Why Minnesota's Somali Community Should Get $200 Million in Reparations for Justice and Relief
By Don Allen (Editorial Opinion) Let us just say it loud: if we really care about fairness and economic justice, then Minnesota's Somali community should get $200 million in reparations. Yes, I said it. $200 Million.. To be honest, that might be a low price. Before anyone gets upset or writes a post on Facebook, let me explain. This is not about giving them money out of kindness. This is not about favoring them over others. This is about paying a debt that's long overdue. For years, Minnesota has said it is a place where people can come to start a new life. Many Somali families came to Minnesota running away from war and violence. They did not come asking for pity. For a chance to make a new life. What they got was a bag: some good things, but also a lot of suspicion and stereotypes. They had to prove themselves over and over again. They did prove themselves. They started businesses in neighborhoods that others had given up on. They made old stores and buildings look new again...