Somalis Thought They Were BETTER than Black Folks| Until FBA HISTORY Shut them Down| REALITY CHECK!

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Somali and Black American Relations: From Division to Understanding – The Reality Behind FBA History and Community Tensions

Introduction

In the United States, the relationship between African-American communities and black immigrants—particularly Somali immigrants—has long been marked by misunderstanding, tension, and, more recently, a reckoning with history. Social media, activism, and real-life interactions have brought to light uncomfortable truths and forced both groups to confront stereotypes, pride, and the legacy of struggle that shapes their lives today.

This article explores the complex dynamics between Somali immigrants and foundational Black Americans (FBA), tracing the roots of division, the role of historical ignorance, and the gradual shift toward mutual respect and solidarity. Through candid voices, community debates, and a renewed focus on Black history, we examine how reality checks—driven by both conflict and education—are transforming the narrative.

The Roots of Division: Pride, Misunderstanding, and Identity

When Somali immigrants first arrived in the United States, many carried a sense of pride in their culture, discipline, and identity. For some, this pride translated into a belief that they were different from—and even better than—African-Americans. The perception was that Somalians worked harder, stayed out of trouble, and had not endured the same historical struggles as Black Americans.

This mindset was not unique to Somalis. Across immigrant communities, there is often a tendency to distinguish oneself from native-born minorities, sometimes fueled by stereotypes perpetuated by mainstream society. In the case of Somali immigrants, the division was compounded by cultural differences, language barriers, and a lack of understanding of the African-American experience.

African-Americans, in turn, noticed the distance and sometimes felt disrespected by newcomers who seemed to look down on them or refused to acknowledge the shared reality of being Black in America. As one commentator put it, “We don’t share an allegiance just because I’m Black. I’m an American first and only. We are not the same.”

The FBA Movement and Online Conflict

The rise of the Foundational Black American (FBA) movement—an online and grassroots effort to assert the unique history and rights of descendants of American slaves—further complicated relations. FBA activists often called out black immigrants for what they perceived as “tethering,” or attaching themselves to Black American struggles only when convenient.

Social media amplified these tensions. Viral videos circulated of Somalians claiming not to be “Black” or making disparaging remarks about African-Americans. Some imams and community leaders expressed prejudices that contradicted the principles of brotherhood and unity, fueling resentment and division.

At the same time, political developments—such as President Trump’s harsh rhetoric against Somali immigrants and his infamous remarks about “shithole countries”—exposed the vulnerability of all black people, regardless of origin. ICE raids, deportations, and racial profiling reminded both groups that, in the eyes of the system, distinctions between African-Americans and black immigrants often disappear.

The Reality Check: Learning the True History

For years, many Somali immigrants did not fully grasp the depth of African-American history—the centuries of slavery, Jim Crow, segregation, and systemic racism that shaped the Black experience in America. Some viewed Black Americans as angry or undisciplined, failing to appreciate the resilience and survival that underpinned their struggle.

But as conversations, documentaries, and educational efforts proliferated, Somali youth and adults began to learn the real story. They discovered that the rights and opportunities they enjoy—education, jobs, voting, business—were won through the blood, sweat, and tears of Black Americans.

Civil rights, fair housing, equal employment, and social justice were not handed down; they were fought for by African-Americans who endured the impossible and still stand tall today. Somali immigrants realized that their success in America was built on the foundation laid by Black struggle.

The Shift Toward Respect

With this newfound understanding, attitudes began to change. The pride that once led some Somalians to claim superiority faded, replaced by respect for the sacrifices and achievements of Black Americans. Somali youth started reading books, watching documentaries, and listening to stories that revealed the truth about the Black experience.

No longer did Somalians see African-Americans as “lazy” or “complaining.” Instead, they recognized them as survivors, fighters, and the blueprint for resistance and rights in America. The insults and stereotypes lost their power as Somali communities acknowledged that Black Americans are not the problem—they are the reason immigrants, including Somalians, can thrive.

