City leaders lunch with Somalis
By Bobbi Mlynar (Contact)
Originally published 01:47 p.m., November 8, 2007
Updated 01:47 p.m., November 8, 2007
City officials eat lunch at the Ayan Cafe Wednesday afternoon. It was a chance for the officials to meet with concerned members of the Somali community and also a chance for the officials to try Somali food.
Members of the city commission, human relations commission, the Tyson Fresh Meats liaison for the Somali community and city officials converged on the Ayan Restaurant Wednesday afternoon for lunch. There was no formal meeting.
During the meal, Tyson liaison Farusa Council talked about similarities of Somali foods to those in other cultures. Somalis use a tortilla-like bread for a number of dishes, with salsas that range from Mexican-like to Italian. A variety of spices are common in Somali food because of the country’s occupation by other nations.
Northern Somalis, she said, were influenced by the British, while southern Somali was dominated by an Italian influence.
Owner Mohamed Sayed and his employees spread a buffet of Somali foods — a sweet, filled flat bread; boneless chicken meat with peppers and onion; pie-crust-like triangles stuffed with beef and vegetables and deep-fat fried; spaghetti; bowls of sauces for dipping and spreading; seasoned rice with raisins; goat meat; lettuce and tomato salad; and bananas.
“I have always believed that sharing food is an excellent way to learn about culture,” Mayor Julie Johnson said in brief prepared remarks after the meal.
Johnson said she had suggested a luncheon meeting at the Ayan in August, but busy schedules had prohibited that from occurring until Wednesday.
“Because of the article in Saturday’s Gazette, there is much unease in the community,” Johnson told the Somalis who had acted as hosts and served the meal.
Many questions have arisen about the possibility of Emporia’s becoming a direct resettlement point, Johnson said.
“We acknowledge that these are real and legitimate concerns in the community,” she said. “We know that as newcomers, you have questions and concerns as well.”
Johnson said that in the United States, difficulties are overcome by open dialogue, free exchange of ideas and hard work.
“It will not happen in a few days or a few weeks, but it will happen,” she said.
Mohamed Gutale, elder of the Somali community, responded, with his remarks translated by the Tyson liaison.
Council said that Somalis rely on elders, who not only are mature but have experience and intellect to draw on, to settle differences and help guide Somalis in need of advice.
“That means a great deal, that we are reaching one goal, and we are working together,” Gutale said of the noon gathering. “This was something that needed to happen. ... Before we were feeling that we were outsiders.”
Gutale said he was heartened by seeing the large group of community leaders at the restaurant and he committed the Somali community to participation in resolving problems.
“And we are going to play a part in whatever it takes,” Gutale said.
Comments
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dillon (anonymous) says...
I'm glad i'm out of Emporia, good luck to the rest of you.
November 8, 2007 at 2:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dillon (anonymous) says...
all the Somalians in the picture look white to me.
November 8, 2007 at 2:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Flips (anonymous) says...
Does the Gazette always do this kind of coverage----of meetings & with pictures or was this a "statement" !!!!!???????
Or did I just read it wrong?????????
Probaly just me!
November 8, 2007 at 2:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
etown (anonymous) says...
Glad I don't live in redneck Emporia any longer!
November 8, 2007 at 2:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mythoughts (anonymous) says...
The food at Ayan Cafe is really, REALLY good. Everyone ought to try it. Get it to go if you're afraid to eat with foreigners.
November 8, 2007 at 2:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
boomer46 (anonymous) says...
Why do you think the article was in the Gazette fifteen minutes before the luncheon meeting???? Was there an Agenda???? Questions I asked yesterday.
November 8, 2007 at 2:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I am perplexed about comments made by the mayor in this article. Had she repeated those same comments in the commission meeting yesterday, she would have come across as being a much stronger leader, and much more informed than what she did say in the meeting with an offhanded, silly remark about this issue being too difficult because of the upcoming holidays.
You could have used your same notes to address the meeting with yesterday, Mayor Johnson, instead of just casting our concerns aside the way you did so easily. You didn't even look up. What's going on?
November 8, 2007 at 2:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Renegade (anonymous) says...
