Too often silenced
This story was originally published in the spring 2017 issue of the WKU Talisman
A crowd of hundreds marched from the First Christian Church through the downtown square to Christ Episcopal Church in Bowling Green with signs and candles. Signs were covered in words of encouragement, such as “All are welcome here” and “Unity in the Community.” Police warned the marchers to ignore any outside interference, but there was none.
People from many different backgrounds marched together on Feb. 4 with uplifting chants and attitudes to show their support for a diverse community.
President Trump issued an executive order in late January banning travel from seven predominately Muslim countries for 90 days and entrance to all refugees for 120 days. Sadness and fear were common reactions throughout the nation, and both were especially felt in Bowling Green where nearly 14 percent of residents are born outside of the United States, according to the 2015 U.S. Census Bureau.
This includes countries affected by the executive order, such as Somalia, where Mohamed Dahir was born. Dahir came as a refugee to live in the Bowling Green in 2012.
“I’m very sad because I haven’t seen my family in 11 years,” Dahir said. “And now the president doesn’t allow my family to come here, and I can’t go there to visit them. I’d like to join my family.”
