Nasra Hussein

“At home, I was African, and at school, I was American. At home, I would speak my language, but I would never dare to speak it out in public. I was embarrassed of my ethnicity. I wanted to be seen as American. I had African American friends, and even picked on Somali Bantu kids because I wanted to fit in. I hated this part of myself.”

Darius Ralston

“I grew up on 32nd & Greenwood, on a busy street across from Parkland Boys & Girls Center. Our block was one of the safer, secluded blocks, thank God. But we would still hear gunshots. Helicopters soared through the sky every night looking for a new criminal, and their lights shined through my window as I tried to sleep.”

Rachel Mazimpaka

“At 11 years old, I started to sing in my free time. It was my passion, and my grandma was my inspiration, and a role model. Each time I sang in church, I had this feeling that my voice would bless someone. This was one way I felt connected with God.”

Abdiwahab Omar

“I was sleeping, and at first I thought our house was struck by lightning. I hadn’t heard the sound of gunshots for years. I told my mama, ‘Is this what we left Somalia for? I would rather die in my country than a foreign country.'”

Sage Townsend

“That was the first time I’d ever seen my loving grandma hate. I bit my tongue, terrified that she would question me. She was the only person I felt gave me a home, and peace. I knew she wasn’t a bad person. It was confusing and frustrating during the time I was trying to come out, because I wanted to make her happy, but I had to be happy, too.”

Misi Byamungu

“One night, we heard gunshots. People screaming and crying. I was 4 years old, sleeping in my mother’s room, when she tapped me on the shoulder to wake me up. She was terrified. It was the first time I ever saw her cry. At 3am, my mom told us to go pack: ‘Take only the things you need, and stay quiet. Don’t turn on the light.'”

Malkia Wakuika

“The words she said kept repeating in my head over and over. I just could not believe how ignorant it was. I mean, where did she get the audacity to say, ‘Why should girls even go farther in their education? As long as they know how to read, that’s enough, isn’t it?’ Growing up, I heard a lot from my neighbors that women belong in the kitchen. I never knew exactly what that meant.”

Mohamed Jama

“My mom encouraged me to never give up, and eventually I learned how to fit in. Even though we lived and faced challenges, we always find a way out. My mom always shows her happy side and she always hides her emotions. She always has confidence and hope. She is the strongest woman I know. She’s my hero.”