This is what "in your face" meeting looks like!
November 8, 2007 at 2:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
EsqEB (anonymous) says...
Noticed that they all have bottled water in front of them, probably a smart move.
November 8, 2007 at 2:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bmlynar (Bobbi Mlynar) says...
Hello, Boomer,
Wanted to answer your questions about yesterday's meeting.
Organizers notified both print and broadcast media of the luncheon meeting at the Ayan Cafe. They weren't having a formal meeting and there was no agenda. It was a get-together of the Emporia Human Relations Commission and the city commission, with city manager Matt Zimmerman and city attorney Blaise Plummer also attending.
(The city commission has luncheon meetings with other boards. For example, it meets once a year with the Friends of the Zoo board of directors and zoo personnel. Media always is notified even though there is no agenda nor is any action taken.)
Whenever more than two commissioners meet with a city official or board, the open meetings law requires media notification. Obviously, both print and broadcast chose to attend the noon meeting at the restaurant.
The story about that meeting was not posted 15 minutes early; I didn't write it until later Wednesday afternoon and it was posted today.
You may be confusing the meeting at the cafe with the actual city commission meeting, which was held at 1:30 the same afternoon. Gazette reporter Brandy Nance covered that meeting, so there were two separate stories about two separate meetings involving the city commission. One was informal; one actually had an agenda on which action was taken.
Hope this helps explain the meetings question.
Bobbi
November 8, 2007 at 3:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
boomer46 (anonymous) says...
Bobbi,
Thank you for setting me straight. I'm NOT confused about the meetings. The luncheon meeting WAS put on the front page of the paper fifteen minutes before the meeting. Guess it was a reminder for those that needed to attend. I have worked for three different city governments and am familiar with requirements of meetings. If I had known what was on the agenda before the luncheon meeting, perhaps I would have attended. Looks like the Mayor said more at the luncheon meeting than at the Commission meeting at 1:30 p.m. Again, thanks for the response.
November 8, 2007 at 4:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bmlynar (Bobbi Mlynar) says...
Sorry, Boomer. I misinterpreted what you said.
November 8, 2007 at 4:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Gilbert_Craig (anonymous) says...
It sounds like there was more on the menu for this event than what has been there in the past. When four of my friends (3 white females and one hispanic female) went there to try the place they were greeted like they had just landed here on this planet. When they enquired what was there to eat, the only meat was goat...no chicken, no beef, etc. Being made uncomfortable by the stares and language barriers my friends left without eating. It's good to read that they have expanded their menu.
November 8, 2007 at 4:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
way2short (anonymous) says...
t is amazing how the government of our community is forgetting about the individuals that have paid taxes for so many years here. I am afraid to walk in our community and have my daughter here with all the incidents that have happened since this group has been here. Take care of our own first - we don't have the resources to bring thousands or even hundreds of more people here to Emporia with so many companies going under and so many people without jobs - if this becomes the hub for another culture then the county should pay for our homes so we can get out of here. Seriously quit looking for free money and take care of our current problems first without adding more
November 8, 2007 at 8:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eiggohp (anonymous) says...
AMEN, way2short...you have said it very well~~~ Isn't it a shame that the members of the community are afraid to walk in their own neighborhoods? What has this government done to "our former Emporia", where we had pride in our town and enjoyed living here? We probably couldn't sell our homes for enough to afford to move elsewhere....and they call this progress?
November 8, 2007 at 8:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
funston (anonymous) says...
It looks like I will be learning a third language soon. However, it won't do me any good here in Emporia. What small people we have here in Emporia, irregardless of religion, color, socioeconomic class or background. I also will be leaving soon. But, I'll be back. For close to 15 years I lived in a place where I was the only white person.Where it was and what I was doing is still classified. Unlike most white Americans I know what it's like to be stared at by everyone all the time, and to take my place at the back of the bus. I know what it's like to be scared all the time, not just when I go out. Emporia, you are full of small people, just like editor of this newspaper and to many other so called big shots to mention here, but I still like you. When I left Emporia it was a much better and safer place to live. When I come back next time I will play a more forceful and active role in shaping Emporia's future, whether the big shots like it or not. Assuming, of course, I come back alive.
