Glenda Burgeson, Times Writers Group 6:34 a.m. CDT May 12, 2016
#UniteCloud: You don’t have to agree with your neighbor’s lifestyle to promote a culture of respect. You don’t have to agree on anything to be kind. Our commonality is based in our humanness.
Natalie Ringsmuth and Haji Yussuf make an unlikely team. Central Minnesotans are not accustomed to seeing a white, Christian woman and a Somali, Muslim man out and about in public. Such an unusual sight can cause discomfort.
Yet this unlikely duo uses the very oddity of their friendship to challenge how people think about racial, cultural and religious stereotypes. Through countless public appearances, they have normalized their relationship and encouraged people to question their own biases and perceptions.
A former music teacher and worship leader, Ringsmuth became a community activist last May when she founded #UniteCloud, an online campaign to build a positive community where all are respected. Her campaign was in response to rising tensions in Central Minnesota, particularly between the Somali refugee community and the greater community.
She and Yussuf teamed up last summer in the aftermath of the tragic death of Hamza Elmi, a 6-year-old autistic child who wandered from his St. Cloud home and drowned in the Mississippi River.
Since teaming up, Ringsmuth and Yussuf have seen a growing awareness of the cultural, religious and racial tensions in Central Minnesota. As a result, more people are willing to take a stand on behalf of their neighbors. They have gone from hearing people say, “I didn’t even know these tensions existed,” to hearing statements of support and a willingness to get involved.
The more people begin to understand the problem, the more they are willing to become part of the solution.
Yussuf said it took the sadness of Hamza’s death for many in Central Minnesota to recognize our common humanity.
“We all came together as a community,” he said.
At that time, he and Ringsmuth observed an outpouring of compassion and support in St. Cloud. They also saw expressions of extreme hatred. They chose to focus their time and energy on the positive members of the community – their numbers are far greater.
With 2,000 followers on Facebook, #UniteCloud uses social media to dispel misinformation and encourage understanding based on facts and mutual respect. As it explains on its website, “You don’t have to agree with your neighbor’s lifestyle to promote a culture of respect. You don’t have to agree on anything to be kind. Our commonality is based in our humanness.”
Source: http://www.sctimes.com/story/opinion/20 ... /84238424/
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