In a powerful display of unity and resilience, the Somaliland Professionals of America (SLPA) hosted its largest regional event yet on July 12, 2025, at the Ballard Public Library Conference Room in Seattle. Drawing over 125 attendees from Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia, the third stop on the SLPA National Tour marked a significant moment for the Somaliland diaspora in the Pacific Northwest.
A Day of Inspiration and Remembrance
The event featured a lineup of distinguished speakers, including Dr. Jamal Gabobe of the University of Washington, who delivered a compelling talk on “Somaliland’s Past, Present, and Future.” Dr. Gabobe, a respected scholar with deep ties to Somaliland’s history, showcased his authored books, sparking profound discussions on identity and literature. Other speakers included Khadar Nur from WA State Labor & Employment, who focused on workforce development, and community leaders Ahmed Ali and Nura Adam, who emphasized unity and empowerment.
The gathering took a poignant turn with a tribute to three beloved community members lost to tragedy: Mohamed Abdi Hadi and Musa Abdillahi Firirig, victims of recent devastating floods in Hargeisa, and Amir Abdillahi Firirig, killed in a gun violence incident in Seattle. The floods, which displaced 270 families according to ReliefWeb reports, prompted the SLPA to launch a sadaqah jariyah initiative to build a mosque, Quran learning center, and funeral washing facility in their honor—a lasting memorial to their legacy.
Community and Culture in the Spotlight
Attendees enjoyed a Mediterranean lunch from Café Turko during intermission, fostering connections among members. The event concluded with a scenic gathering at Golden Gardens Park, where Black Stash Coffee served tea and coffee against the backdrop of the beach and mountains, offering a space for relaxed dialogue and community bonding.
Growing Diaspora Influence
This event reflects a broader trend of increasing diaspora engagement, with studies from the Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies (2023) noting a 15% rise in transnational community activities since 2020. The SLPA’s efforts highlight the growing influence of organized diaspora networks in supporting their country of origin Somaliland, particularly in the face of natural disasters and social challenges.
What’s Next?
With the success of the Seattle event, the SLPA is gearing up for more stops on its national tour. Details on upcoming cities are forthcoming, promising continued momentum for the Somaliland diaspora’s mission of leadership and community building.
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