Biography
Early Life
Ilhan Omar was born on October 4, 1982, in Mogadishu, Somalia. She was the youngest of seven children. Her mother died when she was two years old. Ilhan was raised in Baidoa, Somalia, practicing Sunni Islam, alongside her grandfather and her dad, Nur Omar, who was both an army colonel and a teacher. Her family’s community involvement had a big impact on her early years.
Ilhan Omar and her family came to New York as refugees in 1995, and then they moved to Arlington, Virginia. There, Ilhan went to middle school. Her family later moved to Minneapolis, where they settled. Ilhan became a citizen of the United States in 2000.
Omar’s journey towards public service began in college. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and International Studies from North Dakota State University. Later, she attended the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs as a Policy Fellow. Following her education, Omar worked as a community organizer and policy analyst for various organizations, including Women Organizing Women Network. Her strong desire to make positive changes in people’s lives motivated her to pursue a career in public office.
Social Justice Through Politics
Omar faced tough challenges early in her political career, including being physically attacked at a Minneapolis School Board meeting by supporters of Phyllis Kahn, which left her with injuries. However, Omar did not let this stop her. In 2016, she made history by winning a seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives, becoming the first Somali American to do so. Then, in the 2018 midterms, she ran for the United States House of Representatives and won, becoming both the first Somali American and one of the first Muslim women in the U.S. Congress in 2019. In Congress, Omar has been vocal on issues like immigration, healthcare, and social justice. She is a strong supporter of the rights of marginalized groups, and she works to increase diversity and inclusion in politics.
Omar also fights for religious freedom. She has backed resolutions that support the freedom to follow any religion. She speaks out against unfair treatment based on religion. She opposes the travel ban affecting Muslims and other rules that stop people from freely practicing their religion. Omar played a big part in creating and supporting HR2214, a law aimed at removing the ban on Muslim immigrants. She also takes part in conversations between different religions to help build understanding and respect among people of various faiths.
Omar overcame a lot of obstacles as the first Muslim woman in her position. She contributes to American democracy by sharing her ideas on how to make the world a better place. Omar supports the idea that businesses and politics should include people from all backgrounds. She works towards fairness for women, Muslims, and other minority groups.
Omar’s faith plays a big part in her leadership style. In her speeches, she talks about how her Muslim beliefs guide her actions. Her commitment to justice and equality comes from her religious values. These beliefs also drive her to stand up for people who are often left out or overlooked.
