Seeking Salaam: Ethiopians, Eritreans, and Somalis in the Pacific Northwest (Samuel and Althea Stroum Books xx)

Prolonged violence in the Horn of Africa, the northeastern corner of the continent, has led growing numbers of Ethiopians, Eritreans, and Somalis to flee to the United States. Despite the enmity created by centuries of conflict, they often find themselves living as neighbors in their adopted cities, with their children as class-mates in school. In many ways, they are successfully navigating life in their new home; however, they continue to struggle to bridge old ethnic divisions and find salaam, or peace, with one another. News from home fuels historical grievances and perpetuates tensions within their communities, delaying acculturation, undermining attempts at reconciliation, and sabotaging the opportunity to reach the American Dream. In conversations with forty East African immigrants living in Seattle, Washington, and Portland, Oregon, Sandra Chait captures the immigrants' struggle for identity in the face of competing stories and documents how some individuals have been able to transcend the ghosts from the past and extend a tentative hand to their former enemies. Prolonged violence in the Horn of Africa has led growing numbers of Ethiopians, Eritreans, and Somalis to flee to the United States. Despite the enmity created by centuries of conflict, they often find themselves living as neighbors in their adopted cities. In conversations with more than forty East African immigrants living in Seattle, Washington, and Portland, Oregon, the author captures the immigrants' struggle for identity in the face of competing stories and documents how some individuals have been able to transcend the ghosts from the past and extend a tentative hand to their former enemies At Home In The Pacific Northwest -- Within The American Gaze -- With Eyes Open -- Having The Last Word -- Cultural And Economic Rivals -- The Challengers Within -- Women Speak Out -- Conclusion : New American Narratives -- Appendix 1. Time Line (1890-2010) -- Appendix 2. Participants. Sandra M. Chait. A Samuel And Althea Stroum Book. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.