Abdullahi Abdulle

02/18/2026

Today marks the first day of Ramadan for our family and 2 billion Muslims around the world. This year feels different.

It comes at a time when many of us are exhausted from constantly having to defend our very identities.

The racism and xenophobia.
The anti-Muslim bigotry.
The brutality of federal immigration enforcement.
The inhumane rhetoric and policies of this federal administration.
And the compounding effects of being othered on a daily basis.

In the midst of that, this Ramadan offers us a chance to pause.
To reflect.
To connect.
And to seek clarity.

I have been reflecting on the other ways this Ramadan is different.

And what would my experiences be like if I did not feel safe enough to speak up?
To share what is on my mind.
To exercise my rights.
To ask for accommodations.
To have the privileges I now have.

Would I be able to share with my colleagues and coworkers that I am observing Ramadan?

That I am not eating or drinking for 10-12 hours each day for 30 days.
That afternoon meetings can be difficult and evening meetings often mean missing the chance to break fast with my family.

What is going to happen to my job if I am seen as less productive or not having the same levels of energy as usual?
Will this show up on my performance review?
Am I asking too much to step out to pray or find a quiet space at work?

These are not just rhetorical questions.

They are real questions I asked myself in the past and I am sure others are asking themselves now.

In a world that does not always see the full humanity of people, it is not unreasonable for people to struggle with these questions.

Thankfully, there are thousands of us, millions and more, working every day to build a more just world.
A world where people can belong.
A world where people of all backgrounds, abilities, and needs can get the accommodations they need without asking.

While that is not yet a reality in many of our workplaces, all of us can play a role in getting us there.

For your Muslim colleagues observing Ramadan this month, building that world starts with small, intentional choices:
🌙 A simple "Ramadan Mubarak."
🌙 Offering schedule flexibility.
🌙 Giving grace if energy is low.
🌙 Offering a quiet space to pray.
🌙 Rethinking food-centered team events.
🌙 Avoiding late afternoon/evening meetings.

02/13/2026

As an eternal optimist, these past few weeks and months have tested whether I still consider myself one.

How can I remain an optimist when I see the president of the United States direct the power and resources of the federal government to terrorize, abduct, and murder my neighbors?

When I walk past empty storefronts. Restaurants with plenty of prepared food but no one to serve.

When our public spaces are violated by the presence of dangerous forces. Many masked men with badges and guns.

When my neighbors cannot afford to pay rent.

Am I then still an optimist?

Yes. Because that is part of my resistance against this ongoing systemic oppression.

Yes, because I believe this administration has many insidious goals, all of which lead to reducing the number of immigrants in this country, and overall, the number of Black and brown bodies through different means and tactics.

Some of those goals they achieve by using brute force. By dragging preschoolers out of daycares. And others by weaponizing fear and hopelessness. I feel this already. I have seen this work to some degree. I have seen relatives leave the country voluntarily.

But I will not leave.

I will stay here.

I will check in on my neighbors.

I will connect people to resources.

I will donate my time and money.

I will work to put food on the table.

I will enjoy my time with family and friends.

I will resist. Financially and politically.

I will remain hopeful.

I will remain American. And I will remain in America.

I will celebrate the bravery and generosity of my beautiful Minnesota neighbors.

AND

I will forever be grateful for the legal observers. They make it possible for many of us to exist in public spaces, documenting every violation of our constitutional rights.

I will honor the lives of our neighbors Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who should be here with us. I will continue demanding justice and accountability for them.

Most of you already know what to do, but in case you're looking for ideas:

→ Donate to local nonprofits doing front-line work

→ Shop local and support immigrant-owned businesses

→ Get active politically and influence others

01/24/2026

Our eyelids were frozen. We couldn’t feel our toes. But our voices could not be louder. ICE out of Minnesota.

Yesterday’s extreme cold (and a -30 wind chill) did not stop me or tens of thousands of Minnesotans from coming out and speaking loudly and clearly against ICE terror.

To say, loudly and clearly, that if ICE comes for one of our community members, they come for all of us.

To say, loudly and clearly, that immigrants are welcome here.

To say, loudly and clearly, that hate has no home in Minnesota.

I am proud of my Minnesota neighbors. And I am proud to call this beautiful state home.

12/31/2025

Over the past few weeks, our Somali community has been facing consistent and coordinated attacks by the current administration and its supporters.

