Sambusa Sunday

The Idea

In spite of threats to members of the Somali community before and since the 2016 elections, many Somalis have been heartened by the support they are receiving from Minnesota residents. To thank those who are standing with the Somali/Muslim community in very difficult and uncertain times, community gatherings are being held to strengthen relationships and to allow people to stand together united in the face of divisive talk and actions. These gatherings focus on bringing people together to eat Somali Sambusas and drink Chai Tea in a public space that welcomes conversations and relationship building. These gatherings provide an opportunity for people to show support and gratitude for each other and bridge divides. These gatherings address the expressed need people in Minnesota and nationwide have right now to connect and communicate with each other for the purpose of building and strengthening community relationships with the Somali and Muslim community. These are simple neighborhood gatherings with free sambusa and chai. They're not rallies and there are no big speeches. It's just about bringing neighbors together—some Somali and some not—and letting all of us know we stand together.

This community gathering is an approach that can be applied in any community. People coming together at a community level to show social support for each other regardless of differences strengthens existing community relations. It can also positively impact the way people interact with each other on an individual level and how society as a whole embraces all groups of people beyond the Somali community. The gathering can also be any size, everything from a small group of neighbors coming together to a large community-wide event.