A Morning Walk, 2013
I’m from Somalia, and I came to the United States seven years ago. When I came to Chicago, everything was different: all of the signs were different (not in my language!), all of the clothing was different, all of the food was different and everybody was speaking English. I also saw that people did not go outside like they do in my country. In Somalia, we had farms, and we were always busy outside taking care of our animals and our property. And all of the children would play outside all day. Here, I see that the children stay inside a lot, and that parents worry about the safety of their children more.
I chose this photo because walking is what I do with my sister every single day. It is so important for us to get out of the apartment and just walk. It makes us feel better if we are feeling tired or sad, even if the weather is bad. I like it because my sister is walking on a sidewalk, and we don’t have sidewalks in Somalia. I also think the trees in the photo are so beautiful, like a forest, but you can still see the cars on the left so you know that she is still in the city.
In the online exhibit Picturing a New Life in Chicago, people who were forced to flee their home countries because of war, persecution or violence share photos and inspiring stories about adjusting to a new life here. Some of the photographers came to Chicago through a refugee resettlement program. Others sought political asylum. Learn more in Online Exhibit: Forced Migration Photovoice Project.
