There are two Somali Americans running for seats in the Maine Legislature this year, and a growing number of Mainers from immigrant backgrounds are seeking, and winning, positions in municipal government. Still, some say much more representation is needed in the state.
That’s one point that came up during a virtual roundtable discussion hosted by Maine Public and the Portland Press Herald to hear what’s on the minds of four younger voters from immigrant backgrounds ahead of the midterms.
The discussion was facilitated by Maine Public reporter Ari Snider, and Portland Press Herald photojournalist Sofia Aldinio traveled across southern Maine to photograph the participants.
Participating were:
- Sulwan Ahmed, 22, of Portland is Muslim life adviser at Bowdoin College and a youth advisory board member of the Community Organizing Alliance. Born in Sudan, Ahmed grew up in Portland.
- Amran Osman, 24, of Lewiston is community resource coordinator at Gateway Community Services and founder of Generational Noor. A Somali born in Kenya, Osman grew up in Lewiston.
- Sosanya Pok, 32, of Biddeford is financial management specialist with Attendant Services Maine and board secretary of Khmer Maine. Born in a Cambodian refugee camp in Thailand, Pok grew up in Scarborough.
- Mohamed Awil, 27, of Lewiston is founder of Community Staffing Partners and board member of Trinity Jubilee Center. A Somali, Awil grew up in Kenya and Lewiston.
Source: mainepublic
