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 Imam Haji Yousuf is the spiritual leader of the Somali Muslim community that have settled in Shelbyville over the past several years. (T-G Photo by Brian Mosely) [Click to enlarge] |
But for the hundreds of Somali Muslims who have moved to Shelbyville over the past few years, it is an important part of their lives.
It is an Islamic mosque, and large groups of refugees gather there several times a day for prayers.
Those paying a visit must remove their shoes before entering. This reporter made the mistake of leaving his footwear on inside and was soon corrected.
Inside, the building is extremely clean and stripped bare of any furniture, except for a few chairs in the rear, along with a table containing multiple copies of the Koran. A small boom box plays Middle Eastern style music spoken in a language that sounds Arabic.
White tape lines the floor, indicating the correct direction of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the holiest site in all of Islam. A cloth barrier that runs through the middle of the building separates the sexes during prayer.
Imam Haji Yousuf, the spiritual leader of the Somali Muslim community, spoke with this reporter through his son, Addillahi Mahad, who provided translation.
Yousuf stated that around 250 to 300 Somalis have settled in Shelbyville, although figures from public officials have indicated that the number may be higher - from 400 all the way to 1,100.
The move to Shelbyville began sometime in 2000 or 2001, the Imam said, indicting that their journey was first to a major city and before moving here, which is called a "secondary migration" by officials involved with refugee resettlement. However, Yousuf did not say which city they moved from.
Yousuf said they "are very proud to be here" in Shelbyville and that most of the people that have come here are all part of extended families.
As for their adjustment to American society, the Imam said that locals had been very nice and helpful, especially Tyson Foods, who he said assisted the Somalis with their housing and employment situation.
About 100 Somalis visit the mosque every day, which also has arranged a schedule for those working the second shift at Tyson to be able to pray after work.
Life in Shelbyville is "much, much" different than the world they left behind in Somalia, Yousuf stated.
"We hope to integrate into different societies to live together and to make our future here," Imam Yousuf said.
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So what do they do for a living? Where do they get their money?
How do they pay for housing, food, and other everyday necessities?
Why did they come to Shelbyville to begin with?
the answer to every question you ask is :
Tyson Food
Life is "much,much" different than the world they left behind in Somalia, Yousuf stated.
Yes, it's much, much BETTER here and hopefully they won't create any legal or cultural problems, i.e. wanting to stop Christmas displays or celebrations as some have tried to do in other parts of the country, saying that it "offends" them and Allah!
Just live here in peace, pay your taxes and please don't try to change our way of life and our culture to suit you!
THE HORSE INDUSTRY IS THE TRUE BEGINNING OF OUR IMMAGRANT PROBLEM. THOSE GREEDY AND SELFISH TRAINERS WHO BROUGHT THEM HERE,PAID THEM VERY LITTLE, AND ALOWED THEM TO SLEEP IN THE BARN.TYSON FOODS SEEN THIS AS AN OPPERTUNITY, AND TOOK THE BALL AND RUN WITH IT. NOW THIS IS HAPPENING AGAIN WITH THE SOMALIS, AND ONLY TYSON IS TO BLAME !WHY ELSE WOULD THEESE PEOPLE BE HERE ,OF ALL PLACES? THE TIME HAS COME TO REMOVE TYSON FOODS, AND THE PROBLEM IMAGRANTS, BEFORE OUR LOCAL GOVERENMENT GETS EVEN MORE BLIND TO THE PROBLEM.
If Tyson is the problem . . then people should quit buying their products. That solves the problem real quick.
While I have no problem with hispanic people being here legally because most are respectful and try to live a better life, the Somalis have no respect for the principles this nation was founded on and they expect you to respect them and their beliefs but they do not do the same for the rest of the society.
I sleep LOCKED & LOADED every night and have for years!
