'wah Institute. He asked for guidance and wisdom when making laws.
"We want Somalis not to feel isolated," Shafi said.
Source: Kare11.com
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