Somali Women Entrepreneurs Carve a Niche in Boston

Saido Farah (L) and Deeqo Jibril (R) posing in Farah's business Roots Halal Meat Market. Photo Credit: Talia Whyte

Inter Press Service

By Talia Whyte

Deeqo Jibril is always on the go. Whether she is tending to her four children or teaching breast cancer awareness classes to women in her community, the Somali-born community organiser is always up for a new challenge.

Recently, she gave up her job as a social worker to focus full time on the Boston-based Somali Community & Cultural Association, a nonprofit Jibril founded a year ago to support Somali-American women….Jibril’s enterprise is not only an example of the evolving multicultural dynamic within the U.S. workplace, but also the role of women.

Read the full article here

Interview with Artist Susan Thompson

By Talia Whyte

Artist Susan Thompson participated as a “living legend” in a trolley tour March 19, examining the contributions of Roxbury women to Boston history. The tour was hosted by Discover Roxbury as part of their women’s history month celebrations. Other women both living and deceased given praise on the tour included community organizer Melnea Cass, METCO head Jean McGuire and Dr. Susan Dimock, the founder of what is now known as the Dimock Community Health Center.

Watch the video interview here

Focus on Sustainable Agriculture

Massachusetts farmers gathered at the State House in Boston April 7 for “Massachusetts Agriculture Day.”  Gov. Deval Patrick, Energy & Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard Sullivan and Agricultural Commissioner Scott Soares spoke about the importance of local food and sustainable agriculture.  The event was also used to announce the establishment of the Massachusetts Food Policy Alliance.