Building on tradition in a new homeland To experience civil war is to experience fear in the place you call home. It is to experience political instability, violence, and famine. It means living in constant uncertainty about one’s safety.  The Somali Civil War began over 30 years ago. It continues today. It has forced many Somalis from their homes, their homeland, and all things familiar, in the search for safety and security. This is part of the story of many members of the Somali community in Minnesota. Only a handful of Somalian people resided in Minnesota prior to 1992. The community then grew rapidly as people sought refugee status to escape the violence of civil war. Suddenly, every Somali Minnesotan had to become an educator and ambassador, introducing their culture to a mostly White population that had little to no familiarity with Somalia.  The journey to find safety and security continues today. Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the Somali community has experienced unjustified bigotry and mistreatment as a result of their Islamic faith. Drastic and discriminatory changes to immigration law enacted in 2017 further damaged the feelings of security the community sought when they claimed refugee status nearly thirty years earlier. The Minnesotan Somali community’s courage and commitment to building upon traditions in the face of hardship inspires admiration. Learn more at: https://www.centerforpreventionmn.com/learn/cultural-humility/