A powerful display of unity took place in Lewiston, Maine, as hundreds gathered to stand in solidarity with the state's Somali community. This rally, organized in response to President Donald Trump's controversial remarks, sent a strong message of support and defiance.
The event, held on a snowy Saturday, was a diverse gathering, with most attendees being non-Somali individuals who wanted to show their solidarity. It was a heartening sight to see people from all walks of life come together, including a notable presence of elected officials and candidates from various political backgrounds.
The rally's organizer, Safiya Khalid, a former Lewiston city council member, made history as the first Somali-American to hold such a position. Standing in Kennedy Park's gazebo, she addressed the crowd, delivering a powerful response to Trump's attacks. Her words resonated deeply: "We are here to make it clear, without apology, that we are not going anywhere."
Khalid drew an insightful historical parallel, highlighting how today's anti-Somali rhetoric echoes past waves of xenophobia and discrimination against Irish and French-Canadian immigrants in Maine. She emphasized, "Every generation has witnessed a community being scapegoated and dehumanized during moments of fear and political convenience. History teaches us that silence and indifference only perpetuate such harms."
The crowd then marched through the park, their voices united in a display of strength and resilience. They reconvened in a nearby event center, formerly a church, where more powerful speeches were delivered.
Deqa Dhalac, a Democratic state representative from South Portland and one of the three Somali-Americans serving in the Legislature, took the stage. She spoke of the fear and intimidation that the president's attacks and aggressive immigration tactics have instilled in many immigrant families. But her message was one of resilience: "We will not shrink. We will not be intimidated. We will not let hatred define us."
The event featured a diverse lineup of speakers, including Democratic and independent elected officials and candidates. State Senator Rick Bennett, a former Republican running for governor as an independent, emphasized Maine's spirit of community: "In Maine, we look after each other. When one of us is attacked, it's an attack on all of us. That's why we're here today."
Other notable speakers included Democratic Senate hopeful Graham Platner, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Troy Jackson, and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who is also seeking the Democratic nomination for governor. Their collective message was clear: Maine leads with decency, dignity, and courage, offering a path forward that contrasts the fear and division prevalent in the rest of the country.
While the event celebrated Somali culture with food and dance, it was notable that the city's Somali residents were largely absent from the predominantly white crowd. Amran Osman, who runs a local nonprofit focused on immigrant youth's mental health, attributed this to fear, citing the overwhelming online vitriol directed at the community.
"People were afraid, worried about potential violence, given the level of hatred they've seen online, with people telling them to 'go back to their country,'" Osman explained. Despite receiving online death threats herself, Osman attended the rally, feeling a sense of duty to the youth she works with and her community.
In her closing remarks, Safiya Khalid expressed her gratitude for the non-Somali allies who showed up in support. "Your solidarity means a lot, and it's not going unnoticed."
This rally was a powerful response to Trump's denigrating remarks, and Khalid's efforts have undoubtedly made a difference. As she said, "You may think negatively of us, but let me show you what Mainers truly think of their Somali neighbors."
A thought-provoking question for our readers: In times of political division, how can we ensure that our communities remain united and supportive of one another, especially those who may feel marginalized or targeted?
