Bluestem Prairie doesn't often say pleasant things about state representative Tim Miller, New Republican-Prinsburg, but a recent Facebook post by Willmar's anti-refugee, anti-Muslim speaker, twice unsuccessful city council member candidate, and 2017 pro-Trump rally organizer Bob Enos deserves pushback.
Enos posted this dig on his Facebook page:
We noticed first of all that the focus of the Community Integration Center (CIC) cover photo (we offer a cropped screenshot at the top of the page) isn't Miller--who is behind two figures on the left- but two women at the center of the photo.
One is Cherie Miller, a highly respected Medical Assistant instructor (her linked-profile notes that she's the program director) at Ridgewater College in Willmar. She's the woman on the left, closest to Miller. As the screenshot shows, she likes the photo on Facebook.
Given the mission of the Community Integration Center, we're not surprised to see an educator from a technical program visiting the center with her spouse. The Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission note in Cultural Prosperity:
The ethnic mosaic that makes up Kandiyohi County is a beautiful blend of cultures and faiths. A mostly European heritage has evolved into a melting pot with an influx of people with Hispanic, Native American, Somalian and other African ancestry. As of a diverse business survey done in 2017, there were 70 diverse businesses in Willmar; the largest number in Minnesota outside of the Twin Cities.
The multicultural makeup of Kandiyohi County gives way to a unique environment with ethnic shopping and dining options and festivals. The Willmar Community Center hosts weekly cultural events and a variety of opportunities to engage with and learn about people whose background may be different from yours. The newly-opened Community Integration Center seeks to overcome health, cultural, economic and social barriers through education, integration and engagement.
In 2017, the EDC received a grant from the Southwest Initiative Foundation to design and implement a Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) Program for diverse businesses in the Willmar area. The EDC conducted 18 diverse BRE site visits and prepared a final report on its research.
While the first immigrants were mostly Lutheran, our most recent immigrants are primarily Muslim. Because of our ethnic diversity, Kandiyohi County is home to numerous faiths and nearly 100 congregations. No matter your denomination or faith, there is sure to be a place that will welcome you and help you feel at home.
That diversity is reflected in a December 2019 photo of the latest graduates of the Medical Assistant Program, posted by Ms. Miller's rightfully proud husband:
That class reflects Willmar--and the program graduation ceremony took place on the Willmar campus of Ridgewater College. Does Mr. Enos think the boundaries of Representative Miller's district should have kept him away?
While we don't agree with Cherie Miller's politics, her own life story--shared widely by pro-life activists and groups, demonstrates that she rose from a traumatic childhood--and we suspect she's able to put that experience to work in helping students of all ages and backgrounds. Mutual friends say good things about her. Her husband has said that HF3370, passed unanimously in both houses in 2016, was written so that victims could avoid what she experienced after her attacker was released back into the community.
What was going on at the CIC on June 9, 2018? At the West Central Tribune , Erica Dischino reported in StreetFeast: Breaking the fast at sundown, on June 10, 2018:
Community members gathered in downtown Willmar for the first ever StreetFeast celebration Friday evening. Around one hundred fifty people attended StreetFeast, which was held by the Community Integration Center. The event provided traditional Somali food eaten when breaking the fast during the month of Ramadan. The daily fast observed by Muslims begins at dawn and ends at sunset from mid-May through mid-June.
In the second photo in the series of four at the bottom of the West Central Tribune article, the Somali men--in the golden robe and the plaid suit in the CIC cover photo-- are also in the newspaper photo, with this caption:
Erica Dischino / Tribune Imam Bishar Yusuf leads a prayer at StreetFeast in downtown Willmar Friday evening. The event provided traditional Somali food eaten when breaking the fast during the month of Ramadan. The daily fast observed by Muslims begins at dawn and ends at sunset.
Go over to the West Central Tribune article and take a look. The man in the blue and white plaid clothes is a little hard to see, but he's on the left edge of the group shoot.
We can't say whether the Millers participated in the meal, but it does look as if they joined 150 other people for the event. While Mr. Enos may be offended by this--as he appears to be alarmed by Representative Miller being near the CIC, we think either--and both--readings of the picture are encouraging.
Related posts:
- Ilhan Omar focus of Minnesota state house candidate fundraiser on the lone prairie
- Tim Miller moves fundraiser to Montevideo American Legion because "bullies" urge boycott
- 'Celebrate President Trump' rally in Willmar features talk of voter fraud, 'civil war' (City Pages)
Screengrab: the cover photo of the CIC's Facebook page.
If you appreciate our posts and original analysis, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, 600 Maple Street, Summit SD 57266) or use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of this post. Those wishing to make a small ongoing monthly contribution should click on the paypal subscription button.
Or you can contribute via this link to paypal; use email sally.jo.sorensen@gmail.com as recipient.
Comments