As new residents to Pittsburgh we are facing a lot of challenges covid 19 related and this event helps us unify solutions, form allegiances and learn from each other.  In the struggle to balance our cultural identity with the culture of our new home, this event provides Somali Bantu an opportunity to remember and pass on to our children a breath of traditions from the diverse Somali Bantu now scattered across the United States. Youth will always adapt to what is popular, but understanding their history and finding community in sports gives them more strength to face adversity to direct them away from dangerous gang activity we see some joining. This event will build the foundation for connections between groups, engaging youth programs, and moving even further toward academic and economic success.  

We also believe that sharing our rich culture with our new neighbors in Pittsburgh builds connections with others living here.  As Pittsburgh is becoming an increasingly international city, it is important that we all understand the cultural assets existing within our borders.  In this country as we are nearly all immigrants, coming to the US for a better life. As we share stories of hopes and dreams, we can connect with the histories of everyone in this city, the experience both of being newcomers, and even having been colonized in our native Somalia. Connecting through stories, sharing cultural traditions, realizing the assets we each hold, will do nothing but enrich the strength and vitality of our city. 

We have hosted similar events for our traditional holidays with great success and attendance, but this will be the first where communities from multiple cities will be brough together.  Hopefully Pittsburgh is the first location of a regular national Somali Bantu event that will benefit cities across the US.  Thank you for joining us in this endeavor.