All I can say is, this is the beginning of the end for America as we know it. Even though these people have come over several years time, they have learned that they can use the system and they are good at it. These people are even invading our social security and in my opinion, they do not have a right to it. Where does it stop?
its quite obvious that Tyson Foods could careless about who they draw here to our town legal, illegal, militant. They don't care about the additional crime they bring.Regarding the somalian people i really don't know alot about them except that they are coming from a country that had no government, no offical police authority, where there was very little work, if there was any and just like the hispanics that flocked here a few years ago now its the Somilians...and they are also in my opinion being expolited, but they don't realize it... yet, if you come from a country where you are used to making $1.00 a day coming here and making $9-$10.00 has to seem like Heaven, or wherever it is for the Muslim people, I personally bear no ill will toward them, at least most of them speak decent english, The bottom line with Tyson Foods in my observation and opinion is they will take advantage of any situation that will SAVE them Money which in turn makes them More Money, by any means necessary!!!
We had a low-tech,agricultural community living here before that had a "different" religious bent,a conservative lifestyle,distinctive dress and spoke something other than English among themselves.
That was the Mennonites.
We had fewer problems adapting to them due to their pleasant nature as much as the fact they were white and Christian.
Being white,very sociable (and speaking English better than the locals) have been a big help in assimilating the Bermuda colony.
But any self-employed immigrants meet with less resentment than those who seem to have been brought in to undermine the local workforce.
Would we find the Somalis as arrogant if they were farming in Flat Creek instead of processing chickens in town?
Would we worry as much about how they were getting acclimated if they were living in their own farmhouses and homeschooling their families?
People have to have been here a while before their contributions are seen as clearly as what they seem to take.
With time,they can be seen as individuals rather than a horde of strangers.
They can even become our teammates on issues benefitting the community.
But,as long as they are classed as rivals and outsiders,there will be mutual wariness putting barriers between old residents and the new.
We don't need strangers inciting ill will among us for their own ego boosts.
We need to concentrate on how making life good for our neighbor improves things for all of us-whether they just got here or were well-established when we arrived.
everyone stop buying Tyson chicken and don't donate to Catholic charities. call the state department and homeland security who are paying these somalis. Most of these people are not working, especially the women who know no birth control. The Somalians are much worse than the Mexicans because they are on a 5 year track to complete citizenship in FIVE years and then they can vote.
I think that is a good idea, as a muslim, its the best thing that could be accomidated for us muslims who work on prodution lines and cant stop at our indicated prayer times. As for the person who posted the Somali women dont know of birth control we are not allowed to prevent pregnancy because each child is a gift from God as every religion teaches us and from tacking birth control we're stopping the miracle that God gives to each and every woman, the ability to give life, I suggest every person to look into our religion before making any negative comment about a religion they nothing of
What I have a problem with is, why is this about religion? It shouldn't be, it is about taking jobs away from people that have worked here and giving it to people that aren't even citizens. Just so they can make more money and no saving passed on to their customers.
But if you want to eat tainted chicken, thats up to you.
muslimachic84
I don't think anyone has a problem with your religion. It becomes a problem when your religion can tell other religions what they can or can not practice because it offends you. When your religion demands certain things from it's employers (ie: footbaths, prayer times, prayer rooms, wearing clothing prohibited by anyone else) and the employer actually supplies these things, this is were the conflict comes in.
Wouldn't you be upset if you worked for years at a company and had to beg to get breaks or parts for the machines you were operating. Then all of a sudden there are people thrown into your environment who are given whatever they wish because your employer can get government grants to pay for these things, with MY tax dollars!
I believe if the shoe was on the other foot you would not be nearly as tolerant as you expect us to be.
We as a community must stop blaming Tyson for things that we do no like and things that we want to see changed. Tyson as well as all other plants in this area, state and country must abide by the law and part of that law is not to discriminate. Sorry but that is the plan fact. It is easy for anyone to sit there and say that it is all Tyson's falt when you do not know all the laws. Now after you read through all of these employment laws that are out there and you fill like there is somthing wrong than start blaming the goverment. Go out and vote ask the canidates questions.
If you have truly worked at Tyson for any given period of time you would know yourself that more Americans go through orentation than any other but more Americans decide that this is not for them. When I went through orentation there was 10 of us 7 American, 1 mexican, and 2 Somalian's. Out of that 10 guess who is still There??? This American and proud to be one... 1 Mexican and 1 Somalian. So are they the Somalians really taking jobs that Americans want??? If any of you out there that are talking about the job issue need one come on down. I can not recall a time when they (Tyson) said we are full and need no other help.
