History of Somalis in Minneapolis–Saint Paul

Add links
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Part of a series on
Ethnicity in
Minneapolis-Saint Paul

Somalis are an ethnic group in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area that makes up the largest Somali diasporas in the United States. By 2018, approximately 43,000 people born in Somalia were living in Minnesota, and approximately 94,000 Minnesotans spoke Somali language at home.[1][2]

History

Ethnic Somalis first emigrated to the Twin Cities in the United States after the start of the civil war in Somalia during the early 1990s, or from other parts of Greater Somalia.[3][4] Many of the newer arrivals moved to Minnesota through voluntary agencies (VOLAGS), who helped them settle in.[5][6] Somalis who had arrived earlier also assisted the more recent immigrants.[3]

Somalis in the Twin Cities and elsewhere in the United States often send resources to their extended families abroad, remittances that were facilitated by the signing of the

Islamic State political militant groups.[9][10] However, according to intelligence officials, fewer expatriates were joining the groups' ranks by late 2013.[11][12] Most of the returnees have instead repatriated for investment opportunities and to take part in the ongoing post-conflict reconstruction process in Somalia. Participating in the renovation of schools, hospitals, roads and other infrastructure, they have played a leading role in the capital's recovery and have also helped propel the local real estate market.[8]

Demographics

In early 2016, the Minnesota Demographers Office gave an estimate that there are between 40,200 and 52,400 Somalis in Minnesota, although some from the Somali community put the number as high as 80,000.

Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, particularly newly arrived immigrants. Somali professionals often move to the suburbs to raise their children in a more secure environment away from the inner city. Although Somalis have established ethnic enclaves, there is an easy commute between Somali areas and the wider metropolis.[3]

Commerce

A Somali grocery store in Minneapolis.

Somalis in Minnesota have established many community enterprises. In 2006, they accounted for $164–$494 million in purchasing power and owned 600 businesses.

culturally sensitive and accommodating of differing religious traditions.[16] In 2018, Minneapolis officials named a new, innovative shared-use pathway near downtown Samatar Crossing in recognition of the Somalia-born Hussein Samatar's many civic contributions to Minneapolis.[17]

Community organizations

The Somali community in Minnesota is represented by various Somali-run organizations. Among these are the Confederation of Somali Community in Minnesota (CSCM) and Somali American Parent Association (SAPA), which offer a number of social services to the state's resident Somalis.[18][19]

This support system within the Somali community originates from a sense of shared responsibility towards other Somalis. The Somali community organizations provide

ESL classes, job finding, legal advocacy and union services to their constituents.[3]

In October 2014, Minneapolis became the sister city of Bosaso, the third-largest city in Somalia.[20]

Politics

A recycling sign in Minnesota with instructions in English, Hmong, Spanish, and Somali.

Politically, a Somali American Caucus in the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL) was formed to represent the Somali community.[21] As of 2012 a Somali American also chaired the Republican Party's Immigrant Relations Committee in Minnesota.[22]

In August 2018,

Somali-American
elected to Congress.

Notable residents

Further information: List of Somali Americans

See also

References

  • Rutledge, Doug (2008). The Somali Diaspora: A Journey Away. University of Minnesota Press.
    ISBN 978-0-8166-5457-4
    .

Notes

  1. U.S. Census Bureau
    . July 1, 2018. Retrieved September 9, 2020.
  2. U.S. Census Bureau
    . July 1, 2018. Retrieved September 9, 2020.
  3. ^ a b c d Rutledge, p.135.
  4. ISBN 1598842196, 9781598842197. p. 693
    .
  5. ^ "2014 MAA-CBO Directory" (PDF). Minnesota DOH. Archived from the original (PDF) on 31 October 2017. Retrieved 6 April 2016.
  6. ISBN 9783319944890
    .
  7. ^ "Ellison and Paulsen Reintroduce Money Remittances Improvement Act To Help Somali Families Send Money Home". House Office of Keith Ellison. 6 May 2014. Retrieved 26 August 2014.
  8. ^ a b "SOMALIA: Returning diaspora help rebuild". Heegantimes. Archived from the original on April 20, 2013. Retrieved 19 February 2015.
  9. ^ Gred Moran (31 January 2013). "Terror Trial of 4 Somalis Begins". San Diego Union Tribune. Archived from the original on 14 March 2016. Retrieved 14 March 2016.
  10. ^ Forliti, Amy (21 April 2016). "Feds: Minnesota men spoke of terrorist attacks in US". Associated Press.
  11. ^ "Al-Shabaab Recruits in the U.S." CNN. 23 September 2013. Retrieved 28 September 2013.
  12. ^ "Report: ISIS publishes 'kill list' for Minnesota police officers". Washington Examiner. Retrieved 8 May 2016.
  13. ^ Dickrell, Stephanie. "Nearly 74,000 speak at least some Somali in Minnesota". sctimes.com. SC Times.
  14. ^ "Economic Contributions of Somalis in Minnesota" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-12-30. Retrieved 2014-01-18.
  15. ^ "Talking Point by M.M. Afrah Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA) Aug., 12. 2004". Archived from the original on 2017-05-25. Retrieved 2014-01-18.
  16. ^ Rutledge, p.137.
  17. ^ Gitaa, Tom (2018-08-24). "Minneapolis dedicates Samatar Crossing". Mshale.
  18. ^ "CSCM - About Us". Confederation of Somali Community in Minnesota. Retrieved 9 February 2013.
  19. ^ "Somali American Parent Association". Somali American Parent Association. Retrieved 9 February 2013.
  20. ^ "Minneapolis sister city vote is small gesture, big moment for Somali community".
  21. ^ "Somali American Caucus". Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party. Retrieved 9 February 2013.
  22. ^ Shah, Allie (13 October 2012). "Somali-Americans begin making mark on local politics". Star Tribune. Retrieved 9 February 2013.

Further reading

External links
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Somalis_in_Minneapolis–Saint_Paul&oldid=1212855167"