Immigrants made today's Columbus File photo Amy Yang dances during the annual Columbus Asian Festival. Now, as 100 years ago, many new arrivals try to master English and learn American ways. Now, as 100 years ago, they seek better lives with economic opportunity and freedom. When 1900 arrived, so did an influx of immigrants speaking German, Hungarian, Italian or Irish-accented English.
More recent newcomers are likely to converse in Somali, Spanish or Russian.
In 1900, those new to the city looked for a friendly soul to house and feed them, maybe show them around and help them land work. Today, Yusuf Abucar is among those assisting new arrivals, in his case from his homeland, Somalia. As vice president of the Somali Community Association of Ohio, he gives advice gained from his 20 years in Columbus to many of the estimated 7,000 Somalis who have come here. The total is up from 500 in 1997. Abucar, an architect, often helps his countrymen set up businesses, as he did at the Dollar Sense store on Cleveland Avenue.