Some of Bantu tribe to relocate to SC

[1savvydiva]

I performed a search, and I didn't really see any thread that this would fit in, but I wanted to share this article. I have been watching these events unfold, and it is very interesting.

People of lost Somali Bantu tribe to resettle in South Carolina

by PAUL A. BARRA

COLUMBIA — The New York Times called them Africa's Lost Tribe. They are the most oppressed people on the planet. Ever since their ancestors were stolen from their homes and enslaved, they have been abused, beaten and downtrodden. They cannot read or write and don't know English; they have few job skills. They are literally dirt poor.

They are the Somali Bantu — and they're coming to South Carolina.

Recognizing their plight, the federal government of this country accepted about 12,000 of these Bantu for permanent resettlement in the United States. Officials began the process of admitting them in 1999 and have just this spring begun the final step in resettlement. They will live in various parts of the country, so that no one section will be overburdened. Lutherans in South Carolina have initiated an ecumenical effort to find homes for some of them.

"When the Somali Bantu were finally approved by the Department of State (for resettlement), we submitted a proposal and were accepted.

We're one of 50 sites in the country," said Richard F. Robinson, the manager of the refugee resettlement in South Carolina for Lutheran Family Services (LFS). "Our biggest need now is for a church to sponsor each family."

Catholic Charities is hoping that some of those churches will be Catholic. Tracy Kroll, regional coordinator in the Midlands, doesn't downplay the challenge to help. It will take money, she said, and a lot of time.

"They will have a plethora of needs," Kroll said.

Those needs include learning English, transportation, documentation, education and getting children enrolled in school. Before American and United Nations refugee officials began preparing the fortunate 12,000 Bantu for resettlement in the United States a few weeks ago, they had never even seen a refrigerator or an indoor bathroom. None can drive or use basic machinery including the telephone.

"It will be a challenge, but it should be rewarding," Kroll said. "It's a wonderful opportunity to do what we're called to do as Catholics, especially during Lent."

Robinson said that nationally the Bantu resettlement program operates under the aegis of the Migration and Refugee Service of the U.S. Catholic Conference.

"This will be a good chance for our churches to get together," the refugee manager said.

Catholics have already shown a willingness to take on such a difficult project, according to Peggy Sookikian, a case manager and a Catholic.

"I sent a supply list for refugees to Christ Our King (in Mt. Pleasant)," Sookikian said. "Mark Dickson (parish pastoral associate) is one of those people who make you proud to be Catholic. He sent a message back saying, 'We'll take care of this and if you need more, let us know.'"

Volunteers as well as supplies are needed now, according to Robinson, because the Bantu will begin arriving in late spring or early summer. A total of 120 will resettle in the Columbia area; many will be young.

"We were told to expect quite a few children and mothers who are children themselves. In the Bantu culture, girls marry young, at 13 or 14. Most of the refugees will be in family groups of four to six people," he said.

To sponsor a family, a parish can anticipate spending a total of $2,000 to $3,000 in addition to hundreds of hours of volunteer time. Robinson hopes smaller parishes will join together to co-sponsor a family. The time commitment could be as long as six months.

Individuals can also help. The Somali Bantu will need dental and medical care so dentists and physicians are being sought as volunteers.

The families will need clothing, bicycles, furniture, toiletries. They will arrive will little but the clothes they wear, so their needs will be great. Financial donations would also be welcome, Robinson said.

[Eirene_DGP]

I did a little research on this resettlement thing and I personally think the gov't is up to no good. I find it a little ironic that the majority of the areas they are sending the Bantu are not known for their racial harmony. I am from SC and I can tell you that SC does NOT want them here. The State Newspaper

I looked through the different states that the Bantu are being sent to and it included South Carolina, Tennessee, Colorado, Minnesota and Iowa. WTF? I think they would benefit from larger, more diverse states like NY, CA, or FL. I mean really. I just think this whole thing is going to make a huge race war at the expense of the U.S gov't trying to prove they helped an depressed African culture....*I won't even get into my theory on that*

I don't know... I guess I can kind of see a reasoning for some of those locations, like Iowa and Minnesota. These are places which are more rural... it may give them a good place to get used to our culture and technology without being overwhelmed by the big cities. Most of the more diverse places in the country are also the densly populated, more urban environments (in my experience). I would think that placing these refugees directly into a setting like that would be a nightmare for both the city and the people themselves.

[lovelyivy84]

The areas you mentioned - NY, LA, etc. are already burdened by the thousands upon thousands of immigrants who enter the country there every year. Plus the cost of living in those places is astronomical.

No surprise to me that they aren't settling the Bantu there.

[Eirene_DGP]

Originally posted by lovelyivy84
The areas you mentioned - NY, LA, etc. are already burdened by the thousands upon thousands of immigrants who enter the country there every year. Plus the cost of living in those places is astronomical.

No surprise to me that they aren't settling the Bantu there.

I understand what you are saying..but the racism down here and in the other areas mentioned is out of this world. I would not want to come to a country as "progressive" as the U.S to be basically thrust into 'The Lion's Den'.

[1savvydiva]

Originally posted by Eirene_DGP
I understand what you are saying..but the racism down here and in the other areas mentioned is out of this world. I would not want to come to a country as "progressive" as the U.S to be basically thrust into 'The Lion's Den'.

Eirene...I was pretty much confused as to what I thought about the whole situation. From what I've seen on the news, I have been saying, something just doesn't sound right. I am here in SC as well, in Columbia to be exact, and even seeing the higher ranking city official speak on TV about the transition has me somewhat leery. Supposedly, they are splitting up the group that is coming to SC, half are set to come to Columbia, and half of the families to Cayce. Cayce, which I would dare to say is ONE of the more 'less progressive' cities in the midlands (second probably only to it's next door neighbors West Columbia and Lexington), is holding a town meeting to see what to do with them, and one of their officials was on the news saying, "We just don't have room, maybe for only like 2 or 3 families". From what I've seen, there are a lot of people who don't want them here.

I guess they will come here and just deal with a lesser of two evils.

[1savvydiva]

Dag, Eirene...I just read that article!

It's amazing how no one has said anything about a solution, "Well here's what I'm going to do to help out to EASE the 'economic drain' they will put on our economy." My teachers always said, "If you are not a part of the solution...you are PART OF THE PROBLEM!" I think I found a new signature!

[Eirene_DGP]

1savvydiva, considering SC always finishes last where we should finish first, I am not surprised people are up in arms about the Bantu draining our already weak economy. But on the other hand....I know SC and how some people like to take matters into their own hands whenever there is racial drama here... I'm sure you remember the Klan marching about that whole "Redneck Shop" deal and then with the confederate flag. This is just embarrassing.

[Baby4538]

Once again, South Carolina hits the map for something racially motivated. I'm ashamed for my home state... I agree Cayce (among other places in SC) is about the worst place to place them. I feel for the African families, especially the children. I only hope that they find some "Smiling faces" that are actually genuine.