[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 120 (Wednesday, July 20, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E761]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING MINNESOTA'S 2022 SOMALI-AMERICAN HERITAGE WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 20, 2022

  Ms. McCULLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Minnesota's 
vibrant Somali-American community and the many cultural, economic and 
social contributions members make to our state, and in recognition of 
Somali-American Heritage Week during July 2-17 in Saint Paul and 
Minneapolis.
  The commemoration of Somali Independence Day is marked by Somali Week 
celebrations in Minnesota, hosted by Rising Impact, a nonprofit 
dedicated to the safety and success of Somali-American youth in 
Minnesota. Hosted in locations throughout Saint Paul and Minneapolis, 
the festivities are a chance to unite and celebrate Minnesota's 
diversity through a broad range of artistic, cultural and athletic 
events.
  This year the celebrations drew together more than 45,000 
participants to enjoy the food, music, dance, films, and the history of 
the Somali people and the Somali-Americans who call Minnesota home. 
Some of the most notable events from this year's celebration include a 
roundtable discussion with the U.S. Ambassador to Somalia, Larry E. 
Andre and community members about ongoing humanitarian relief efforts 
and the United States support for democracy in Somalia, the ``Xasuuso 
(Remember) 1960'' event which tells the story of Somalia's 
independence, and the Growth Conference, which is a chance for members 
of the African diaspora to share knowledge and resources to build up 
minority-owned businesses.
  Led by the Somali Week Chairperson, Daud Mohamed, the organizers and 
volunteers for Somali Week continue to forge strong ties with various 
community, corporate and government partners to bring this vibrant 
festival to life each year.
  Madam Speaker, Minnesota's Somali community has added greatly to the 
fabric of our state and our Nation, and they are a prominent part of 
the diverse community that makes Minnesota a great place to call home. 
Please join me in paying tribute to the community members who come 
together each year to celebrate Somali Week, and who work every day to 
foster, educate, and promote cultural understanding and traditions 
among all Minnesotans.

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