Revealing an identity under the ashes to accomplish successful students.   . By Hamida Ismael

“There has been no biological change in humans in 40,000 or 50,000 years. Everything we call culture and civilization we've built with the same body and brain." —Stephen Jay Gould

All our ancestors first came from the African continent

Somalis vs. Egyptians

In the ancient world The Somali people are one of several Hamitic ethnic groups in East Africa known as Cushites. Their language is also one of several related languages referred to as Cushitic languages. There was much trade and interchange of ideas between Egypt and Cush, as well as major battles between them. The Kingdom of Cush played a major role in introducing the technology and production of iron and iron implements in this region. The Kingdom of Cush exchanged ambassadors with Rome and probably provided elephants and training of elephants for military use in the Roman empire and by its adversaries. It maintained extensive trade with Arabia to its East and with Africa to its South.

Somalis similarities with others civilizations Greek soldier Somali soldier

Japanese soldier European soldier

Roman soldier Egyptian soldier

New Era Situated in eastern Africa, Somalia forms the cap of the Horn of Africa. Bordered by Kenya in the south, Ethiopia in the west, Djibouti in the northwest, the Gulf of Aden in the north, and the Indian Ocean in the east. Somalia covers an area of about 638,000 square kilometers, making it slightly smaller than Texas.

Somalia

Post-colonial In 1960 Northern region, previous British protectorate and the Southern regions former Italian’s colony united to form the Republic Democratic of Somalia. But after the first Somali civil war in 1980ties, Northern regions declared their secession from Somalia and took back their former name of Somaliland. Today Somalia's chief cities and towns, Mogadishu* (the capital), Bossaso, Marka, Brava, Baidoa, and Kismaayo, are completely destroyed by the civil war; while on the other hand Somaliland cities, Hargeisa, Burao, Berbera and Borama, are peaceful with a flourishing economy and infrastructures.  

Somalis in United States Migration, a means of survival: Refugees camps to the US. Majority of Somali refugees live in 2 States: Minnesota & Ohio Reason: heritage from a nomadic life: a mentality of looking for greener pastures; a strong social network that entails the obligation to assist each other in surviving.

Culture & Religion Culture: Like many American families nowadays and mostly before the 50ties, Somali women take care of children and household chores while men are the breadwinners. Although Somalis don’t have family name but a tribe name, children take the father’s name. 2 Baby showers in Somali culture: the first is during the 8th-9th month of the pregnancy and the 2nd is 40 days after the baby was born.

Religion Islam= believing to the holy book, the Quran and the teaching of the prophet. Christianity= believing to Jesus’ tradition and the bible. Other similarities: fasting, common prayer, religious holidays….

More similarities Both religions teach there is one Creator God, there are angels and demons, especially the Devil known as Satan. Both teach about righteousness and sin and a Final Judgment Day with either heaven or hell as the final destiny of humans. Both believe in Scriptures inspired by God and written by prophets and apostles.

In Green Bay Attracted by a cheaper rent and peaceful environment, families move in Green Bay during their first years in the US. 99% of parents never attended school. Family’s priority is survival: getting a job to provide roof, family’s need and transportation. Language barriers and lack of community advocacy cause bread winners to leave families behind and seek jobs in more culturally diverse cities like Chicago and Minneapolis.

Why do they move away? http://www.fox11online.com/news/local/green-bay/schools-see-big-drop-in-somali-students

Student’s struggles Mostly born in refugees camps or in a transitional country. They are facing a cultural clash: traditional Somali way of life at home Vs TV and school realities ( rules & Americans way of life). Experiencing stability for the first time. Sharing the household with a large number of siblings. They have just basic needs: roof, food and clothes but are thrilled to learn and be just like any other student at school.

More struggles First struggle: learning English, school rules, the culture….. Second struggle specially for teens: Parents Vs adopted Culture. Thus, adolescents may be in a disconnect within families and the community: rebellion, involvement in gang related activities, drug use, and vulnerabilities to recruitment for foreign terror activities are sources of intense anxiety.

Students like any other students Once become fluent English speaker. Start making friends. Excel academically. Have mostly higher goals: doctor, nurse, engineer.. Some of them will stop after high school graduation and seek jobs to help parents raising younger siblings.

New celebrities Abdi, Barkhad and Faysal,actors of Captain Phillips, with Tom Hanks

On the red carpet Haruun and Ali Mohamed

Asad Trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=fq6aJ7_8tcc#t=4

Previous celebrities Kanaan, singer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgyJY9yndv4 Amira, super model

Pop Culture Caricature:

Parody https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=170240249847218

Sources Amir Amin Art work Jack. L. Davies. Reunification of Somali people: The Somali Ethnic Group and Clan Diana Briton Putman & Mohamuud Cabdi Noor: Refugee Fact Sheet N0.9. 1993 http://www.theirc.org/where/united_states_salt_lake_city_ut/the-somalis-a-cultural-profile.pdf Nova Science now/pbs: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/evolution/