[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 176 (Wednesday, December 7, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1613]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING 2017 SOMALI INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 7, 2016

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Minnesota's 
vibrant Somali-American community and the many cultural, economic and 
social contributions members make to our state as they begin 
preparations to celebrate 2017 Somali Independence Day week next summer 
in Saint Paul and Minneapolis.
  Annual commemoration of Somali Independence Day is the culmination of 
Somali Week celebrations in Minnesota, which drew together more than 
30,000 participants last July. Somali Week has grown into the Minnesota 
Somali communities' largest community event of the year and is one of 
the largest gatherings of the Somali Diaspora.
  Hosted in locations throughout Saint Paul and Minneapolis, this week-
long festival unites people from around the world and around the state 
to share in cultural, entertainment and athletic events. The most 
notable of these activities include a multicultural soccer tournament 
known as `The Cup of Nations,' hosted by Concordia University in Saint 
Paul and a family-friendly street festival on Somali Independence Day.
  `Promoting Diversity through Unity and Inclusion' is the 2017 Somali 
Week theme established by organizers. Kajoog, a local Somali non-profit 
organization is leading efforts with other community partners to plan 
exhibitions, performances, and wide ranging panel discussions, aimed at 
uplifting the strengths of inclusivity. Kajoog Executive Director Daud 
Muhammad has forged strong collaborations with the Minnesota Historical 
Society, the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, the Somali Museum of 
Minnesota, among many others to plan this vibrant festival.
  In addition to organizing Somali Week, Kajoog has earned recognition 
by local, state and federal officials, as well as law enforcement for 
their effective job-training and positive youth programs, and efforts 
to combat extremism throughout the community.
  Mr. Speaker, Minnesota's Somali community has added greatly to the 
fabric of our state and our nation. Please join me in paying tribute to 
community members who come together each year to celebrate Somali Week, 
and every day work to foster, educate, and promote cultural 
understanding and traditions among all Minnesotans.

                          ____________________