Goals of SOMALI BANTU: A NEW HOME, A NEW LIFE:

1) TO RAISE AWARENESS OF, AND PRIDE IN, THE UNITED STATES'  ROLE IN INTERNATIONAL REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT:

    The United States resettles more refugees than all other countries of the world combined.  Millions of Americans are descendents of refugees, beginning with the pilgrims at Plymouth. Yet, in spite of this longstanding tradition, the public is largely unaware of the US refugee resettlement program.  This lack of awareness makes the program vulnerable to cuts, and limits opportunities for community involvement. Now is a critical time for the public to be informed, especially given the growth of anti-immigrant sentiment in the wake of 9-11.  Resettling refugees here, after alternatives are exhausted, is one of many ways the US can help mitigate international humanitarian crises.  SOMALI BANTU: A NEW HOME, A NEW LIFE will document the US'  historic and current role in refugee resettlement.  

2) TO INFORM AUDIENCES ABOUT SOMALI BANTU HISTORY AND CULTURE:

    In the 1800's, Arab slave traders took Somali Bantu people from their homes in Tanzania, Mozamibique and Malawi to work on plantations in Somalia.  Since that time, severe ethnic discrimination led to the denial of education, land ownership, and jobs.  During the Somali civil war in the early 1990's, the Somali Bantu were raped and murdered as their farms were seized by bandits and rogue militias.  Survivors fled to refugee camps in Kenya, where they endured harsh conditions for over 12 years, unable to return to their homes for the forseeable future. Currently, most Americans know nothing of this tragic yet fascinating history.  Somali Bantu historians Omar Eno and Daniel Van Lehman will share their insights with the audience.

3) TO MITIGATE PREJUDICE AGAINST AFRICAN MUSLIM IMMIGRANTS:

     African immigrants have recently suffered racial violence in American cities.  Resistance and prejudice against the Somali Bantu may be averted when the public is fully informed of their plight, as well as their capacity and will to become contributing members of society.  SOMALI BANTU: A NEW HOME, A NEW LIFE will give voice to refugees who, despite the hardship they have endured, persevere with the attitude of doing what it takes to succeed and support their families. The Somali Bantu practice a moderate brand of Islam, are religiously tolerant, and express gratitude for the opportunity to live in America.

4) TO HIGHLIGHT PROGRAMS HELPING REFUGEES ADAPT TO THEIR NEW LIVES AND APPLY THEIR SKILLS AND TALENTS:

    People working with the Somali Bantu will share their experiences assisting with health, education, language, and employment. We will highlight community gardening and gleaning programs where refugees harvest food for their families, and earn income using their traditional skills as farmers.  

5) TO INSPIRE VIEWERS TO BEFRIEND REFUGEES IN THEIR
COMMUNITES:

    Viewers can take pride in knowing that the US is offering a new home to refugees from around the world.  SOMALI BANTU: A NEW HOME, A NEW LIFE will show how community efforts can speed the refugees' growth towards economic independence, and build their sense of connectedness with society.  Audiences will see how they can enjoy learning about other cultures and enrich their own lives by volunteering to work with refugees, or simply by getting to know their new neighbors.