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About Fur Union

WHO WE ARE ?

The Fur are Largest ethnic group indigenous to the Darfur region of western Sudan. Today, many Fur families have established communities throughout the United States. Fur Union is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting these communities by fostering unity, preserving cultural heritage, promoting education, and providing resources that empower individuals and families.

The Fur are the largest ethnic group in Darfur, a region in western Sudan. The name Darfur means “home of the Fur.” The community is primarily Muslim and traditionally agricultural, and speaks the Fur language alongside Arabic.

Beginning in the 1990s, Fur families started arriving in the United States as refugees from the conflict in Darfur. Today, there are Fur communities in cities like Portland (Maine), Omaha, Richmond, Houston, and Atlanta.

Fur Union was founded to support these families. We help newly arrived households settle in, offer language classes for kids, support students through school and college, and host community events.

What Guides Us

What we believe.

  • Our Mission

    We support Sudanese American Fur families by providing education, resources, and community connections that help them thrive in the United States.

  • Our Vision

    A robust and interconnected Fur community in America, where our language and culture are preserved, and our families have the resources they need to thrive.

  • Our Values

    Community, family, faith, and respect for our heritage.

  • Community
  • Family
  • Faith
  • Heritage
  • Welcome
  • Respect
Community members gathered around a long table
Our story

It started around a kitchen table.

Fur Union began in 2020 in Atlanta, when a small group of community members met to talk about how to better support Fur families across the country. Local mutual-aid networks had been around for years, but there was no national organization.

Today, Fur Union works with families in more than a dozen U.S. cities. We help newcomers find housing and schools, run weekend language classes, support students through high school and college, and host cultural events.

We try to keep things simple: listen to families, partner with local groups already doing good work, and focus on what actually helps.

Staff & Program Leads

The hands and hearts behind the work.

A small staff and a network of volunteers from across the Fur community.

For governance and oversight, see our Board of Directors →

  • Portrait of Al Fadel Musa Haroun

    Al Fadel Musa Haroun

    The president of the executive office

  • Portrait of Elkhidir Abdelrahman

    Elkhidir Abdelrahman

    The President of the legislative Council

  • Portrait of Adam Ahmed

    Adam Ahmed

    The voice president

  • Portrait of Babiker Abdalla

    Babiker Abdalla

    Secretary General

  • Portrait of Abdeen Ali

    Abdeen Ali

    Secretary of the Legislative Council

  • Portrait of Huda Mohamed

    Huda Mohamed

    Treasure

  • Portrait of Atif Mahmoud

    Atif Mahmoud

    Secretary Of Media

Timeline

From the Sultanate of Darfur to a new American home.

  1. 1650–1916

    The Sultanate of Darfur

    For nearly three centuries, the Fur sultans governed a kingdom in western Sudan, particularly in Darfur.

  2. 1990s

    First Fur families arrive in the U.S.

    Refugees from Darfur begin settling in cities like Portland,Main, Omaha,NE and Richmond,VA

  3. 2010s

    Community groups form

    Local Fur families start mutual-aid groups, Saturday schools, and cultural associations across several states.

  4. 2025

    Fur Union is founded

    The Fur Union in the United States of America was established on July 4, 2025, by a committed group of Fur community members from across the nation. Following years of regular meetings and shared discussions, these individuals joined forces to create a unified nonprofit organization. Its goals include strengthening community ties, preserving Fur heritage, and supporting one another through collective action and shared purpose.

  5. 2026

    Programs grow

    Fur Union now supports families in over a dozen U.S. cities through language classes, newcomer support, and youth programs.

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