Ahlam Osman aspires to make history as Portland’s inaugural Somali-American city council member.
PORTLAND, Oregon (AX) — Ahlam Osman, a 22-year-old entrepreneur and passionate community champion, is on the brink of making history as Portland’s inaugural Somali-American city councilor.
Hailing from Southeast Portland, Osman feels ready to become an impactful presence in the city’s political scene as she campaigns for the City Council seat in District 3. Her candidacy embodies a crucial chance for the younger, often overlooked voices in the area, particularly those from the Somali community.
As the founder of Above GRND Coffee, Osman has nurtured a cultural haven that showcases the lively Somali heritage within Portland. “I wanted to craft a space where individuals like me can truly feel at home,” she shared with The Oregonian, underscoring the significance of representation in every community.
In her role as program coordinator for the Somali Empowerment Circle, Osman has been a staunch advocate, guiding initiatives designed to help Somali residents tackle local obstacles. Her journey is deeply intertwined with her family’s escape from Somalia’s civil war, which fuels her dedication to champion policies that meet the distinctive needs of her constituents. “I hail from a lineage of survivors and trailblazers,” she reflected during a recent interview.
Her campaign zeroes in on three vital themes: tackling climate change, uplifting BIPOC-owned businesses, and enhancing transportation accessibility. “The future of Portland relies on swift action against environmental injustices and economic disparities,” she notes, emphasizing the urgency to support marginalized communities.
In a previous conversation with KOIN, Osman expressed her admiration for political figures who have spurred her activism. “I look up to members of the ‘Squad’ like Ilhan Omar, AOC, and Rashida Tlaib. Their courage to advocate for the vulnerable, even in the face of backlash, inspires me. They champion policies focused on justice and equality and work to tackle the fundamental causes of societal challenges. I have enormous respect for their commitment to questioning the status quo for the benefit of all, not just the elite few,” she shared.
With anticipated budget cuts looming, Osman calls for shifting resources from the Portland Police Bureau to enhance community safety efforts and increase mental health resources. “Nurturing our communities leads to safer neighborhoods far more effectively than the relentless cycle of over-policing,” she argues.
Osman’s campaign is gathering steam, buoyed by endorsements from key influencers, including Oregon State Senator Kayse Jama, the first Somali-American in the state legislature. Their shared heritage as Somali Americans strengthens their bond and emphasizes the necessity for representation in local government. Osman also enjoys support from Washington County Commissioner Nafisa Fai and Metro Councilor Juan Carlos Gonzalez, both of whom are committed to social equity and community empowerment.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
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