After enduring generations of hardship and displacement, the Somali Bantu people have carried forward a remarkable story of resilience and cultural pride. Originally from the Shebelle and Jubba River valleys of Somalia, this community survived centuries of marginalization and later, the turmoil of the Somali Civil War. Many Somali Bantus eventually found refuge in Kenyan camps before resettling in the U.S., and today, a vibrant Somali Bantu community thrives in Maine, with Lewiston as its heart. Here, they continue to build new lives, preserving their heritage while contributing to the local community.
Central to this journey is the Somali Bantu Community Association (SBCA), a nonprofit organization that provides critical services to help new Mainers adapt to life in the United States. The SBCA has been essential in addressing the unique needs of the community—whether through immigration assistance, translation services, or youth programs that foster a sense of pride in Somali Bantu heritage. Yet, one of their most transformative initiatives is Liberation Farms, a sustainable agriculture project that has reshaped the community’s approach to food security and economic independence.
Liberation Farms allows Somali Bantu families to reconnect with their agricultural roots by providing land, seeds, and training to cultivate their own crops. This farming initiative serves a dual purpose: it supplies families with fresh, chemical-free food while also enabling them to contribute to local farmers’ markets and programs such as Mainers Feeding Mainers. Many participants work in Iskashito groups, a cooperative system where farmers share resources and profits, further strengthening community bonds. Through farming, the SBCA empowers families to sustain themselves while contributing to Maine’s local economy.
“When we launched the Corporate Impact Program, it was designed with organizations like the SBCA in mind—those making meaningful social and environmental impacts,” said Androscoggin Bank CEO, Neil Kiely. This program channels business deposits to fund high-impact organizations, like the SBCA, whose missions align with specific United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Kiely continued, “The SBCA embodies these goals by fostering economic opportunities, reducing inequalities, and promoting sustainable food production within Maine’s diverse communities.”
In 2024, employees of the Bank had the privilege of visiting Liberation Farms during the Docada Beer Abuurka, the annual celebration of the growing season. This event, attended by Kiely and key figures from the SBCA, was a powerful reminder of how deeply intertwined community and agriculture are. Standing alongside SBCA Director, Muhidin Libah, and members of the Somali Bantu community, we witnessed firsthand the pride and dedication of the farmers and their families as they prepared for another season of growth.
This visit was one of many for the Bank and we look forward to continuously supporting the SBCA in the future. While they are a shining example of the great work our Corporate Impact Program can support, they are more importantly a catalyst of culture and self-sufficiency for an incredibly special group of people.
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