Articles by Staff

Michelle Bernier-Toth, who runs overseas services for American citizens abroad, recently spoke to Atlanta's Somali American Community Center about young Somali-native U.S. citizens being held against their will and abused in Kenyan and Somaliland camps disguised as reform schools. So far, around 20 young Americans have been rescued from such camps and returned to their families. The State Department wants local Somalis to encourage families to conduct thorough research before sending young people away. There are U.S. resources available to victims and their families. 

Espoir Eso, a student at Clarkston Youth Development Initiative, and Naima Abdullahi, from Ethiopia, discuss what it’s like to immigrate to the U.S. and become a new American. 

Amondi Mani, a student at Clarkston Youth Development Initiative, and Awet Eyasu, a City Council Member of Clarkston discuss what it’s like to immigrate to the U.S. and become a new American.

 Genet Woldtsadik from Clarkston Community Youth Development Initiative interviews Sumaya Karimi , Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities , Organizing Director, Real Communities Initiative about the hardest parts of coming to America: the unknown. Unknown language, unknown people and unknown culture—but we will hear how they both overcame their struggles by making connections through empowerment and education.

Shaadia Saeed, a student from Clarkston Youth Development Initiative interviews Omar Shekhey  executive director for the Somali American Community Center in Clarkston, discussing what it’s like to immigrate to the U.S. and become a New American.

Bilan Ismail, a student from Clarkston Youth Development Initiative interviews Glory Kilanko, founder and CEO of Atlanta-based Women Watch Afrika, an international non-profit dedicated to women’s health. Glory was forced into exile from Nigeria, she shares some of the hardships of forced immigration and the struggles of coming to America.

Meymoon Abdi, a student from Clarkston Youth Development Initiative, interviews Justine Okello, Director of programs and technology at Clarkston Community Center. Meymoon is a student of Justin’s at the Center, and today we will hear about both of their immigration stories.

  Sagal Radio presented a Clarkston community forum between mayoral candidates Beverly H. Burks and incumbent Ted Terry. Candidates discussed their vision for the city, the role of mayor and how to ensure Clarkston remains a welcoming city for all. 

Join us October 21, 2017 to  CELEBRATE THE REFUGEE VOICES OF METRO ATLANTA  Saturday, October 21, 2017 3:00 - 6:00 pmClarkston Community Center 3701 College Avenue      ·  Special guest speaker Katerina Taylor, Dekalb Chamber of          Commerce President & CEO     ·  Honorary Chair Dr. Heval Kelli, Refugee to US citizen         & cardiologist     ·  M.C. Neima Abdulahi, 11Alive Journalist       ·  Honoree Hank Woolard, Refugee Program Coordinator, Oak        Grove Methodist Church Performances, music, and food from local community artists and restaurants included with your purchased ticket. Tickets $15 in advance / $20 at the door / kids 10 & under free / sponsorship opportunities available. Purchase tickets and sponsorships here.