No dogs or Italians allowed

Following is a statement from Lynn Tramonte, Executive Director of the Ohio Immigrant Alliance, about the President’s attack on Somali-Americans

Imagine being on the tip of the tongue of the most powerful man in the world. He calls on people to hate, instead of showing us how to come together and find what we have in common. We are far more alike than our differences.

Today, our friends and family members from Somalia are under attack. They did nothing to deserve this hatred. They are good people. They want the same things everyone does — to live in a safe place, take care of their families, contribute to our communities, and be left in peace.

People born in Somalia have done great things in Ohio, and they are making a difference. Today, I want everyone who reads these words to seek out a Somali-owned business and spend some money there. If you can’t spend money, offer up a kind word. People born in Somalia, and their children, have enriched our communities and will continue to do so. Ohio benefits when people from other states and other countries choose to make it their new home.

Now, I’m speaking specifically to my fellow white people. Those whose ancestors, like mine, came here a long time ago. My family is Italian-American. Once, we were also called garbage. They said we were dogs. Now, some of us are saying the same things about Somali-Ohioans that were said about us, when our families first came here. It wasn’t right then, and it isn’t right now. We are better than this.

Don’t wait for the President to lead differently; do what you know is right. Find something in common with someone you don’t know. It feels better to love than to hate.