HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023 July Somali American DayCOLUMBIAHEIGHTS
PROCLAMATION
Somali American Day: July 1, 2023
WHEREAS, the Independence Day of Somalia is a National Holiday observed
annually in Somalia and the Diaspora worldwide on the 1st of July; and
WHEREAS, many Somali refugees and their families immigrated to the United
States, and today Somali Americans are one of the fastest growing immigrant
groups in Columbia Heights; and
WHEREAS, like many immigrant groups before them, Somali Americans sought
shelter to the United States to escape war and persecution, to find opportunities,
and to better their lives and the lives of their children; and
WHEREAS, Somali Americans play an integral role in building a vibrant and
diverse Columbia Heights, contributing socially, culturally, politically, and
economically to our city; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Amada Marquez Simula, Mayor of Columbia Heights do
hereby proclaim July 1, 2023, Somali American Day in the City of Columbia
Heights, County of Anoka, State of Minnesota, U.S.A. In making this
proclamation, the history, culture, and contributions of Somali Americans in
Columbia Heights are being recognized and celebrated.
Am da Marquez Simu a, Mayor
June 26, 2023
COLUMBIA 0 HEIGHTS
PROCLAMATION
Establishing Sister City Relationship between Galdogob, Somalia and
Columbia Heights, MN, USA: July 1, 2023
WHEREAS, Sister Cities International was founded as a Presidential initiative by
President Dwight D. Eisenhower on September 11,1956, at the White House Conference
on citizen diplomacy to create more community -led global relationships so that people
of different cultures could appreciate their differences and build partnerships that
would lessen the chance of new national conflicts; and
WHEREAS, to facilitate and maintain world peace, cities, their elected officials, and
their citizens need to collaborate internationally; one of these ways is through
international organizations such as Sister Cities International; and
WHEREAS, Columbia Heights has a significant Somali American population that
enhances our relationships, communities, and overall culture. The residents of
Columbia Heights, Minnesota, and Galdogob, Somalia, value cultural diversity,
international understanding, and global peace.; and
WHEREAS, the citizens of these two great cities have worked together to become more
connected, to learn from each other, and to collaborate on important issues by becoming
Sister Cities. Columbia Heights and Galdogob both seek to promote economic
development, equality, and social justice for all their residents.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Amdda Mdrquez Simula, Mayor of Columbia
Heights, and Abdulgafar Sheikh Ibrahim Ahmed, Mayor of Galdogob, Somalia are
pleased to announce our cities are now Sister Cities, connected through the Sister Cities
International organization.
i
A dda Mdrquez a, Mayor
June 26, 2023