LEWISTON — On Aug. 30, 48 diverse stakeholders gathered for an event titled, “Future at Stake: Addressing Youth Integration in L/A.” The evening was groundbreaking because of the diversity of high-profile participants who intermingled during a film screening, facilitated dialogue and traditional Somali meal.

This event was the second dinner in a series organized by Welcoming Maine, a community group that works to improve social integration between new and native Mainers through interactive events.

Invited guests included representatives from Lewiston and Auburn’s police, fire and school departments, Juvenile Community Corrections, Lewiston Housing Authority, Central Maine Medical Center, Saint Mary’s Health System, Catholic Charities Refugee & Immigration Services, New Beginnings, College 4 ME Androscoggin, Tree Street Youth, Big Brothers Big Sisters, United Somali Women of Maine, Somali community elders and new Mainer youth themselves. Event organizers were pleased by the high turn-out.

The evening began with a showing of the film “Not in Our Town: Light in the Darkness.” The film tells the story of a town coming together after anti-immigrant violence devastates the community. The themes of addressing ethnic tensions and preventing hate crime resonated strongly with many of the attendees, who work to address similar situations in their daily lives.

“It wasn’t until dinner was served that the real action began,” said one of the Welcoming Maine organizers. At intermixed dinner tables, guests shared their reactions to the film. Many people said they felt most impacted by the invitation to start conversations with “people who are different from me.” For some, this marked a rare moment of cross-cultural interaction.

Guests said the event changed their thinking about the challenges newcomers experience when living here. They were particularly intrigued by the personal stories of three Somali women who shared their experiences as young newcomers and later as mothers.

Hibo Omer told the story of her 6-year-old daughter who was pushed on the playground. “I hate you,” said the young offender, referring to her ethnic difference. As a mother, Hibo was shocked that such a small child could already be spouting racial animosity. A key line from the film reminded guests that “Apples don’t fall from pear trees.” Parents and community leaders have a responsibility to cultivate positive values in our young people.

Qamar Bashir explained that the animosity goes both ways. Violence in Lewiston/Auburn is not only directed toward Somalis but among many different groups. It is the responsibility of all community members to address tension and hostility.

Fowsia Musse spoke of the internal identity challenges she faces as a new Mainer. “When you’re in your home country, you know the customs, you know the people, you know the language. You’re a whole person. Coming to a new country makes you feel fragmented, and you have to face yourself to figure out who you really are.” Fowsia expressed how important it is to move beyond the fear of approaching a person from another culture and interact across the cultural gap.

Service providers were profoundly impacted by the opportunity to hear these real-life stories. “There is so much work to do,” said one guest.

In coming months, Welcoming Maine plans to hold additional interactive gatherings as they strive toward their slogan: “Building bridges, uniting neighbors.”

For more information or to support the Welcoming Maine initiative, contact Sarah Davis at sarah.mcgill.davis@gmail.com or visit welcomingamerica.org.

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