Local artist Stan Herd explained that the community proactively prepared for the arrival since the official announcement in April to ensure the foreign squad felt entirely welcome.
“I think everybody’s surprised at it,” said Herd. “We’re not.”
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Herd credited a University of Kansas student named Sajedah for utilizing social media platforms to mobilize the regional Algerian diaspora and organize major welcome gatherings.
“Make sure you mention Sajedah,” said Herd. “She’s the one who reached 70,000 Algerians [via social media].
She’s a University of Kansas student, and she made this happen.”
Herd added that the inclusive culture of Lawrence makes its residents highly receptive to embracing new cultural experiences and international visitors.
“There’s a lot of unnecessary anger at people who don’t look like us, and pray like us, and walk like us, and cheer like us,” said Herd.
“In Lawrence, we are wide open to embracing something new. That’s the difference.”
Local resident Aaron Downey attended the team events alongside his brother Ethan, where they interacted directly with the athletes and Algerian organizers.
“We as Lawrence residents didn’t adopt the team,” said Aaron. “I think the Algerians adopted us.
They brought all the vibes, the culture, the acceptance, to the residents of Lawrence. I think that’s what made us so close and made this what it is.”
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The upcoming group match takes place at Kansas City Stadium, where the Algeria national soccer team enters the contest as underdogs against Argentina.
