The Somali Experience in Maine: Twenty Years of Community Building

In many parts of the country, some may think of Maine as very white and very rural—an unlikely setting for a refugee community. Yet in the cities of Lewiston and Portland, the Somali refugee community has carved out a place where it has successfully maintained its traditional, tightknit community structure and assimilated with other Maine residents. This year, 2021, marks the twentieth anniversary of Somali refugee settlement in Maine. Somalis in Maine have faced challenges and racism, but their story is largely one of pride, hope, and success in their adopted home. 

Historic New England presents a panel discussion with three leaders in the Somali community in Maine: Dr. Abdullahi Ahmed, principal at Deering High School in Portland; Safiya Khalid, newly elected Ward 1 city councilor in Lewiston; and Muhidin Libah, executive director of the Somali Bantu Community Association. Ahmed, Khalid, and Libah will speak about their own personal journeys and their life in Maine, as well as the history, setbacks, and successes of their larger community. 
Admission: $0-$25.

This is an online program. A link for the program will be included in the order confirmation.