By Okon Ekpenyong

Somali Cultural Festival is one of the many cultural events in Central Ohio this summer, all of which honor the history, culture, and heritage of each region, country, or continent. 

July 1 also marked the Somali Independence Day Flag Presentation at State House.
“It Was such an honor to have had so many elected officials from city and state government,” said State Rep Mohamed.

Moreover, it set the stage for what could prove to be an attendance record for other upcoming events, including Liberian’s Cultural Fushion Festival 2023 on July 23, the fourth Columbus African Festival on July 29, the Inaugural Ohio Ghana Festival on August 3rd-7th, and Saint Mary’s Egyptian Festival on August 28. 

July 1 is the day of the country’s independence; the crowd was “larger,” and the celebration lasted a little longer. 

Columbus metropolitan area has between 45,000 to 50,000 Somalian residents making it the second largest in the nation after the state of Minnesota, and yes, you read that right. Central Ohio is home to about 10,000 Ghanaians of Ghanaian descent, and their Festival, Ohio Ghana Festival, takes place on August 3rd and 7th.
“According to the organizers, it will be an unforgettable experience filled with vibrant culture, captivating performances, and an enchanting blend of Ohioan and Ghanaian traditions.” 

This year’s Columbus African Festival, the Fourth Edition, will be at Genoa Park in Downtown Columbus on July 29. Innis Park was the starting point for the Columbus African Festival, just as it did for the Somalia Cultural Festival. Bringing together all of the African diasporas in one colossal celebration is the mission of the Columbus African Festival. On May 25, many different African ethnicities gathered outside city hall to celebrate African Day, which helped bring attention to the Festival.

The Somali Cultural Festival honors Somalis’ diverse history and culture within central Ohio, throughout the state, nation, and worldwide. It is an opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy traditional dance performances, music, art, and food. The Festival also provides a platform to share Somali culture with the broader community and allows the Somali community to foster meaningful connections with one another.

The celebration began on Friday, June 30, with the ILLUMINATION CEREMONY hosted by Columbus City Councilmember Shayla Favor at City Hall and attended by other officials and community members. Downtown Columbus’ Leveque Tower also lit up blue to commemorate Somalia’s independence day. 

Senator Maryan Farah Kahiye, a member of Somalia’s upper house of parliament, delivered the keynote address at the event and presented the flag. Rep Mohamed also added that elected officials from Gahanna, Reynoldsburg, and other nearby cities were also in attendance, and many presented commendations and designations from so many cities. 

At the flag-raising ceremony at the Statehouse, CM Emmanuel V Remy of the city of Columbus, CW Meredith Lawson-Rowe of the city of Reynoldsburg, Mayor Diane Conley of Westerville, Mayor Trenton Weaver of Gahanna, and City Attorney Michael Bivens of Whitehall, presented the Somalia community with their city commendations. 

“Abdi Ali Afgaab, Ahmed Hussein, Kawther H Musa, Abdi Aden, Abdulqadir, Hassan, Abdullahi, Mariam, Mahir Ali, and so many other Somalia community leaders are the ones who make this event possible every year,” Rep Mohamed said. Brother Burhan Ahmed and Rep. Dontavius Jarrells also received praise for organizing and coordinating City Hall’s Flag-raising annual celebration. 

This year’s Festival did continue its tradition by featuring Somali music, dance, art, and food. Additionally, there will be speakers and performances from local Somali artists and activists. The event will culminate with lighting a unique Somalia independence day candle.

The election of State Representative Munira Abdullah, the first Somalia woman elected to any office in Ohio, along with State Representative Ismail Mohamed, the first Somali-American attorney in Ohio and the first Somali-American man elected to any elected office in the state, back in November 2022 continues to show that Somalia Diaspora in Ohio continues to contribute academically, economically, and politically to the growth of the community. 

Representative Abdullah and State Senator Michelle Reynolds, representing Ohio’s 3rd district, along with Mayor Laurie Jadwin of Gahanna and other political candidates and elected officials, spoke on stage to acknowledge and celebrate Somalia’s independence day on July 1. 

It was a massive accomplishment for Somali-American and other immigrant communities looking to make a difference in Ohio politics. Abdullah and Mohamed’s election signifies a shift towards a more inclusive and representative government and is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Somali-American community. Their election also inspires young Somali Americans and reminds them that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.

“Over the years, Columbus’ Somali population has grown, and thanks to the economic and cultural contribution of Somali-American residents, our city continues to thrive. I am honored to recognize and celebrate this important occasion again this year”, said Councilmember Favor.

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