Albert Lea has been an increasingly diverse community over the last few decades, but not until recently have we seen a relatively large number of immigrants from Africa settling in the area.

A recent mini-wave of immigration from Sudan &045; a country, like many in Africa, that faces chronic and tragic civil war &045; helps make Albert Lea an even more diverse place with citizens who bring an even wider array of experiences and talents.

It makes us appreciate what we often take for granted when we see newcomers who have had to struggle for much of what they have and who come from a place where the material wealth Americans have in spades is practically nonexistent.

Like our European ancestors who often fled famine, war, religious persecution and oppression to find a new life in America, newcomers from Sudan are trying to get a new chance at livelihood and safety. Albert Lea should be proud to be the place where they can get a new start.