The Relief Association for Southern Sudan, is an organization that was established to cater to the needs of Southern Sudanese immigrants living in the United States. In the midst of the civil war in Sudan, some 20,000 Sudanese refugees fled to the U.S. About 5,000 of these refugees live in Omaha. Through a nationwide network know as RASS they attempt to conduct friendship with Christian communities in  Nebraska as well as provide education, and promote cultural activities; however due to prejudice attitudes concerning Sudanese, these goals are not always attainable.

James Maluit Ruach is a graduate of the University of South Dakota. In spite of his MBA in Management Information System, his BS in Business management or his A.A. S. in Business Administration, not to mention previous job experience, and the fact he speaks three languages, he's working as a clerk in a local bookstore.

A much bleaker reality than the dream of living in America, the land of opportunities, he had as a young adult living in a nation torn apart by civil and religious wars. Ruach is an immigrant from Sudan sent to the states after taking refuge in the United Nation. After living in the States for nearly a decade, Ruach shares personal feelings concerning the disunity of African Americans as a whole and in connection to Sudanese Americans.

Discrimination against Sudanese immigrants in America is a growing problem that parallels rising immigration.  Ironically some Sudanese are not disturbed that Caucasians disregard them, it is the fact that African Americans do not acknowledge them. Why haven't you invited James Ruach to dinner? He's a family man, speaks three languages, and has quite an interesting story to share with you over some greens and cornbread. For THAT matter, why hasn't ANY Sudanese family graced your dinner table? That's a question we ... as an African-American community ... need to come to terms with. As we decry the deplorable treatment white America has bestowed upon us ... statistics and personal anecdotes indicate that we are perpetrating the same race-based hate that has been our millstone for more than 400 years. Ruach says he does face discrimination in Omaha and what hurts most to be ignored by African Americans, whom he calls, “my people.”  Ironically those who are perpetuating the racism are leveling it against people with whom they share the same roots.

 Ruach would like to teach African Americans about the African culture first hand, “we could have diversity workshops, meetings at school or church, you can not run away from your culture.”

During Black History Month keep in mind the Sudanese population right here in Omaha.