About SBCA
The Somali Bantu represent a traditionally subjugated and oppressed cultural group in Africa. Descendants of slaves traded from Tanzania, Malawi, and northern Mozambique into Somalia through the Zanzibar slave trade network of the 19th century, they have been victims of persecution, prejudice, oppression and violence because of this ancestry. Due to their status, the Bantu were barred from political participation and land ownership, were prevented from intermarrying, had limited access to formal education and were relegated to service and labor intensive positions regardless of their training. Due to this many Somali Bantu are illiterate and have very limited job skills.
After the outbreak of civil war in Somalia in 1991 their plight worsened. Without the protection of the Somalian clan structure, the Somali Bantu became victims of increased violence against their communities, including the massive confiscation of properties, the burning of villages, murder and sexual assault. Many fled to Kenya, living in refugee camps for 12 years or more where violence against women and discrimination persisted.
In 1999, the US Government approved a plan for 12,000 Somali Bantu to be resettled in over 50 cities in 38 states. The community in Chittenden County began arriving in 2003 as a part of this resettlement plan and has grown to over 600 individuals over the past six years.
The creation of the Community Association represents this community’s first opportunity for self-advocacy. As such the Association, its programs, goals and mission are a direct result of community input and leadership. With the express goal of empowering and supporting each community member to achieve economic and social independence and self-sufficiency, the Association is focused on equal access to and opportunity for advancement and personal achievement. The Association is committed to breaking down the barriers created by race, class, cultural background, religion and gender. In addition, the Association is focused on addressing and helping the Somali Bantu refugee community overcome the patterns associated with a mindset of generational subjugation.
