At twelve years old, Ahmed settled in Boston after fleeing violence in Somalia, now serves as Executive Director of United Somali Youth in Massachusetts
Washington (February 28, 2017) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) will bring Said Ahmed of Boston, Massachusetts as his guest to President Donald Trump’s address to the Joint Session of Congress on February 28, 2017. Mr. Ahmed came to Boston at the age of twelve, fleeing violence in his home country of Somalia. During college, Mr. Ahmed was a four-time All-American and member of the U.S. National Team for track and field. Today. He is a proud teacher in the Boston Public Schools, founder of a non-profit aimed at developing young Somali refugees in Boston, United Somali Youth (USY), and a respected member of the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center (ISBCC).
Last month, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that blocked people from seven majority-Muslim countries from entering the United States. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a temporary restraining order against the executive order, halting its implementation. However, President Trump has said he plans to release a newly rewritten “travel ban” executive order as soon as this week.
“I am honored to have Said Ahmed join me as my guest at President Trump’s address to Congress,” said Senator Markey. “The United States was built and continues to thrive because of refugees like Said. America offered Said a safe refuge from violence, and in return, he offered us his energy, his intelligence and his skills. Said is a valued and productive member of our community and an integral part of Massachusetts’s way of life. I thank Said for his commitment to the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center and to all the communities he serves through United Somali Youth.
“The courts blocked Donald Trump’s first Muslim ban because it trampled on Constitutional rights, and I anticipate any attempt to repackage it will meet the same fate,”said Senator Markey.
“I’m grateful to Senator Markey for his invitation to be a part of this evening,” said Mr. Ahmed. “As a refugee from a war-torn country, I came to the United States with hope, to find peace and security, and promise for a new beginning and endless opportunities. I found those opportunities because of all the great things United State of America represents. I feel blessed every day that my family began our lives over in the United States. America is my home: a home that stands for the rights of all people to exist without fear of persecution based on the color of their skin, their home country, or how they choose to pray. As a former professional track athlete, I was proud to represent USA. As a father, Boston Public School teacher, coach and counselor, I work hard to help others integrate into society. I pray that the doors remain open to others like us.”
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