ROXBURY – Since it opened 10 years ago, Butterfly Coffee has become more than a place for Somali men and women to gather over lattes and scones. Located directly off the Orange Line at Roxbury Crossing, it has become a sanctuary for Somali refugees.
“It is a lifeline to those who wish they could be here,” said Abdillahi Abdirahman, owner of Butterfly Coffee and and its adjacent money-wiring service.
Political instability and civil war has caused many Somalis to seek refuge in America. Since the 1990s, more than 6,000 Somalis have come to the Boston area.
Roxbury Crossing in particular has become a cultural center for Somali refugees. Somali-owned businesses and a mosque are major draws to the neighborhood.
Abdillahi, also known as “Mash”, came to the United States in ’83 and opened his business in 2000. He opened Butterfly Coffee as a backdrop to his money-wiring service, the only one in the New England area, which allows Somalis to send money directly to refugee camps in Africa. Without his business, Somalis wouldn’t be able to send as little as $50 to $200, which can last an individual in Africa about a month.
Mash, a Roxbury resident for more than 25 years, also serves Somalis living in Boston as president of the Somali Development Center in Jamaica Plain. Founded in 1996, the Center helps Somali refugees through the naturalization process.
“We are working to build both cultures together,” Abdillahi said.
Every year, between 500 and 1,500 immigrants depend on its services. Besides providing English language and citizenship classes, the Somali Development Center helps refugees find housing and jobs, provide health assistance and legal counsel.
“Some have adapted more than others,” said Ahmed Gedi, a friend of Mash’s who wears a pink Ralph Lauren oxford.
In order for a Somali refugee to begin the naturalization process, they must first be a living in the United States for a year. After one year, the law states that one may apply for a green card. After five years, the individual may apply for citizenship.
“We work with an individual well passed the six years it takes to become a citizen,” said Abdirahman Yusuf, the executive director at the center.
The Somali Development Center has three locations outside of Boston, including Springfield, MA, Chelsea, MA, and Manchester, NH.
Somalis account for the third largest nationality seeking refuge in the United States, after Afghanistan and Iraq. Abdillahi used this as an example of why Somalis are easily accepted.
“Because America is so diverse, you can work your way up the ladder fast simply if you are determined and work hard,” Abdillahi said, “that isn’t true of any other country.”
Somalis have also been drawn to Roxbury Crossing as a place of congregation and worship since a mosque opened last June. Religious holidays, celebrations and funerals bring the Somali community together, even from those living outside Massachusetts.
Mash says many will make a long trip into Roxbury from out of state on a weekly basis to wire money to family, pray and converse about politics over a cup coffee.
No comments:
Post a Comment