I as an American who works there (tyson) and it hurts when I read or hear people putting down the place that puts food on my familys table (without food stamps), clothing on my childerns back, and a roof over our head.
helpsavebedfordcounty,
Please go read the jail intake, please...
Over 90% of it is Americans.
Folks, we all need to look at the facts.. Not what we think they are. I myself have not found anything that says the goverment is giving companys big tax breaks for hiring them at least nothing more than they would get for hiring a American veteran, a person from the hurricane Katrina,etc. etc. I could list so many more. Hey maybe I just over looked it.
They do not have any more illnesses than we do ours is just not put out there for everyone because we (Americans) are not different.
So to all God bless and God bless Tyson for doing the right thing even though others are against it.
I would assume the time we stop blaming Tyson Foods for the problem will be the day they stop hiring them.
If Tyson did not hire them...they would not be here.
#1) I do know the law, and the problem is No-one enforces them. Only way to do that is to sue. Well, problem is, to sue them it would have to be in competent jurisdiction and I am gonna bet since Tyson has more money to throw at the officials, Guess who would win?
#2) Since, you doubt my employment there, and basically calling me a liar. You can meet me anytime and I can validate the claims with all the paperwork from them and the Union Randy Hadley. Wow for someone that didn't work there. I can throw some names out there eh?
So please get your Tyson fanboi brown nosing an education and learn the what can happen when Tyson has enough workers, you will notice "problems" with your performance.
So...let me get this thing straight. While I'm currently on my second tour in Iraq, I have to read the Shelbyville Times Gazette Online only to find out that through the lack of genetallia by the local officials in my home town and compounded with the incompetence of the local police force we have allowed Al Quida to bed down right in Bedford County? Nice.
I would caution the citizens of Bedford County that the people you are now resigned to your traditional foriegn acceptance, practice their religious rituals mostly out of convenience. Also, theirs is an ideology not of goodness and love as this cultural sensetivity advisor would like to portray, but an ideology shrouded in violence and deception.
I know the Tyson exectutives can empathize with our concerns. It must look awful to them from Springdale, Arkansas. It isn't bad enough for the citizens of Bedford County that English is the second Language at SCHS and on Belmont Ave.,now we stab native Veterans serving overseas in the heart by giving the enemy sanctuary. I want to return home after 20 years of military service but I submit to you what is the point if our local revenue is generated by letting Tyson Foods using our City/County for a toilet...just a thought. Do the math and even the biggest "card-carrying ACLU radical" can see the consistent problems we bring on ourselves.
Look at my other blogs on the same subject. Just knock the courthouse down and build a Mosque. I have an idea: Bush has plenty of acreage on his Texas ranch. Movem there!
I've really had enough, and it may be time to say ADIOS to Shelbyville.
We as a society have become nothing but complainers. We think that if we voice our opinion and someone reads or hears it then we can forget it and everything will correct its self. We do not act or stand together. Dont worry about the Somalis comming here to take jobs and force people to their will. It WILL happen because they will stand together and will put the people in office that will do what they want. WE will complain about it and then forget it. Look at prayer in school and work. We cant do it any more BUT if we wait the Somalis will get it back in our school for us just like they have in their workplace. You will sit on a taped line face toward Mecca open the Koran and pray to whatever they pray to. WE THE PEOPLE TOGETHER CAN MAKE CHANGE IF WE "and that means the majority" DO NOT LIKE WHAT IS GOING ON WE HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE IT. We have to get involved in the decisions our policy makers make, and do it before they make them. I am just as unhappy as alot of the citizens with the direction our city and country is going with Imagration. Its Ok to complain as long as you try to impliment good change to what is wrong. Before we put people in office make sure where they stand on the issues that mean the most to us. Call your congressman or woman BUT DO SOMETHING. Come on people lets stop complaining and do something about it. This is the only post I will submitt here thats why my I picked this user name. Good Luck "MAY GOD BLESS YOU" and I hope each and everyone of you had a VERY MERRY "CHRISTMAS"
Mark has nailed it when he states:
"I would caution the citizens of Bedford County that the people you are now resigned to your traditional foriegn acceptance, practice their religious rituals mostly out of convenience. Also, theirs is an ideology not of goodness and love as this cultural sensetivity advisor would like to portray, but an ideology shrouded in violence and deception."
