How the Somali Immigrants Saved Lewiston? (Bangor, Bethel: to rent, unemployment rate, purchase)

[lrfox]

A fascinating article in Newsweek that my mother pointed out to me today on the Somali Immigration to Lewiston. It's interesting to see how national media views this.

I tend to agree that some of what has taken place can only be considered positive (particularly the opening of businesses downtown); but I'm well aware that there are negative aspects as well.

It seems to me that the author paints a rosier picture than reality shows. My mother (who only comes to Maine to visit the Bethel area from time to time) asked if I enjoy Lewsiton (noting that I'm in the process of becoming an Urban Planner). I had to say no. I believe it gets a worse reputation than it deserves from many locals, but I still don't think it's an exciting place to be.... yet. I've paid special attention to many cities rejuvenate and turn around; and Lewiston isn't one of them yet. It has a long way to go (in my opinion, anyway). But any positive publicity and attention for Lewiston is good, I can't deny that.

I'd love to see what (even more) local reaction is. Enjoy.

The Refugees Who Saved Lewiston
A dying Maine mill town gets a fresh burst of energy
Link to the article: Lewiston, Maine, Revived by Somali Immigrants | Newsweek Politics: The Obama Presidency | Newsweek.com

[elston]

A very interesting article....that I sent off to a friend who teaches ESL in Columbus Ohio .... many of her students are from Somalia as well.

Thank you for bringing it to our attention.

[AustinB]

Originally Posted by lrfox

A fascinating article in Newsweek that my mother pointed out to me today on the Somali Immigration to Lewiston. It's interesting to see how national media views this.

I tend to agree that some of what has taken place can only be considered positive (particularly the opening of businesses downtown); but I'm well aware that there are negative aspects as well.

It seems to me that the author paints a rosier picture than reality shows. My mother (who only comes to Maine to visit the Bethel area from time to time) asked if I enjoy Lewsiton (noting that I'm in the process of becoming an Urban Planner). I had to say no. I believe it gets a worse reputation than it deserves from many locals, but I still don't think it's an exciting place to be.... yet. I've paid special attention to many cities rejuvenate and turn around; and Lewiston isn't one of them yet. It has a long way to go (in my opinion, anyway). But any positive publicity and attention for Lewiston is good, I can't deny that.

I'd love to see what (even more) local reaction is. Enjoy.

The Refugees Who Saved Lewiston
A dying Maine mill town gets a fresh burst of energy
Link to the article: Lewiston, Maine, Revived by Somali Immigrants | Newsweek Politics: The Obama Presidency | Newsweek.com

Todays Bangor Daily had an article that was somewhat unflattering about the somalis.

[spose]

Originally Posted by AustinB

Todays Bangor Daily had an article that was somewhat unflattering about the somalis.

I was curious about this article since it was written by someone closer to the situation but couldn't find it. I did get sidetracked with other stories though. I glanced at the Sun Journal too but I didn't see anything there either. Can you provide a link please?

[tcrackly]

The only link I can find from the Bangor Daily News is this one about a photo exhibit. I don't see the negative perspective in a photojournalist simply documenting the Somalis transition from East Africa to Maine, USA.



Getting here from there - Bangor Daily News (http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/93019.html - broken link)

[elston]

I couldnt find it either....just the one about the exhibit that documents the Somali experience in coming to America.

I remember once more than a few months ago.....that I remarked that the the Somali immigrants, even if they were receiving welfare....would be making a significant contribution....welfare is mostly federal money....and since it would be going to rent and to purchase food and clothing etc.....it would be new money that would be immediately pumped into the local economy. ....I think the newsweek article supported my take on the situation.

[AustinB]

Originally Posted by tcrackly

The only link I can find from the Bangor Daily News is this one about a photo exhibit. I don't see the negative perspective in a photojournalist simply documenting the Somalis transition from East Africa to Maine, USA.



Getting here from there - Bangor Daily News (http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/93019.html - broken link)

It wasn't a photo journalist report, it was about the somalis not being able to get jobs because they couldn't speak english. Something like 51% unemployment rate. An immigrant was quoted as, and this is from my memory, saying that it wasn't fair that he couldn't get jobs because he didn't speak the language.

[AustinB]

Originally Posted by spose

I was curious about this article since it was written by someone closer to the situation but couldn't find it. I did get sidetracked with other stories though. I glanced at the Sun Journal too but I didn't see anything there either. Can you provide a link please?

It was in todays Bangor daily. I've already burned it for kindlin... I think it was in the business section. It was a smallish article.

I couldn't post a link to save my life, sorry. stone age

[AustinB]

Originally Posted by elston

I couldnt find it either....just the one about the exhibit that documents the Somali experience in coming to America.

I remember once more than a few months ago.....that I remarked that the the Somali immigrants, even if they were receiving welfare....would be making a significant contribution....welfare is mostly federal money....and since it would be going to rent and to purchase food and clothing etc.....it would be new money that would be immediately pumped into the local economy. ....I think the newsweek article supported my take on the situation.

I can't find the article in the online paper either.

[spose]

That's okay. You summed it up well enough. Thanks.