Sept. 11, 2001, was a tough day for everyone. For some members of the local Somali community, one reason it was difficult was the new scrutiny they faced. Rumors flew that some local Somalis cheered news of the attacks; those rumors were never confirmed.
The Somali community responded with a news conference and outreach efforts to spread the message: We’re hurt, too.
Many local Somalis were fresh from refugee camps and were sick of war and politics, Mohamoud Mohamed said. Sept. 11 “was a very sad thing to see happen.”
“This country is our second homeland, and there was no way we could cheer,” he said.
Out of the anger and confusion came SASSO, or the St. Cloud Area Somali Salvation Organization, an educational and advocacy group that supports Somali refugees. It is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, too, said Mohamed, its executive director.
Mohamed said the Sept. 11 hijackers misused the Muslim faith in carrying out their destruction. Part of SASSO’s mission is to educate others on facts and myths about the Somali community.
Members of the wider community rallied around the Somalis, and SASSO got grant help and assistance to promote its mission.
“There were a lot of greater community members who came forward to help us,” Mohamed said. “We’ve found many friends and allies.”
Source: The St. Cloud Times
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