This Is What America Looks Like

“What happens when you’re told you don’t belong? You fight to create a place where everyone does.”

1. A Childhood Interrupted by War

Ilhan Omar’s early years in Mogadishu, Somalia, were filled with joy and freedom. Her family, part of the Benadiri ethnic minority, raised her with a sense of equality, giving her the same opportunities as her brothers. She was a feisty child who stood up to bullies and enjoyed a carefree life despite the challenges of being part of a minority group.

This idyllic childhood came to an abrupt end when civil war broke out in Somalia. At just eight years old, Ilhan witnessed her home being riddled with bullets and mortar shells. Food became scarce, and survival was a daily struggle. Her family decided to flee Mogadishu, embarking on a dangerous journey that eventually led them to a refugee camp in Kenya.

The refugee camp offered safety but came with its own hardships. Disease was rampant, and Ilhan lost her beloved aunt to malaria. These early experiences of war, loss, and displacement shaped her resilience and her understanding of the importance of community and survival.

Examples

• Ilhan’s family fled Mogadishu after armed men tried to break into their home.
• In the refugee camp, Ilhan cared for a baby while grappling with the constant presence of death.
• Her aunt’s death from malaria marked her first deep encounter with grief and fear for the future.

2. Adjusting to Refugee Life and Dreaming of America

Life in the refugee camp was harsh, but it also taught Ilhan the value of community. Despite the constant loss of life, the camp’s residents supported one another, creating a network of care and solidarity. Ilhan found small joys, like sneaking out to watch Bollywood movies, but her father dreamed of a better future for the family.

Her father believed that America was the only place where they could truly belong. He often said, “Only in America can you ultimately become an American.” This dream seemed far-fetched, as only a small fraction of Somali refugees were admitted to the US. Yet, after a year of waiting, Ilhan’s family received the life-changing news that they had been selected for resettlement in Arlington, Virginia.

The journey to America was filled with hope and anticipation. However, Ilhan’s first impression of New York City was jarring. The piles of trash on the streets clashed with the idyllic images of white picket fences and abundance shown in their orientation video. Her father reassured her, saying, “We’ll find our America.”

Examples

• Ilhan’s father and grandfather struggled to adjust to life in the refugee camp but held onto the dream of America.
• The family’s orientation video depicted America as a land of plenty, with smiling families and abundant food.
• Ilhan’s shock at seeing trash-filled streets in New York highlighted the gap between expectation and reality.

3. Learning to Thrive in a New Country

When Ilhan’s family arrived in Virginia, they faced the challenges of starting over. Seven people crammed into a two-bedroom apartment, and Ilhan, at 12 years old, spoke only two phrases in English: “Hello” and “Shut up.” School was a battleground where she frequently fought bullies, but it also became a place where she quickly learned English and began to adapt.

Her family later moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where Ilhan attended a high school with a diverse student body. There, she began to develop leadership skills, forming a coalition to improve relations among students from different backgrounds. This experience planted the seeds for her future in community organizing and politics.

At home, however, Ilhan faced tension with her father. While he trusted her to make good decisions, he struggled with the gossip and judgment from their tight-knit Somali community. Her teenage behaviors, like dyeing her hair or staying up late, became points of contention, reflecting the cultural pressures they both navigated.

Examples

• Ilhan learned English by spending hours in detention reading and writing.
• At Thomas Edison High School, she led efforts to bridge divides among students from different communities.
• Her father faced criticism from Somali elders about Ilhan’s independence and choices.

4. Faith as a Source of Strength

Ilhan’s faith became a cornerstone of her identity during challenging times. After marrying Ahmed, a fellow Somali, she balanced her education with the demands of family life. The September 11 attacks in 2001 brought a wave of Islamophobia, making life even harder for her and her community.

Amid these struggles, Ilhan found solace in her faith. A trip to Sweden to visit conservative relatives inspired her to start wearing the hijab again, not as an obligation but as a personal choice. It became a symbol of her connection to her religion and her commitment to fighting for justice and equality.

Her faith also guided her through personal and financial hardships. Despite the challenges of raising a family, pursuing education, and facing discrimination, Ilhan’s belief in her purpose and values kept her grounded and determined.

Examples

• Ilhan faced Islamophobia after 9/11, with her community being unfairly blamed for the attacks.
• Financial struggles during college forced her to work tirelessly while raising her children.
• Her decision to wear the hijab again reflected a renewed connection to her faith.

