Somali Justice Advocacy Center

empower immigrants

About Us

 

The Somali Justice Advocacy Center, initiated in 2001, has been one of the most often referenced organizations when issues facing the Somali community come to the surface.  The organization's staff and volunteers have been on the front lines mobilizing resources to assist members of the Somali community work through legal issues, and at the negotiating table with city, county, state, corporate and non-profit leadership determining ways to improve conditions and promote opportunities for the Somali community. The organization obtained 501 © 3 status in early 2005. Now, with the authority to function independently, the organization has developed an ambitious plan to address the legal issues of the Somali community.

 

In 1993 when Somalis began to trickle into the Twin Cities, they were so small in number that most people did not take notice. The Somali community problem-solved without support, without its own network of civil institutions, and without the awareness of the broader population of Minnesota.  Since that time, the Somali community has grown tremendously, and the Twin Cities now boasts the largest Somali community of any urban area in the country.

 

Estimates vary as to the size of the Somali community, but there is growing agreement that there are at least 60,000 Somalis in Minnesota - and perhaps as many as 80,000. Given the persistent language barriers and cultural distinctiveness of the Somali community, it is critical that the community have a culturally specific legal advocacy resource that can bridge relationships between Somalis and all other cultures in Minnesota, most particularly with the dominant culture.

 

Site is Under construction:

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Contact Omar Jamal

1050 SELBY AVENUE

ST PAUL, MINNESOTA

Phone: 612-715-1221

E-mail: Shabeelj@yahoo.com

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