In a captivating video snapshot, we see Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley, originally from Kenya and now a proud U.S. citizen, addressing the audience at the Minnesota State Capitol on November 8, 2024. She shares the remarkable news of being elected as the first Kenyan-born member of the Minnesota House of Representatives.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA — On November 5, Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley shattered ceilings as the inaugural Kenyan-born individual elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives. Her journey is one painted with hues of unwavering grit, resolve, and the quintessential American ethos that dreams do manifest.
During her first steps inside the grand halls of the State Capitol on the morning of her orientation, Hiltsley conveyed to VOA a wave of emotions engulfing her. She was filled with anticipation to begin her adventure as a lawmaker. “I am beyond thrilled,” she exclaimed. “Today marks the orientation for new legislators, and being here as an African immigrant woman is nothing short of an honor. It’s surreal,” Hiltsley beamed.
The road to this landmark event was anything but smooth. Her voyage to the Minnesota State Capitol was peppered with numerous challenges, including a daunting battle with the immigration machinery that almost resulted in her family’s deportation. She attributes much of her triumph to both the community’s unwavering support and the late U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone’s advocacy, which played a crucial role in securing her family’s residency and eventual citizenship.
“Arriving at this point is a narrative of the struggles my family faced just to remain in this country,” she candidly shared. Indeed, her electoral victory has sparked an enthusiastic media buzz, transcending continents to be the toast of Kenyan media. Celebrations have erupted in her birthplace, Nyamemiso village, an eight-hour trek from Kenya’s bustling capital, Nairobi. Despite the blaze of glory and public attention, Hiltsley remains grounded and composed.
“I’m just a simple girl from a modest village in the midst of Kenya, now swept into the whirlwind of media attention. I’m still processing the vastness of this occasion,” she confessed with humility.
With an ambition to ignite the same spark in others, Hiltsley strives to inspire young girls across both Kenya and the United States. “It’s like a dream,” she remarked, channeling her sentiment, “If I can make it this far, I might become a beacon for someone else, a reminder that even the wildest dreams can come true. And that, to me, would signify creating a meaningful impact.”
Looking forward, Hiltsley is poised to address key issues vital to her constituents in Minnesota’s 38A Legislative District. Her vision encompasses advocating for community-based safety measures, ensuring affordable housing, standing up for workers’ rights, and bolstering small businesses, with an emphasis on those owned by African immigrants. “The resources are here,” she declared, committed to empowering her community.
She stated it passionately: “My mission is to return to my community, saying, ‘Hey, opportunities abound! Here’s how the system operates. Let’s unite to ensure we have a stake in success.'”
As the trailblazing first Kenyan American woman to grace Minnesota’s Legislature, Hiltsley embraces the duty and significance of her role. “It’s an honor I hold dear,” she admitted. “And it mustn’t stop with me. I hope that this milestone is a testament that if you enter this country, persist, perfect your craft, remain steadfast, the sky’s the limit—anything is achievable.”
Her sage advice to political aspirants yet to savor success is straightforward: persistence above all. “Stay consistent. Forge ahead. There’s ample room in the Legislature for more voices of color, especially from the immigrant community, whose stories need amplification,” Hiltsley advised.
Reflecting on the evolving political landscape in Washington, she spoke candidly about the challenges anticipated from President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, asserting that she remains laser-focused on serving her Minnesota constituents. “We are here to serve, regardless of party lines,” she stated firmly. “Our duty as legislators is to serve the people of Minnesota.”
Addressing her fellow Kenyans, who have been celebrating her remarkable feat, Hiltsley expressed heartfelt gratitude: “This moment is monumental, and it humbles me to represent Kenyan Americans,” she expressed with pride. “Let’s cherish this victory, but remember, work beckons after the festivities conclude.”
She also set her sights beyond Minnesota, envisioning opportunities for partnership with Kenyan leaders tackling homeland issues such as endemic corruption and leadership gaps. “Kenya holds immense potential,” she asserted. “The onus is on our leaders to prioritize their citizenry.”
Come January 7, Hiltsley will officially step into her role in the Minnesota State House of Representatives. She and her fellow Representatives will serve in their capacities for two-year terms, marking the beginning of an era enriched by her unique voice and vision.
Salem Solomon contributed to this story from Washington, as reported by VOA’s Swahili Service.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
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