Run to Unite: Student Organizers Make A Difference

Students partner to organize relief run for famine relief.

Reed Kotz, Danny Oseid, and Mohamed Samatar, left to right, organized Run to Unite.

Image credit: Photo courtesy Therese M. Gales

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METRO 100: American Refugee Committee

By: Emily Cain

When a devastating famine, compounded by war, drought, and high food prices, hit the southern region of Somalia last summer, six local college students were compelled to take action. 

Friends since attending Southwest High School, Mohamad Samatar and Danny Oseid, from the University of St. Thomas, helped spearhead the effort. Samatar, born in Yemen and of Somali descent, recognized that the impact of the famine devastation was hitting close to home.

The Twin Cities is home to the largest Somali population in the world, outside of Somalia, and students saw their efforts as a way to not only help a cause, but to promote “cultural awareness and cultural learning.”

Oseid said that they wanted to do something “different” while “incorporating the Twin Cities large Somali community.” They decided on a 5K run/walk and titled it “Run to Unite.” A concise but powerful message, Run to Unite is call to action from some of Minnesota’s most motivated and inspiring students.

While their peers were out catching some summer sun and taking a break from school, student organizers of Run to Unite spent their summer voluntarily building a website, making a promotional video (that featured Minneapolis hip-hop artists Brother Ali and other Minnesotans) planning the logistics of the event, and spreading awareness.

It’s the first time Oseid has ever taken on such a large endeavor, calling it a “big learning experience.” While the students may be learning the logistics of pulling a fundraising event together, they are teachers too. Setting examples for all of us on how to better serve our community and unite people of all cultures and backgrounds, to help those in need.

All proceeds earned through Run to Unite will go directly to the American Refugee Committee International. A matching program has also been set up, and UCare will double the impact of your gift to famine relief by matching your fee dollar for dollar, up to $15,000.

As a celebratory, family-friendly, post-race event, the student organizers have set up a finish-line festival that will include refreshments, a henna lounge, mural painting, a reading by a Somali poet, and music by a marimba band from Breck School, performing a rendition of Brother Ali’s “Travelers” and an appearance by Brother Ali.

Samatar says, “We want this event to provide a space where neighbors come together and share stories-and also help people in Somalia who are struggling right now to survive a devastating famine. We want to help unite our community and, at the same time, help people who are in dire need."

If this is what these students did on their summer vacation, imagine what they’ll be doing in the future.

Event registration is available online at runtounite.com. The 5k run/walk will take place Sunday, Oct. 16, 9:30 a.m. at East River Flats/East River Parkway. Registration fee is $20, $25 for day of registration.