State-Of-Black-Oregon-2015

A coach in area high schools for six years, he’spaid particular attention to the struggles ofEthiopian and Sudanese students. Even thoughthese students are speaking English, staffmembers often claim there are language issueswhen they cannot deal with them.Kemboi says, “Why can’t they take the time tolisten? Why don’t we slow down our thinkingand not see everything from a McDonald’s pointof view? Diversity is being able to meet peoplewhere they are. Sometimes we want peopleto be what they can’t be. Why can’t we meetpeople where they are and accept them?”Kemboi credits his extensive travels for his abilityto communicate across cultures. This sense ofperspective lets him put up with the obliviousteachers and other Astoria residents. Just likenavigating American culture when he first arrivedhere, coping with Astoria isn’t always easy. To stayconnected with his culture, he reads his SwahiliBible and listens to Kenyan radio stations.When he can, he speaks with family and Kenyanfriends on the phone. “I wish the ‘pursuitof the mighty dollar’ didn’t create so muchdisconnection. Busy people aren’t good atproviding support. The only support you get thisway is a voice. We all need tangible support.”89