Letter to the Editor: Somali community and St. Cloud make strides

Special to the St. Cloud Times

I am writing in response to the St. Cloud Times' article on the Somali population's efforts to diversify St. Cloud's City Council. While I appreciate the attention given to this important topic, I must clarify some points and address several misleading claims made by the Center for African Immigrants and Refugees Organization (CAIRO). Firstly, it is important to note that CAIRO does not represent the entire East African community in St. Cloud. It is misleading and absurd to claim that the city does not support our community simply because CAIRO lacks an official contract with the city. As Abdi Ibrahim, CAIRO Program Manager, stated, "since the city council lacks official Somali input, its scope doesn’t always consider the needs of Somali-born residents." This assertion unfairly overlooks the substantial efforts made by our city officials to support and integrate the Somali community into St. Cloud.

Moreover, the claim that the absence of an official partnership between the city and CAIRO translates to a lack of support for our community is unfounded. The mayor and our city officials have demonstrated their commitment to our community and local businesses time and again. For instance, Hudda Ibrahim herself acknowledged the positive impact of the city on her life, saying, "St. Cloud has given countless opportunities to me and my family, and I want to repay that in any way possible." Both Mr. Omar Podi and Ms. Hudda Ibrahim have shown remarkable dedication to serving our community. Their candidacies for the City Council are a testament to their commitment to public service and ensuring that all voices in St. Cloud are heard and represented. Podi's optimism about the election reflects the progress the Somali community has made in St. Cloud, as he stated, "The Somali community has built a larger presence in St. Cloud and has better assimilated into the community."

Furthermore, the article highlights the city's efforts to address critical issues such as housing and economic development. Hudda Ibrahim's work with local developers to increase housing stock and her emphasis on creating pathways to homeownership demonstrate her proactive approach to solving community problems. Podi's focus on increasing homeownership to encourage long-term investment in the city further illustrates their dedication to enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

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Abdi Ibrahim's acknowledgment of St. Cloud's past efforts to counteract racial and Islamophobic remarks is also noteworthy. He mentioned that "St. Cloud rejected that hate in totality, and a lot of folks did great work. That's why we don't have that environment today." This recognition underscores the city's ongoing efforts to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all its residents.

In conclusion, while CAIRO's concerns may stem from genuine issues, their claims do not accurately reflect the current state of support and integration in St. Cloud. The mayor and city officials have worked diligently to support our community and local businesses, and the candidacies of Mr. Podi and Ms. Ibrahim further exemplify the progress we have made. I hope future discussions will consider the broader context and recognize the genuine efforts of our local government in supporting our community.

Sincerely,

Farhan Abdi, St. Cloud Somali Youth Organization