Somalis in Maine

Lewiston, a mill town of about thirty-six thousand people, is the second-largest city in Maine. It is also home to some three thousand Somali refugees. After initially being resettled in larger cities elsewhere, Somalis began to arrive in Lewiston by the dozens, then the hundreds, after hearing stories of Mainers"s attractions through family networks. Today, cross-cultural interactions are reshaping the identities of Somalis-and adding new chapters to the immigrant history of Maine. Somalis in Maineoffers a kaleidoscope of voices that situate the story of Somalisrs" migration to Lewiston within a larger cultural narrative. Combining academic analysis with refugeesrs" personal stories, this anthology includes reflections on leaving Somalia, the experiences of Somali youth in U.S. schools, the reasons for Somali secondary migration to Lewiston, the employment of many Lewiston Somalis at Maine icon L. L. Bean, and community dialogues with white Mainers.Somalis in Maineseeks to counter stereotypes of refugees as being socially dependent and unable to assimilate, to convey the richness and diversity of Somali culture, and to contribute to a greater understanding of the intertwined futures of Somalis and Americans.

The four editors of this book are faculty members at the University of Maine. Kimberly A. Huisman is an associate professor of sociology.
 
Mazie Hough is associate director of the women’s studiesprogram.
 
Carol Nordstrom Toner is the program director of Maine studies.
 
Kristin M. Langellier is a professor of communication and journalism.