Oromo Elders and Youth Come Together to Celebrate a Legacy of Resilience and Hope in St. Paul

By Maatii Sabaa

(St. Paul, Minnesota — 11August 2026)-In a powerful display of intergenerational unity and cultural pride, the Oromo community in Minnesota came together for Guyyaa Yuubota 2026, a celebration that was more than just an event—it was a profound ceremony of respect, remembrance, and the sacred passing of the torch from one generation to the next.

The event, held in the heart of “Little Oromia,” saw Oromo elders, leaders, and youth gather side by side, reinforcing the unbroken chain of identity and struggle that defines the Oromo people. It was an evening where the wisdom of the past met the energy of the future, and where the torch of liberation was passed respectfully, deliberately, and with immense pride.

A Ceremony of Blessings and Song

The proceedings at Guyyaa Yuubota opened in accordance with ancient Oromo tradition, with the solemn recitation of the Eebba Manguddoo—the Great Blessing—and the singing of the Faaruu Alaabaa, the Oromo national anthem. These rituals, which call upon Waaqa (God) for peace, prosperity, and success, served as a spiritual foundation for the work that followed.

The atmosphere was one of reverence and unity. Oromo oral literature, encompassing forms such as eebba (blessings) and faaruu (songs of praise), has sustained the community across generations, and on this night, it was on full display.

Passing the Torch: The Role of Elders and Youth

The central theme of the evening was the respectful transfer of responsibility and knowledge from the elders to the youth. The elders, who witnessed the early days of the struggle, sat alongside youth who were born in the diaspora, forging an intergenerational bond that strengthens the community’s resilience.

This tradition is a cornerstone of Oromo culture. The elders are the custodians of history, the guardians of the Gadaa principles, and the living memory of the struggle for liberation. By passing the torch to the youth, they ensure that the flame of Oromummaa (Oromo identity) continues to burn brightly.

As one community leader observed, the Oromo carry their ancient Gadaa principles with them into the future, no matter where they are in the world. This occasion was a testament to that enduring spirit—a reminder that the Oromo identity is not just about remembering the past, but about actively engaging with the present and building for the future.

The Significance of Minnesota’s “Little Oromia”

The choice of Minnesota for such a significant gathering is deeply meaningful. Over the past three decades, Minnesota has earned the affectionate title of “Little Oromia” for hosting one of the largest Oromo populations outside of East Africa. The state has become a sanctuary and a springboard for Oromo activism, where culture thrives through language, music, faith, and political organization.

The Oromo community centers in the Twin Cities have become hubs for organizing and celebration, making them the ideal setting for an event that bridges generations and honors the past while looking toward the future.

Looking to the Future: Consistency and Determination

The evening was not only about honoring the past but about setting a course for the future. The message to the youth was clear: consistency and determination remain the foundation of lasting progress and success. In the long and often brutal struggle for Oromo self-determination, it is the day-in and day-out commitment of a people who refuse to be erased that sustains the movement.

Conclusion: A Legacy Secured

Guyyaa Yuubota 2026 in Minnesota was a resounding success, a beautiful reminder of the strength of the Oromo people when they stand together. It was a night where the elders’ blessings were received with humility, and the youth’s energy was embraced with hope. The torch has been passed, and it is held high.

Injifannoon Ummata Oromoo!

This feature article is dedicated to the Oromo elders who have paved the way and the youth who carry the torch forward.