November 8, 2007 at 9:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lobo (anonymous) says...
Anyone wish to make a wager that 'mythoughts' is making good attempts to pull in some business? Just MY THOUGHTS! Personally, I agree with Gilbert’s friends. I cannot see GOAT being to appetizing, and I TOO would have left as well!
What I have a problem with is how the Somalis wish to be welcomed here. This is extremely tough to do so, after being told of a group of our young Emporian adults (not all were of the same ethnicity), being chased at a higher rate of speed by vehicles filled with somalis!
After several attempts were made to run them off the road, the young adults happened across an officer. Luckily, the high speed chase ended without anyone having bodily harm inflicted upon them, however, neither vehicle filled with these somalis were ticketed for their unlawful actions, yet several of these young adults were taken off to jail to spend a few hours! Why? Even tho they had alibis for their innocence, the officers acted simply on accusations made against them by the Somalis…. They were all blamed for attempting to start a racial riot!
After following a few of the young adults court hearings most were found to be not guilty, since they as well as their supposable vehicles were unable to be identified by the same making!
Therefore, my suggestion to others… stay clear of the Ayan Café or its location for fear you too may be found in a high sped chase as well!
Another incident which I would like to address…
After a long day of errands, I made a brief stop at our Wal-Mart store. As I stood patiently in line awaiting my turn, I witnessed ahead of me, two extremely rude somalis tossing a few paper bills in the direction of the young lady standing at the cash register, telling her to ‘fetch‘! No words can express the surprised, yet saddened look this young lady had upon her face! I stood there biting my tongue as she very politely counted his change back to him…
Now I ask, if they wish to be treated fairly and with respect…. then why do we have to be submitted and treated to such hatred, and humiliation ourselves? Are they treating US fairly?
Just another thought… I wonder how many times the city officials have met at other restaurants to discuss certain ethnic communities?
Last but not least, I have been told that the samolis are giving a complete different driving test than we have been accustom to. If this is correct, again I ask, is it fair?
If they wish to seek refuge here, they should be made to study our customs in which we live! They should be subjected to the SAME rules and regulations that is expected of us… should they not?
Anyone else like to share you opinion?
November 8, 2007 at 10:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eatasheep69 (anonymous) says...
I wish I could get in a high speed chase with them. My car is pretty fast.
November 8, 2007 at 11:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ChuckNorris (anonymous) says...
Hey if you want I will be glad to start some stuff with the skinnies. Just let me know and I promise they wont do a thing to me.
November 9, 2007 at 7:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
etown (anonymous) says...
Always nice to see paranoia running rampant. Some of you have legitimate concerns, others are just grasping.
November 9, 2007 at 9:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mythoughts (anonymous) says...
The Samosa Pastries don't have goat in them, and I had a beef-based soup once. The spices are similiar to Italian food. The samosas are like a "Hot Pocket" only much tastier and with a buttery, flaky crust. I agree, that eating there can be intimidating--that's why I don't go very often, even though I like the food.
I have had good goat and bad goat. Good goat will not be greasy, stringy or bland. A well seasoned, grilled or stewed bit of goat is delicious--a very dark meat, tender and earthy--also lean. In the Caribbean you can have "jerked goat," which is hot and spicy and similar to a Texas beef barbecue.
Closing your mind to alternative meats is just silly. Try it once, and then if you really dont like it, tell the world how much you hate it. I would like to tell the world that I find "Rocky Mountain Oysters" repulsive and will never willing eat anything like that ever again, on pain of torture OR waterboarding. But at least I tried it.
Bon appetit!
November 9, 2007 at 9:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Weltha (anonymous) says...
I agree with mythoughts. I'm constantly telling my kids to atleast taste it before you say yuck. I do have to say tha tgoat sucks... and so I TOTALLY agree agree about the RMO's. My great grandparents raised sheep and my grandparents raised sheep and goats. The goat milk was GREAT but the meat I leave it. Believe me I have had it prepared about any way imaginable. This is going to be off topic but I also have to ay don't feed me a rabbit and try to tell me its chicken. I know the difference dad.... LOL
November 9, 2007 at 11:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )