First and foremost the editorial board of OromoTV.com would like to extend a warm and gracious thank you to all of our beloved visitors and others who have read and shared our first article highlighting the achievements of our sister Mergitu Argo. Thanks in part to recommendations from our visitors and others we have chosen our second sister to feature. Although, the choice was not easy thanks to the overwhelming number of recommendations from our site’s visitors and others we believe this individual is not only deserving of our praise, but she deserves recognition for all she has done to help her Oromo community in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, MN.
Without further delay we would like to extend our appreciation to the one and only Rammy Mohammed. Many outside the Minnesota community will wonder about who she is? But, Minnesotans, the Oromo residents of that state who have come to define the area as “Little Oromia” will undoubtedly have met Ms. Rammy Mohammed or have participated in one of many activities she has played significant role in putting together for the community. Ms. Mohammed has been an active member of the community for the past decade. Some may not realize the depth of her involvement in the community because she is often one of the few individuals who are seldom in the spotlight. Her shy nature may come as a surprise to those who may not know her well because after all, how can someone actively involved in community events be shy? Well, for those who know her best it is no surprise. Ms. Mohammed may be shy in large gatherings and therefore choose to be an active participant behind the scenes, but one thing she is definitely not shy about is her pride in being Oromo. When she speaks about Oromo cause her bright and contagious smile coupled with her audacious character brings out the best in all of us.
Born and raised in Finfine she moved to the United States in 1999 with her siblings during the recent wave of Oromo migration. Upon arriving in what would soon become Little Oromia, she began attending middle school. Like many immigrant kids she struggled to fit into the American community because of language and cultural differences. However, what she did not anticipate was her inability to fluently speak Afaan Oromo or English would somehow hinder her from being part of the circle of friends among the American and Oromo kids alike. In fact the Oromo kids her age practically rendered her unfit to join their circle of friends because of her lack of sufficient eloquence in Oromo language. Even as a young child she unabashedly claims “Oromummaa,” but did not speak the language well. This is often the plight of many Oromo’s born and raised in Finfine and the surrounding area. Due to intense pressure from the region to speak Amharic, often seen as a way to fit into the community as a child or to obtain work as an adult, they find themselves trapped in a system that wants to eradicate their identity. It is not Rammy’s fault for finding herself in this predicament. She just happened to be a product of an area that pressured its residents to often speak Amharic or even caused some to change their name in order to be accepted in the area. This continues to happen even in this day and age where many of our Oromo sisters and brothers find themselves trapped by a system designed to ensure society sees them as unfit, perhaps a psychological entrapment. This may seem foreign to residents from other parts of the country, but those who reside in and around Finfine are aware of the issue, but often feel trapped and unable to change the outcome. We suppose, if they maintain their Oromo names and language they would be marginalized by their Amhara friends, neighbors, teachers, and community leaders. If is not all, some of the children’s were born in that parts and other Amharanized cities of the country may possess some sort of immunity from the on slather images feeds every Oromo insecurity. Not only that they would likely be ridiculed and face onslaught of negative characteristics for being Oromo. Indeed a psychological entrapment. However, what makes Rammy unique is she did not abandon nor ever forget her “Oromummaa” in this immensely difficult circumstance. In fact, Rammy’s family structure from childhood onward has garnered and kept her tight to her Oromo community.
Therefore, when Rammy came to Minnesota and her classmates as well as fellow Oromo’s made fun of her lack of ability to fluently speak Afaan Oromo she was devastated. Her inability to speak was not the fault of her parents nor hers, but the result of the surrounding area where she was born. In many ways it can be equated to the United States. Children of Oromo decent born and raised in the United States often find themselves in a similar predicament like that of Rammy’s. Because of pressure from school, friends, neighbors, etc they often speak English as their native language with little to no knowledge of their mother tongue. What distinguishes Rammy from others is the fact she used the devastation she felt as a child to learn her mother tongue and reclaim her identity. She was torn to be shunned by her fellow Oromo students, but she did not retaliate against it. In fact she silently blamed herself and used it as a motivation to get involved in the community. She took what would be a mortifying encounter for many teens into a motivation to advance her mother tongue and be a voice for her community.
This sort of devotion Rammy displays as an adult comes as no surprise to many of her friends and colleagues alike. On a recent conversation with Dula Hassan, the young and dynamic President of Oromo Sports Federation in North America (OSFNA), he stated, “she is willing to go above and beyond to advocate for her community.” So we kindly asked Mr. Hassan to elaborate on that comment and he gave us an example of a recent encounter they had. He explained on a recent skiing trip a Caucasian woman was curious about their identity and asked where they were from. Without hesitation Rammy managed to not only teach the women about her identity, but she went above and beyond to explain to the woman as much as possible. She told the woman she is from Oromia a country located in East Africa and who’s people are marginalized from their homeland, as a result a small portion of them live in Minnesota, but many more reside as refugees throughout the world. She also proudly told her about the language and other pertinent information in regards to our culture and identity.
Now pause for a second and imagine the awareness we can raise among our friends, neighbors, and colleagues if all Oromo’s in the Diaspora can take the initiative to explain where they are from, their rich culture, identity, and the suffering of their people instead of simply saying, “I’m Ethiopian.” Perhaps, if all of us can bring out the Rammy in us we can quickly raise awareness throughout the world and accelerate change for our brothers and sisters in our homeland of Oromia. Furthermore, Mr. Hassan, said this is not Rammy’s first nor last time engaging in such conversations with complete strangers. She regularly stops to explain her culture, religion, and identity to strangers who are curious enough to ask questions. With a chuckle he said, “She is willing to teach anyone who will listen about the Oromo cause.” It is this sort of devotion that makes Rammy, the young and upbeat member of the community an exemplary leader.
Rammy and others like her will undoubtedly be the future leaders of the Oromo community. While many will be perplexed by how she manages to be so involved in the community at such a young age, it comes as no surprise to those who have come to know and admire her. Ms. Mohammed’s ability to navigate multiple positions and devote passionately to Oromo cause is indeed motivation for future generations. Since 2004 she has been involved in the Oromo Sports Federation in North America (OSFNA) in various ways. Whether she is selling tickets at the gate, participating in fashion or Oromo cultural dance activity, helping plan and execute OSFNA sponsored parties, or simply ensuring all participants have the necessary Identification to enter and exit the tournament, Rammy has played significant roles. For example, at the last OSFNA tournament the organizers had issues with one of the equipments that were suppose to print identification for the players. Rammy witnessed the organizers frantic search for solution and without hesitation she sprung into action to solve the issue. After four days of hard work without any compensation she managed to ensure all the players were issued proper ID’s to participate in the tournament. This sort of community service is what makes her admirable. Rammy is what many communities would love to have as their own. She is young, smart, steady, and excited to help and eager to learn with untapped talent, indeed a rare attribute.
She is currently on the board of a variety of organizations. Her role as a devout OSFNA supporter and active participant since 2004 has led her to gain the respect of her peers. In 2013 she was charged with helping organize Ali Birra’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, a ceremony for one of Oromia’s prominent hero’s. As many attendees of the event will testify she did not disappoint. In fact thanks in part to these sorts of active involvements in the community she was recently tapped by the current President of OSFNA, a young leader himself to join the organization as a board member. She is currently the Event Coordinator and the first woman to serve OSFNA in an official capacity. As an ardent member of the staff she helped design the current logo and continues to help the organization grow. When asked why he chose her, Mr. Hassan said, “Rammy is someone who can contribute to the organization, someone willing to help, and one who is willing to go above and beyond for the greater good of the Oromo community.” Indeed with her continuous display of devotion to the community Rammy is well on her way to becoming a future leader of the community.
Many in the Oromo community are well aware of the upcoming launch of Oromia Media Network (OMN), the first of its kind: an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit news enterprise. However, what many may not be aware of is Rammy’s involvement in this new progressive news enterprise. She is currently one of a handful of members selected to the coveted position of Executive Council. She is currently the Treasurer for Oromia Media Network. As we all look forward to the launch of this new network, we can be assured with the involvement of passionate individuals like Rammy it will undoubtedly have positive impact in the Oromo community and beyond.
In addition to her countless involvements in the community, Rammy manages to run her own business while attending school full time. In partnership with her sister and friend she started Kena Events. A business focused on helping individuals, couples, groups, and businesses ease the task of event planning. Kena Events can handle anything from custom invitation cards to hiring of wedding professionals and wedding planning. Ms. Mohammed has managed to turn her passion for design and decoration into a successful business. It seems that whatever Rammy gets involved in turns into a success, perhaps this is due to her devotion and intricate involvement in all things Oromo.
As we conclude our interview with individuals that have come to admire Rammy’s talent, selfless devotion, and desire to bring change to the Oromo community we would like to remind everyone this is only the beginning. She is young, energetic, progressive, and will undoubtedly be a powerful force for the Oromo community in Little Oromia and beyond. She has shown us at such a young age she can be a beacon of hope and leadership for all trial and tribulation as an Oromo daughter in this probable cause for freedom which we all endeavor to achieve ourselves and help steer future generations in that path. Although, she is young, her immense talent will undoubtedly propel her to a bright future, one that will continue to bring the Oromo cause to the forefront of the ongoing conversation.
*We would like to leave our readers by reminding them to stay tuned for future articles that will highlight the achievements of our brilliant sisters and brothers and we hope this selfless leader has touched your heart and given you reason to participate in Oromo cause here in the Diaspora and in Oromia.
PHONE INTERVIEW AS WELL AS WRITTEN CONTENT
CONTRIBUTED BY: OROMOTV.COM’S EDITORIAL BOARD.
Guraandhala 26 mooraa Kolleejjii barsiisotaa kutaa magaalaa Finfinnee Kotobeetti argamu keessatti barattootni Oromoo dhimma qabxiin wal qabsiisanii diddaa kaasuudhaan mootummaan Wayyaanee diddaa kana qabbaneessuuf jecha tikoota isaa mooraa kanatti remade jedha Qeerroon koollejjii mooraa barsiisota Kotobee irra.
Kanneen jedhan yeroo ta’u barumsa dhiisanii mooraadhaa bahanii kan turan yoo tahu,har’as addatti diddaa bakka hundaatti eegalee jiruun wal qabsiisanii barattootni Oromoo mooraa kanatti argaman mooraa keessatti waraqaa qabsoo adda addaa maxxansuudhaan,fincila kaasanii kan turan yoo tahu waraanni Wayyaanee meeshaa guutuu qabachuudhaan doorsisaaf gara mooraa koollejjii kanaatti ramadamanii oolan guutummaa guyyaa har’aa.akkasuma akeekkachiisa dhumaa yoomiyyuu hin barbaannu hoogganamuu kan nu hoogganu qabna,rasaasaan nu fixuuf dhuftanii jedhuun gaafffii isaanii dabalataatiin ammas diddaa mooraa keessatti kan jabeessan yoo tahu barataan mooraadhaa hin bahu,waraanni Wayyaanee mooraa koollejjii kanaa marsee kan jiru ganamaa ka’ee halkan kanas kan itti fufee jiru tahuu isaa Qeerroon gabaasee jira.
