IN A VALENTINE’S DAY post last week, I focused on connecting in everyday life, on hugging all of humanity. Those words proved prophetic for me personally. And I am the better, the richer, for the insights I learned, the connections I made, during a February 15 talk by a Minnesota college professor, cultural consultant and author at Books on Central in Faribault.
Joseph L. Mbele was the featured speaker at this public event highlighting cultural differences. Faribault is a culturally-diverse community, home to many immigrants, including significant Somali and Hispanic populations. And that has all too often created tension between locals and those who now call my southern Minnesota city home. Mbele recognizes that and has worked with community leaders, business owners and others in Faribault and neighboring cities to raise awareness of cultural differences and bridge the gaps which divide us.
Via storytelling, humor and insightful perspectives as someone who grew up in Tanzania and has lived in the U.S. for 32 years, Mbele riveted the attention of the group gathered in the used bookshop run by Rice County Area United Way. Rather than fully recap Mbele’s presentation, I want to focus on the personal interactions I experienced with two young Somali men in attendance.
When I arrived at the bookstore, I settled onto a folding chair next to Solomon, as I heard it, (or perhaps correctly Sulaiman/Suleiman; I didn’t ask for the spelling of his name). I can’t sit next to someone and not engage in conversation. I soon learned that Sulaiman, 34, came to the U.S. from Somali at age 14, graduated from Faribault High School, played soccer on the fields by the junior high, has a wife in Somalia (the process is lengthy to bring her to the U.S., he said), works as an over-the-road trucker and has a job interview with a local company this week. Any business would be fortunate to have him on their team. He impressed me with his friendly personality, wide smile and openness. Sulaiman reflected what Joseph Mbele stated earlier about Africans being highly-social, desiring to be around and engage with other people.
I felt thankful to learn from my new friend that he hasn’t faced many challenges as a native Somalian living in Faribault. I didn’t have the heart to share the negative comments I’ve heard about Somalians. I focused instead on getting to know this delightful young man pressed next to me in a row of folding chairs in the cozy bookshop.
Throughout Mbele’s talk highlighting African culture like African time (versus American time when everyone is on time), sidewalk gatherings to share news and to socialize, the social importance of food and music among Africans, the value of coming together and much more, I felt the sense of understanding unfolding. Laughter erupted often. Heads nodded. Questions surfaced during discussion. It felt good to be part of this gathering, to learn, to connect. I love that Mbele addressed bookstore volunteer Dave Campbell as “brother.” That endearing name shows that Mbele values Campbell and their personal connection. They are friends.
And I felt, too, that I’d made a new friend in Sulaiman and, afterwards his brother, Ibrahim (again, I’m uncertain on the name spelling), also in attendance. As I retreated to the rear of the bookstore to grab a sweet treat and refill my water glass, Ibrahim approached and we chatted. He extended his hand in a handshake, significant because Muslims typically would not shake a woman’s hand. Mbele explained earlier the separation of men and women is not one of disrespect but faith-based and cultural.
Ibrahim and I talked only briefly. He was, like his brother, warm, engaging, friendly. I remember him telling me that food brings people together, that he likes pizza. And I replied that I like sambusa, a Somali triangle-shaped pastry stuffed with spicy meat. We laughed. Earlier he invited those attending the bookshop gathering to visit Somali restaurants and shops in downtown Faribault.
And then Ibrahim asked, “Can I hug you?” Of course. We embraced right there in the back of the United Way bookshop. I felt such warmth, such affection, for this young man I’d just met. There were no cultural differences between us. We were simply two individuals who respected and appreciated one another. United by our humanity.
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FYI: I’d encourage you to read any or all of the books written by Joseph L. Mbele: Africans and Americans: Embracing Cultural Differences; Chickens in the Bus: More Thoughts on Cultural Differences; and Matengo Folktales. This professor at St. Olaf College in Northfield is a gifted storyteller and writer. I’d also encourage you, if you live in my area, to shop at Books on Central. All proceeds from book sales go to the Rice County Area United Way and help people and organizations in my area.
© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
what a wonderful interaction for all of you. I love events like these that foster education and understanding!
It was absolutely a wonderful event for learning and connecting. I’m hoping Joseph Mbele will give other talks in Faribault and my area. He is such an invaluable resource and a kind person who can easily connect cultures with one another.
I am deeply touched, Audrey, that you have decided to feature my work again, within such a short time. I am glad you liked my talk at the Books on Central bookstore. I enjoy giving talks and connecting with people and will go anywhere people want me.
You are such a gifted communicator. You had all of us listening attentively. You connected us. I was delighted to hear your message and then connect with two young African men. An absolute joy!
Hi Audrey, Fun to read your blog post and connections with East Africans, Somali’s and Joseph L. Mbele, and making connections at the new bookstore on central. I supervised Somali folks who were enumerators for the 2000 US Census in Minneapolis and learned a few phrases, “suba wanaxin” “galab wanaxin” “haben wanaxin” and “nabat galea” which are phonetic for “good morning” “good afternoon ” and ‘good evening” and not sure of the order, and “See you later”. I once took a friend to Banadir and had a coupon for food years back when we visited the Faribault Prison on a service visit, and when the owners heard I was an “elder” from Faribault they gave us a free meal…Welcoming new residents and citizens from all nations is important and happy to see the variety of flags at the Central Park bandstand in your blog….thanks so much for your writing and making connections there in Faribault where I was born and raised and still visit with friends. Best regards…doksha Akay…Dakhota “Later again” we will see you. Tom Weaver Faribault High School 1965, Carleton College in Northfield BA 1969
Tom, I appreciate your sharing your story of connecting with Somali folks during the census and in your hometown of Faribault. I fully agree that we need to welcome our new neighbors and to make strong efforts to understand their cultures and connect. I am learning, but still have much to learn.