As a part of a larger project on American Muslims, the Washington Post has a feature
story and slide show that shed light on the efforts of local Somali youth activist Abdirizak Bihi.
Bihi,
who singlehandedly runs the Somali Education and Special Advocacy
Center in Minneapolis, has been a valuable resource for authorities
investigating the radicalization of American Muslims.
But much
of his work in "Little Mogadishu," an area of Minneapolis where many
Somalis live and gather, has to do with setting up more youth
programming.
Photos in a slide show document his work to build up
youth soccer and basketball programs, including getting an AstroTurf
field built, fundraising for Somali Week athletic games, improving
access to a local gym, and starting a girls' basketball league.
The
only way he can be successful in protecting his community, he says, is
"to do everything to build up every part of these kids' lives."