Lisa Demuth, who is running against Governor Walz, admitted to MPR that she helped Nick Shirley create a sensationalized YouTube narrative about “fraud,” visiting daycare centers, including some that were closed or outside their operating hours, and demanding to see children.

This is not really about fraud. It is about politics and the 2026 elections.

It is about racism.

It is about deeply rooted Islamophobia.

And it is about distracting from broader political failures.

As Somali Americans, we refuse to accept collective blame. We do not answer for the crimes of a few.

We leave accountability to the justice system while we continue to chase our dreams and build our lives here.

Yes, this hurts. But we’ve seen worse. We survived war and dictatorship. We will survive this, too.

Thank you to the millions of decent Americans standing with our community against this injustice.

12/15/2025

12/13/2025

Know your rights.

12/13/2025

📢🫱🏾‍🫲🏽Today the entire Minneapolis City Council and the Mayor are united in support of our Somali American neighbors.

🇺🇸At a time when U.S. citizens are being targeted simply because of how they look, Minneapolis is clear about who we are and what we believe. Somali Americans are valued, respected, and essential to the life of this city.

👍🏾Thank you to my City Council colleagues, Council President Elliott Payne, and Mayor Jacob Frey for speaking with one voice and making Minneapolis’s values unmistakably clear. —Jamal

⬇️Full Resolution Text⬇️

CITY OF MINNEAPOLIS - A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL

RECOGNIZING AND SUPPORTING THE SOMALI AMERICAN COMMUNITY AND THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CITY

Whereas, The City of Minneapolis is home to the largest Somali American community in the United States, with tens of thousands of residents who have enriched the social, economic, and cultural fabric of our city since the early 1990s, when many arrived as refugees fleeing civil war and seeking safety and opportunity; and

Whereas, Somali Americans in Minneapolis have demonstrated remarkable resilience and entrepreneurship, establishing numerous businesses including restaurants, shops, and service providers in neighborhoods like Cedar-Riverside, contributing significantly to local economic growth and job creation; and

Whereas, The Somali American community has integrated into the workforce, filling essential roles in industries such as healthcare, education, transportation, and manufacturing, with many initially drawn to Minnesota for employment opportunities and now comprising a vital part of the city’s labor force; and

Whereas, Somali Americans have enhanced Minneapolis’s cultural diversity through traditions, arts, festivals, and community events that promote cross-cultural understanding and unity, fostering a more inclusive and vibrant city for all residents; and

Whereas, Members of the Somali American community have actively participated in civic life, electing representatives to local, state, and federal offices, volunteering in community organizations, and advocating for equity and justice, thereby strengthening democracy and public service in Minneapolis; and

Whereas, The contributions of Somali Americans extend to education and philanthropy, with community leaders establishing schools, mosques, and nonprofit organizations that support youth development, health services, and mutual aid, benefiting not only their community but the broader population; and

Whereas, The City of Minneapolis values diversity, equity, and inclusion as core principles, and recognizes that the Somali American community’s presence has made our city a model of multicultural success, promoting innovation, tolerance, and shared prosperity; and

Whereas, In light of recent national challenges and rhetoric targeting immigrant and refugee communities, it is essential for the City Council to reaffirm its commitment to protecting and celebrating all residents, ensuring Minneapolis remains a welcoming place where everyone can thrive without fear of discrimination based on national origin, faith, or background;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council hereby affirm its unwavering support for the Somali American community and all immigrant and refugee populations in Minneapolis, recognizing them as integral and valued members of our city. The City is committed to fostering an environment of safety, respect, and dignity for Somali Americans, including through access to city services, protection of civil rights, and encouragement of community engagement without regard to immigration status.

Be It Further Resolved that the City of Minneapolis will continue to celebrate the contributions of the Somali American community through public recognition, cultural programming, and partnerships that highlight their positive impact on the local economy, culture, and society.

Passed this Eleventh Day of December, 2025

12/13/2025

During the forecasted extreme cold temperatures, the New Brighton Community Center will offer a dedicated warming space for anyone needing a safe place to warm up.

Saturday, December 13: Room 218 will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 14: Room 211 will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Each space will include tables and chairs, access to power outlets for charging devices, warm water, and hot cocoa sponsored by the New Brighton Lions Club.