that I raise concerns about a person of color running for the park board,
namely, Hashim Yonis. Whether or not he is found guilty of absconding with
funds remains to be seen (Star Tribune, Mpls. parks worker is fired over lost
funds) but my own experience with Yonis makes me question his suitability for
any public office at this time. During 2011, I worked with Yonis at Matthews
Park and was deeply disturbed by his behavior and lack of integrity. Heres the
story--see what you think:
I was hired to facilitate a Teen Circle of Oromo/Somali boys and Hashim, a park
employee, was assigned to the circle to build connections. I wondered how a
Caucasian woman might fare, but quickly came to love being with these fine
young men--bright, lively, respectful. I witnessed them practice
democracy--sharing responsibility, speaking up, honoring differences.
Circle was a safe space for the youth to discuss current events, religion,
school/family concerns...until the day Hashim exploded at them. Shame on you,
he yelled. How can you be so disrespectful to the artists. I cant stand to be
in the same room with you! and he bolted. The kids were just following
instructions--choose circle or art, options Hashim and I had agreed upon after
I discovered, the night before, that months ago Hashim had scheduled an event
during circle, without their consent (our protocol). I surmised hed look bad if
nobody participated in the event he scheduled.
The kids were shaken by Hashims rage, some, angered: He has no right to treat
us like this! And they noticed his facts didnt jive--he said he hadnt known of
the event until the day before, yet mentioned hed gotten an email about it 3
months prior. He lied, several remarked.
In subsequent weeks, Hashim told the boys repeatedly he disagreed with the way
I led circle, scheduled another activity during circle without consultation,
and threatened to remove a visitor from circle/park for giggling. On 3-4
occasions he failed to show, notify me, and order pizza.
I noticed the youths revised their stories in Hashims presence, apparently
intimidated by him. He had power over them in the park and in school for many
of them, where he oversaw administration.
When I sought to debrief the episode with Hashim, he refused: Im not going to
be the bad guy here! Soon he began citing cultural differences as the problem,
but refused to explore this with a Somali organizer.
I contacted Seward Longfellow Restorative Justice Partnership (SLRJP),
sponsoring agency, sharing my concerns regarding the effect of Hashims behavior
on the youth. Doesnt anyone get to be human around you, exclaimed the director.
A board member warned me, If you dont remain silent about this, were prepared
to shut down the circle and reconstitute it with a new person. Hashim must be
allowed to save face, crucial in Somali culture.
Eventually, staff met to seek solutions. Hashim introduced himself: In Somalia
theres an expression my father uses to greet guests, Its a good day, I have
sons. And I have 2 sons, Hashim beamed. And again his story didnt jive--one
time he claimed to be a circle expert; next time he pleaded he shouldnt be
blamed, for he knew nothing of the circle process. Later he was offered circle
training but refused: I dont need it and dont support circle ways. Kids need
guidance, not empowerment--need to be told what to do.
Shortly thereafter I received a certified letter terminating my employment. I
could attend the next circle to say good-bye, but have no further contact with
the youths. That final evening (Hashim absent), one of the boys arrived early.
When he learned Id been terminated, he left the room to notify the others.
Minutes later 12 teenagers walked in. One flashed a sign, We love her. Youre
tearing out a piece of our hearts--Jean is family, one said. Its our circle--we
should get to choose our circlekeeper. Another stood and read:
This petition shows that we, circle attenders, would be very disappointed,
outraged, if Ms. Jean is fired and will stop attending, reason being she gives
us choices. Hashim doesnt. He should be fired.
I was moved--such courage, caring. We parted with hugs. Their petition was
ignored by Park Board management, SLRJP, community councils, along with my
concerns about Hashim.
I want people of color in public office, and in my life, and discernment is
essential. Does it seem to you that Yonis has the integrity, skills,
democratic values needed for public office?
Jean Greenwood
Kingfield, Minneapolis