State-Of-Black-Oregon-2015

There are also tensions left over from Somali’scivil war. Some families from opposing sidesrefuse to speak or work with each other.However, Abdi notes that clan dynamics aredying down, due in large part to the youth. “Overhere, people just go through a different identitycrisis. ‘Am I African? Am I Somali? Am I Muslimfirst? Who am I?’ With no connection back homeat all, the young ones assimilate right away.”This rapid assimilation, however, makes itdifficult to ensure youth retain their culture. Withchildren spending the majority of their time inschool and parents working, there’s little time topass on traditions.Job-hunting causes many Somali families to leaveOregon. Recent college graduates are having aparticularly difficult time. In response, many Somaligraduates relocate all across the country, with theirfamilies coming along for support.Those who choose to stay in the Beaverton areacan rely on the dedicated members of OSFEC tohave their backs. As tiring as the work is, Abdiknows it’s essential. “It’s very time-consuming.But if you’re passionate about helping peoplelike I am, you have to do it.”147