Many exciting sports events were happening all around the world last weekend. These included the Super Bowl, the African Cup Finals and the Asian Cup Finals. For me, the experience was particularly memorable as I found myself seated on the couch beside a longtime Mainer who eagerly explained American football rules to me whenever I […]

Criticizing Donald Trump’s actions and words, advocating for justice and equality, and standing against white supremacy in our communities does not imply the endorsement of a specific political party. In today’s polarized landscape, labels are attached to everything. Immigrants advocating for their communities are often unfairly branded as “liberals,” “Democrats” or part of “The Left.” […]

Former President Trump’s recent derogatory remarks on immigrants, including the alarming statement, “They are poisoning the blood of our country,” have sent shockwaves through Maine’s immigrant community. The looming prospect of Trump’s return, coupled with his policy proposals like advocating for the “largest deportation operation in history,” has instilled fear as the 2024 election approaches. […]

As the holiday season approaches, I find myself reflecting on my experiences with it during my past decade in Maine. The internal conflict of whether to fully embrace December festivities, especially Christmas, or maintain a certain distance as some in my immigrant community do, remains an ongoing theme. Despite this struggle, I’ve discovered aspects of […]

When asked about how immigrants celebrate Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on the rich tapestry of traditions within my own community. Many of my community members celebrate by cooking in their homes, but the menu diverges from the typical American fare of turkey, stuffing and apple pie. Instead, we indulge in a typical Somali meal […]

The Lewiston mass shooting has served as a stark reminder that such atrocities can happen even in places we consider safe right within our communities, seemingly out of the blue. Just prior to the shooting that evening, I had returned from a refreshing 4-mile run in Yarmouth. With no knowledge of what was going on […]

The past couple of weeks have weighed heavily on many of us, especially within the Muslim and Jewish communities here in Maine. For me, as I witness the unfolding events in Israel and Palestine, I can’t help but reflect on a challenging period in my life when I was just 15, growing up in Mogadishu, […]

We who have experienced the difficult U.S. immigration process can make a significant difference by sharing our stories to help those crossing the border. When we do this, we help people become more informed about what to expect because there is a lot of misinformation out there. One major piece of misinformation I see often […]