It takes a village, but mostly, it takes a good mom...

In 2005, we started a class for Somali Bantu women living on the east side of Denver. The women in that class have shared a lot of their stories over the years. They've also told us about what they want from their new life in the United States. Above all else, they want their children to succeed here and to make the most of the opportunities around them.

Fatuma Ali is one of our orignal class members--and she still attends, every week. Fatuma hasn't had an easy time of it here, but despite that, she has always been diligent about making sure her children value education--something she, herself, has never had. She also has taught them the value of hard work--in school, at home, and working the land.

It seems so fitting then that Fatuma's eldest daughter, Amina Salat, was recently honored with a "9 Kids Who Care" award from KUSA, the NBC affiliate in Denver, for her dedication to helping others through community service.

In addition to receiving her award at a luncheon and ceremony last weekend, Amina was also profiled on the news yesterday. Amina spends time helping with A Little Something, the Denver Refugee Crafts Initiative, and she volunteers at SAME Cafe in Denver. She is also a leader in Growing Colorado Kids, a local urban farming initiative that shares its harvest with those in need. In addition to her school and volunteer work, Amina is indispensable helping her mom at home.

Fatuma is very, very proud of her daughter!

Click here to read the story on the 9News Website, or simply watch the video, below.

Book event!

Book reading and signing

Hadidja Nyiransekuye
The Lances Were Looking Down: One Woman’s Path through the Rwandan Genocide to Life in the States

Thursday, March 3, 2011
7:30 pm
Tattered Cover - Historic LoDo
1628 16th St.
Denver, CO

In 1994, Hadidja Nyiransekuye was witness to and a survivor of the Rwandan genocide that lasted 100 days and claimed the lives of nearly one million people. Hadidja immigrated to the United States in 1998 with her children, and from that time, experienced the refugee resettlement process both as a participant and as an observer. Her memoir not only recounts the details of surviving a life caught up in the currents of change, but also takes a frank look at the politics, intentions and outcomes of stateside resettlement efforts.

Hadidja went on to earn her MSW and Ph.D. from the University of Denver, and currently teaches at the Metropolitan State College of Denver.

She will discuss and sign her memoir, The Lances Were Looking Down: One Woman’s Path through the Rwandan Genocide to Life in the States at the Tattered Cover's LoDo location on Thursday, March 3. To request a signed copy of the book, email books@tatteredcover.com

To learn more about Hadidja Nyiransekuye, click here.