Northeast Somali Community Proves Key In Missouri District 40 Race

An interesting aspect in the Missouri District 40 Race (currently in recount) that has been heretofore unmentioned is that immigrant communities like the Somalis, East African and Sudanese played a vital role in determining the rhetoric of the election.

Both the Will Royster Camp and John Joseph Rizzo's winning side noted their strong support among local Somalis. But today I had an opportunity to talk to a couple of members of the community and they noted that the "elders" decided to support Rizzo in the end.

The most important aspect of this, to me, is that politicos ON BOTH SIDES had to engage these communities like never before if they were serious about winning. And in an election that hangs in the balance by only 6 votes, EVERY vote was key.

BUT IN THE END SOMALI SUPPORT OF JOHN RIZZO PROVIDED A PATHWAY TO VICTORY!!!

If I understand correctly, and I think I do, it was the effort to build a coalition between all of these communities that was vital given that they aren't usually unified. Also, the Somali "elders" weighing in was a bold first step to the political activism of the whole community as well.

Food for thought: A great many Somalis in Kansas City remember the Colonial relations with the Italians were a bit better (or at least more cordial) than other Europeans and that earned Rizzo a few points.

On Royster's side, they earned the help of politically active female who provided access into that community as well. Unfortunately (and Wikipedia will back me up here) women don't traditionally have very high standing in that culture but maybe Will Royster's camp might help to embolden Somali women into taking more advantage of their American freedom. And, in the end, helping and uplifting people is what politics is all about, right?

Anyhoo . . . The lesson here is that diverse communities organizing their votes can not just offer more influence but ultimately decide elections.