Saturday October 19, 2024
Community members, healthcare professionals, and advocates gathered at the Minnesota Somali Community Center’s annual Samafal Gala to celebrate leaders who have shown extraordinary commitment to addressing the opioid crisis, mental health, and other vital community issues. The evening honored individuals for their bravery—“Geesinimo”—with awards recognizing their impactful contributions. Festivities included traditional performances, cultural presentations, and a shared vision for a healthier and more united community. (Photo Credit: Somali Minnesota TV)
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn (HOL) — The Minnesota Somali Community Center (MSCC) honoured healthcare professionals, advocates, and elected officials at its annual Samafal Gala on Saturday, recognizing their contributions to addressing the opioid epidemic plaguing Minnesota’s Somali population. Held at the Columbia Heights Event Center, the event drew hundreds in a celebration of resilience and bravery—”Geesinimo,” the Somali word for courage, a fitting theme for the night.
The opioid crisis has disproportionately impacted Minnesota’s Somali community, with cultural stigma often hindering access to help. Dr. Benjamin Swart, an internal medicine physician living in the Cedar-Riverside neighbourhood, is at the forefront of this battle. Dr. Swart received the Community Caregiver Award for his hands-on approach to treating addiction within the community. “Dr. Swart didn’t just provide healthcare, he became part of our community,” said MSCC Executive Director Hassanen Mohamed. “He’s there for late-night emergency visits and has embraced our culture, choosing to live alongside us.”
Farhia Budul, a Somali woman in long-term recovery from opioid addiction, was awarded the Champion of Recovery for her work in breaking the stigma around addiction. Budul has become a leading voice through the Niyyah Recovery Initiative, which provides culturally sensitive addiction recovery programs for Somali Americans. “Recovery works and it’s possible,” Budul said in her acceptance speech. “But we need to reduce the stigma because this disease is killing our youth.”
In addition to healthcare providers, the event honoured public figures who have championed the Somali community’s cause. Rep. Hodan Hassan, serving her third term in the Minnesota House of Representatives, received the Legacy of Service award. As a strong advocate for marginalized communities, Hassan has been instrumental in legislative efforts to address healthcare disparities. “Our community is thriving in some ways and struggling in others,” Hassan noted. “But it’s the collective effort that makes a difference.”
State Senator Omar Fateh received the Geesinimo Award for advocating for Somali causes in the legislature. Yussuf Shafie, founder of Alliance Wellness Center, was named Service Provider of the Year for his contributions to mental health and addiction services.
The event, which included performances by the Somali Museum of Minnesota Dance Troupe and music by DJ Fowzi, was both a celebration of culture and a call to action. The MSCC, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit, has been at the forefront of addressing the interlinked challenges of addiction, housing, and mental health within the Somali community. “We are building a one-stop shop for all the services our community needs,” Mohamed said. “Our mission is to ensure no one is left behind.”
2024 Samafal Gala Winnders:
- Community Caregiver: Dr. Benjamin Swart
- Geesinimo Award: State Senator Omar Fateh
- Champion of Recovery: Farhia Budul, Niyyah Recovery Initiative
- Recovery Leadership: Abdirahman Warsame, Generation Hope
- Community Impact: Musab Adam, Access Healing Center
- Legacy of Service: Rep. Hodan Hassan
- Service Provider of the Year: Yussuf Shafie, Alliance Wellness Center
- Voice of Change: Mariam Said, aka Mama Sahra
- Friend of the Community: State Senator John Hoffman
