Social Justice Activist Safiya Khalid Joins Initiative Advisory Board

The New England Labor Housing Initiative proudly welcomes Safiya Khalid as the newest member of its Advisory Board. Safiya brings a wealth of experience in fighting for racial justice and social justice more broadly, as her bio demonstrates:

Safiya Khalid is a Somali-American politician and community organizer dedicated to social justice and civic engagement.  Khalid attended Lewiston Public Schools and graduated from Lewiston High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Southern Maine and currently holds a Master's in Public Policy. 

In 2019, at the age of 23, Khalid made history by becoming the first Somali-American and youngest person elected to the Lewiston City Council, securing nearly 70% of the vote. 

During her tenure from 2020 to 2022, she was instrumental in passing a resolution to address systemic racism in Lewiston, which opposed excessive use of force by police and called for equal treatment under the law. 

Beyond her political role, Khalid co-founded and serves as the Executive Director of the Community Organizing Alliance (COA), a nonprofit organization committed to empowering underrepresented communities through civic engagement and grassroots activism. 

Her leadership at COA focuses on electoral organizing, policy advocacy, and leadership development, with a particular emphasis on youth engagement and social justice.

Khalid's journey from refugee to political leader exemplifies resilience and dedication to community empowerment. Her work continues to inspire many, reflecting her commitment to creating a just and equitable society.