Voices from the Community: Confronting Ignorance and Calling for Unity

The conversation is not one-sided. African-Americans have also reflected on their attitudes toward immigrants, recognizing the diversity within Somali culture and the importance of solidarity. As one Somali woman in Minnesota explained, “No one represents the entire community. My views are my views. Somali people are diverse people, and in America, we must acknowledge that as Somali I have access to opportunities because of the civil rights movement and the sacrifices that our African-American brothers and sisters have done.”

She called for educators and community leaders to create spaces where young people can learn about one another, relate to each other, and prevent misunderstandings from turning into conflict. “We are powerful together,” she said, “Racism wants us to be divided, wants us to hate each other.”

Other voices echoed the need to respect history and avoid disrespecting those who built the country. “You can’t come here on what we built—African-Americans, descendants of slaves in this country. If it was not for the slave trade, there would be no United States of America.”

The Problem of “Tethering” and Opportunistic Solidarity

Despite the shift toward understanding, some African-Americans remain skeptical of Somalians and other black immigrants who, in times of trouble, claim blackness and seek solidarity. The term “tether” is used to describe those who attach themselves to Black American identity only when facing discrimination or deportation, having previously distanced themselves.

As one commentator noted, “When y’all came here to this country, black people were like, ‘Oh, good. More black people, come with us.’ We tried to show you what it was like here. We tried to explain to you what was going on. And we were rejected. Y’all made your own communities, your own culture separate from us. So now that you’re in trouble, you want to claim blackness.”

This dynamic has created mistrust, with some Black Americans feeling that defending immigrants who disrespect their history and struggles makes them “punks” or “sellouts.” The conversation is fraught with pain, pride, and the need for honest dialogue.

The Danger of Division: Who Benefits?

Amidst the infighting, some observers warn that division between black Americans and immigrants serves the interests of those in power. “People like Donald Trump want to see people of color fighting each other instead of fighting him. They love to see black people at each other’s throats.”

The reality is that systemic racism does not distinguish between Somalians and African-Americans. Police brutality, racial profiling, and discrimination affect all black people, regardless of nationality. The same ICE agents that harass immigrants also target Black Americans. The same politicians who disparage Somalians make racist remarks about African countries and Haiti.

The lesson is clear: unity is essential in the face of a common enemy. Ignorance and division only weaken marginalized communities and make it easier for those in power to maintain the status quo.

Educating for Change: The Role of History and Self-Discovery

One of the most powerful tools for overcoming division is education. Black Americans and Somali immigrants alike are rediscovering their histories, tracing their roots, and learning about the struggles that shaped their identities.

Contrary to the myth that Black Americans do not know where they come from, many are researching their bloodlines, studying the history of the continent, and reclaiming their heritage. “Black people’s history is in their DNA. We’re remembering more and more every day, finding more and more every day.”

Similarly, Somalians are learning about the invasions and migrations that shaped their own country, recognizing that their identity is complex and multifaceted. The process of education is breaking down colonial mindsets and fostering a deeper appreciation for the shared struggles of all black people.

Moving Forward: Building Bridges and Fostering Solidarity

The future of Somali and Black American relations depends on honest dialogue, mutual respect, and a commitment to learning from the past. Community leaders, educators, and activists must create spaces for conversation, education, and healing.

Both groups must recognize that their destinies are intertwined. The rights and opportunities enjoyed by immigrants are the result of Black American struggle. The resilience and creativity of African-Americans have shaped American culture, music, politics, and social justice.

As Somali youth and adults continue to learn about Black history, respect is replacing arrogance, and solidarity is replacing division. The narrative is shifting, and both communities are beginning to see each other as allies in the fight for justice and equality.

Conclusion: The Blueprint for Resistance

The story of Somali and Black American relations is a microcosm of the broader challenges facing marginalized communities in America. Historical ignorance, pride, and division have long kept these groups apart. But as reality checks force both sides to confront the truth, a new era of understanding is emerging.

Black Americans are the blueprint for resistance, the backbone of American rights, and the people who endured the impossible and still stand tall. Somali immigrants—and all others—stand on the foundation built by their struggle.

Respect, solidarity, and a commitment to learning from history are the keys to overcoming division and building a future where all people can thrive. Once the truth is revealed, everyone sees Black Americans differently—and the possibility for unity becomes real.

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