They have a strong community organization with a center at 1902 E. Yesler, Seattle, WA 98122 that is open 7 days a week. All families are struggling financially and with housing. Oromos are from central and south Ethiopia and their native lands extend into Kenya and Somali. They are the majority ethnic group within Ethiopia but do consider themselves an oppressed group with a distinct culture, language, and political history of a democratic decision making system. Most of the families that come to Harborview want to be recognized as Oromo rather than Ethiopian.
Many families are of rural background and went to refugee camps in Sudan and Kenya.
Elders are highly respected and are often involved in mediating family conflicts. Special Issues - as for Tigrean. Some females are circumcised and circumcision is very important for males. Most spent some time in camps in Kenya or in cities in Kenya. They do not yet have a Somali community organization nor any native speaking health care workers or providers.