Rep. Munira Condemns Recent Comments by Donald Trump Targeting the Somali Community

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Munira Abdullahi (D-Columbus) condemns President Donald Trump targeting the Somali Community through violent, racist, and bigoted rants against the Somali Community.  

“The past few days have been filled with countless phone calls, strategizing and discussions with community leaders. But I think it’s important to take a moment to say this: 

As a proud Somali immigrant and a representative of a vibrant Somali-American community, I’m extremely concerned in the face of Donald Trump’s hurtful and degrading comments about Somalis. While I know my community is extremely resilient and would never place much value on those words (rather we make jokes). However, his words are more than offensive, they are dangerous. They fuel prejudice, invite discrimination, and put real people at risk. 

Somalis in America are small business owners, health care workers, students, teachers, parents, and neighbors. We are contributors, community-builders, and hard workers. We bring our resilience, culture, and faith to a country that claims to value diversity and opportunity. 

But when supposed ‘leaders’ speak with such cruelty and animosity, it creates permission for cruelty and animosity towards our community. We saw what has and is still happening to our brothers and sisters in the Haitian and Hispanic community. When they target one immigrant community, they open the door to targeting all of us. Which is why we must stand firm, strong, and TOGETHER. 

I stand with my community, and with all the immigrants that make this country what it is unapologetically. We will not be defined by someone else’s ignorance. We will not shrink ourselves to fit the narrow worldview of those who fear difference. We deserve safety, dignity, and respect, just like anyone else.

And we will continue to organize, and lead, because our presence here is not a mistake or a burden. It is a strength. Make no mistake we will make a plan to keep our communities safe and secure. In the meantime, share these ‘know your rights’ graphics and keep an eye out for each other.

And much love and thanks to everyone who has been checking in and showing support to us,” said Rep. Munira.

You can view the know-your-rights graphics here, here, here, here, and here.