I had the pleasure of meeting with brothers and sisters from Somali and Sudan a few weeks ago here in Kansas City, MO. I was taken to an area in which many have settled. Many have become homeowners and entrepreneurs in a brief amount of time. In looking at them I could see my uncles, aunts, and cousins from down south, all with pleasant smiles and regal mannerisms, very proud in stature and confident.
I was very impressed with how quickly they had assimilated to a new and different cultural environment, although many of them are still having difficulty with the language barrier. However, with the many unimaginable challenges that one would face having to relocate to the other side of the world, they have done an exceptional jog of adjusting as “refugees” here in the U.S.
In talking with them about their current plight, I ask how they felt about the African Americans they have met here. The response I received was given with hesitation and reservation, because it was not known how I would take their opinions and observation. The feelings expressed ranged from not well organized, not willing to work together, lack of progressive leadership and divisive to musically creative, talented and athletic. Throughout the conversation I kept and open mind and recognized the fact that our brothers and sisters from the homeland had a much different experience than families here. Their vision is based on the fact that they were placed in a country known for its wealth and prosperity. Why are African Americans not taking advantage of the opportunities that are available?
Such a question I could not answer with committed certainty due to the fact that I have found myself asking that question as well at times.
Yes, slavery and institutionalized racism has played a major part in the development of our psyche both here and abroad, but once one is cognizant of that fact, what plan of action is put into place on a local, state and national level in order to shift the mental paradigm of dysfunction?
What do you think?
Posted By: Dr. Okpara Nosakhere
Thursday, November 20th 2008 at 4:35PM
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