Twenty years ago, most Somali Bantu never imagined we would be living in cities, or another country, let alone a continent on the other side of the world. Today thousands of Somali Bantu live across the United States as refugees. Here we are learning a lot about the possibilities of life, seeking new careers, bigger goals, and success through education. Even though much is changing for us and our children in this new country, we must still celebrate the importance of our ancient culture, the stories of our past, and skills we have developed over generations.

The Somali Bantu National Heritage Event is a free three day gathering of Somali Bantu refugees from across the United States. Through sharing of stories, food, traditional dance, and sports, Somali Bantu from the nearly 12,000 families resettled across the United States will reconnect with each other AND connect with neighbors in Pittsburgh by sharing our unique culture and history of covid19.

Friday evening will begin the event with a summit of community leaders to discuss challenges we are experiencing as refugees in this country, exploring the knowledge and support of Somali Bantu living in other cities. Can we join forces to tackle common struggles? Are we achieving our dreams in America and how are they changing? How are we all supporting young leaders to shape our future? How can we amplify our voices in the cities where we now live?

Saturday will be activities for all ages: traditional and contemporary storytelling, dance, and music performances, henna artists, a fashion show, and a feast of traditional homemade Somali Bantu foods. This will happen alongside a soccer tournament where teams from across the United States compete for the 2021 National Somali Bantu Games title. We have some incredible soccer players, a best kept secret in the US. The festivities will go all day and Sunday will be the final tournament games, the awards ceremony for the winners and farewells.