5. Overcoming Personal Struggles

The 2008 financial crisis was a turning point for Ilhan. She realized that her associate’s degree wouldn’t open the doors she had hoped for, and years of trauma began to catch up with her. Her personal life also unraveled, leading to a divorce and a brief, impulsive second marriage.

Determined to rebuild her life, Ilhan enrolled at North Dakota State University. College became a transformative experience, allowing her to focus on her goals and rediscover her sense of purpose. She excelled academically and became deeply involved in student organizations, laying the foundation for her future in public service.

A research trip to Somalia with her father helped her reconcile with her past and her family. This journey deepened her appreciation for the sacrifices her relatives had made and strengthened her resolve to create a better future for her children and her community.

Examples

• Ilhan’s divorce and second marriage marked a period of personal turmoil.
• At North Dakota State University, she balanced academics with raising her children.
• Her trip to Somalia helped her heal and reconnect with her family’s history.

6. Discovering a Talent for Community Organizing

Ilhan’s first experience with American politics came as a child when her grandfather took her to a local caucus. Years later, she became an effective organizer, mobilizing Somali-Americans to vote and participate in campaigns. Her work on Andrew Johnson’s city council campaign demonstrated her ability to connect with diverse communities and address their concerns.

However, her activism also made her a target. At one caucus, she was physically assaulted, an attack that left her hospitalized. Despite this, Ilhan remained undeterred, using the incident to highlight the challenges faced by women and minorities in politics.

Her growing reputation as a leader led her community to encourage her to run for office. Though hesitant at first, she eventually embraced the opportunity to represent her district and advocate for change.

Examples

• Ilhan’s grandfather introduced her to the democratic process at a young age.
• She managed Andrew Johnson’s campaign, helping him win despite negative media attention.
• The assault at the caucus only strengthened her resolve to fight for her community.

7. Facing Resistance and Succeeding

Ilhan’s candidacy for the Minnesota House of Representatives was met with both enthusiasm and resistance. While many supported her, some members of the Somali community opposed the idea of a woman in leadership. Attack ads and false rumors about her personal life added to the challenges.

Despite these obstacles, Ilhan focused on connecting with voters and addressing their concerns. Her grassroots campaign resonated with the community, leading to a decisive primary victory. Her success marked a historic moment, as she became the first Black Muslim woman elected to state legislature in the US.

The false rumors about her marriage resurfaced years later, amplified by President Trump. Ilhan responded with grace, using the attacks as an opportunity to educate others and advocate for her community.

Examples

• Somali elders criticized Ilhan’s candidacy, claiming it was inappropriate for a woman to lead.
• Her campaign raised $13,000 in one night, reflecting strong community support.
• Trump’s attacks on Ilhan highlighted the challenges faced by minority leaders in politics.

8. Navigating Fame and Responsibility

Ilhan’s election to Congress brought both opportunities and challenges. She became a symbol of hope for many but also faced intense scrutiny and harassment. At a 2019 rally, Trump accused her of supporting Al-Qaeda, prompting chants of “Send her back” from the crowd.

Despite these attacks, Ilhan remained focused on her work. She collaborated with lawmakers across party lines to pass legislation that supported families and students. Her ability to rise above the noise and stay true to her values earned her respect and admiration.

Ilhan’s journey from refugee to Congresswoman is a testament to her resilience and determination. She continues to fight for a more inclusive and equitable America, inspired by her own experiences and the people she represents.

Examples

• Ilhan was featured on the cover of TIME magazine, highlighting her impact.
• Trump’s rally chants underscored the hostility she faced as a Muslim Congresswoman.
• Her legislative work included increased support for parents pursuing higher education.

9. Building a Better America

Ilhan’s story is one of transformation and hope. From a refugee camp in Kenya to the halls of Congress, she has defied expectations and broken barriers. Her journey reflects the promise of America as a land of opportunity, but also the work that remains to be done to make that promise a reality for everyone.

Ilhan’s father’s words about finding “their America” continue to guide her. She is committed to creating a country where everyone, regardless of their background, can thrive. Her work in Congress is driven by a vision of equality, justice, and opportunity for all.

Through her advocacy and leadership, Ilhan is helping to shape a more inclusive future. Her story inspires others to believe in their own potential and to fight for the change they want to see.

Examples

• Ilhan’s election to Congress marked a historic moment for representation in US politics.
• Her father’s dream of finding “their America” became a guiding principle in her work.
• Ilhan’s advocacy focuses on creating opportunities for marginalized communities.

Takeaways

1. Stand up for what you believe in, even when faced with opposition or discrimination.
2. Build strong connections with your community to create meaningful change.
3. Use your personal experiences to inspire and guide your work, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.