Being free
For the Oromo Community of Western New York, Independence Day is a day to appreciate what it means to be free.
The community, comprised of East Africans, came together at Genesee Valley Park for a picnic to relax on a day off, grill food and remember their fellow East Africans back home suffering from political oppression.
More than 25 men, women and children enjoyed the sunny day while dancing to music and talking about the similarities, not differences, of the Rochester community. Men grilled pieces of goat and beef hot dogs, and rice and tossed salad completed the meal.
It’s a “mixed feeling,” said Jamal Abdullahi, 50, of Rochester, who has spent 25 years in America. “We miss the community in East Africa, but we find peace and stability here.”
Members of the Oromo Community are from Rochester, Buffalo, Williamson and Syracuse. Abdullahi said there are about 200 in western New York.
At one grill, Waaqo Daddacha, 30, flipped simmering meat and caught up with friends. He moved to Rochester from Minnesota a year ago and said he is happy with the fair treatment he has received in America.
“When we see a nation like the U.S. with independence, it reminds us we will be like this one day. As a society under oppression, we understand what it means for the people here. … There is real freedom. You can feel it.”
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