Minnesota Somalis gather, reflect on Independence Day

Starting on June 27 and continuing through the next five days, many Somalis in Minnesota will celebrate the 49th anniversary of their country’s Independence Day. Officially July 1, the date commemorates the founding of the Republic of Somalia, as it gained freedom from colonial British and Italian rule in 1961. There are a number of events planned throughout Minneapolis, including all-day events at various cultural centers, soccer tournaments, fashion shows, and concerts designed to unify Somalis in Minnesota that have been divided and dispersed by civil war. Safari Express, a restaurant at the Midtown Global Market, owned by brothers Sade and Jamal Hashi, will offer a full day of events, including historical presentations, a fashion show, live music, cooking demonstrations by Jamal, and children’s activities. “I want to do an introduction of what Somali culture is, Somali 101,” Sade Hashi told me, in hopes of “giving a good exposure of what Somali culture is like.” ..more.. http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/article/2009/06/29/minnesota-somalis-gather-reflect-independence-day.html