I was shocked and angered by President Trump’s remarks about Somali Americans. We are fortunate to have Somalis in Maine. They are industrious, hard-working and have added much to the communities where they have settled.
In August 2010, the Lewiston Sun Journal reported that Somali entrepreneurs had reinvigorated downtown Lewiston by opening dozens of shops in closed storefronts. The Somali Bantu Community Association runs Liberation Farms in Wales growing and distributing fresh, chemical-free vegetables. Somali American high school students led the Lewiston boys’ soccer team to win state championships. Educational achievement is a primary goal for many Somali families who have gone on to earn high school and college diplomas. Somalis have given back to their communities by serving on school boards and as mayors, city councilors and state legislators.
Somalis have enriched our communities and I welcome them.
Linda Wilcox
Monmouth
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