All Muslims may not be Terrorists, BUT MOST TERRORISTS ARE MUSLIMS!!
Remember, their ultimate objective is to "convert" everyone to Islam and one way to do that is by "infiltration".
Once they have established themselves in a community, they start issuing their "demands" for accommodation and preferential treatment based on "religion" i.e. time outs for prayers.
Next thing you know they get elected to office where eventually they form a majority vote and then everything else falls into place. Over a few decades or so, Islam and Muslim traditions are the norm and Christians can kiss their traditions, i.e. Christmas and Easter GOODBYE!
Evil Monkey,
Sorry if you thought I meant you did not work there. I was not trying to say that you did not and as far as my "Tyson fanboi brown nosing" ain't ever been called that before.
Heck I have never been called any kind of brown nosier, but if that means that I care about where I work at and will be honest about it, I'll take it thanks. :}
MR: You actually have to be what you think. and barely you have to feel what you want in life...As, most people know all our feelings beliefs and knowledge are based on our internal thoughts not our extrenal.Whatsoever, we can be positive or negative, enthusiastic or dull, but the biggest differece between people is their attitudes or how they over go with their life.In fact, You shoudln't be getting involve with other people's life or approach their beliefs.
But, always encourage yourself to pay your taxes, and keep your mind focused on important things, not money... because money is ain't nothing.So, if you are dreaming of success, and you want to enjoy with it. Be honest with yourself.
steven,
Where do you live? I am gonna guess it isn't here in Shelbyville.
well, i'm from NY....
i agree with jkelley. the america as we know it will soon be gone. as far as im concerned they should have put the lid on this melting pot along time ago. im pretty sure if i moved to somalia, which i wouldnt, if i asked my employer what ever it maybe over there to allow me to go pray to God at certain times of the day i would get beheaded. i am certainly not against anyone bettering their life at all. but you, as a refugee, immigrant or whatever have no right to demand anything. as far as im concered you wanna live here enjoy being here and dont cause any grief. praise and behold whoever or whatever you want. do it where i dont have to see it or hear about it. dont complain that we enjoy certain festivities during the year that we have done for many, many years. stay in your over crowded anthony lane home and dont worry about it. and another thing. i dont owe you squat. in translation that means not a @%&* thing. as far as workin at tysons they can have it. what gets me in a twist is they come over here and expect to be treated as if they are above me, us and the community. running me over in traffic or in the aisles of what ever store i go into. wear what you want i dont care, but if youre gonna be out in public at least be pleasant to be around. just remember folks, these are the same people that was killing our troops in somalia. if you need a further reminder go rent the movie "black hawk down"
puppydink.... we work for American company,you eat the food we work hard to make it safe,you should appreciated,we pay our rent to probabe white American landlord,we buy our grociery to your local store.ofcourse we work so we can pay our foodd and your uncle make that penefit..the reason we come to Shelbyville is because it is American and we have right to live and work any where in America,we respect your local custom...and do nt worry somalis are nt after yout chiks.. becuase we get cute ones too...lol
hello again....
we( Muslm) we do n't get any Islamic holidays off.we work our holiday becuase US company and USA goverment do n't recognise those days.
we work friday (those you do nt know friday is just like your Sunday) .do n't you think you are treating us like second class citiezen already,
you are blaming us for praying in corner of lunchroom. i have seen some ppl pray worest places ever since i came to this country. that i can n't mention it, are we in Guantmo.... listen jungle ppl...we are American..we have right to pray as you have right to smoke out side... how did n't we get a room to pray .. you get room to smoke... come on...wether you accept or nt we are your new neightbors.
Wow. Simply put wow, now I see the light. NOT!
I think we better do somethin with these somalians...and let them kno what life is...
The "peaceful" religion of Islam…….Honor Killing? Beheadings? Body-bombs? How about female genital mutilation (FGM)?
Brigitte Gabriel, author of "Because They Hate: A Survivor of Islamic Terror Warns America" and founder of the web site ACT For America!, where Ms. Gabriel states, "I founded ACT! for America because Islamic militants have declared war on America....We are in for the fight of our lives...." Become involved in your future and the future of your family. Visit ACT for America's website, chapter info and become involved as a member of an existing chapter or become a chapter leader and start one in your area.