Somali Voices in Minnesota and the Diaspora

Minnesota is home to the largest concentration of Somalis in North America, who are the subject of much (often divisive) national media attention, including reports focusing on questions of assimilation and suspected ties to terrorism. Such attention too often precludes the voices of Somalis living, working, and building communities in the U.S., and particularly in Minnesota. The event "Somali Voices in Minnesota and the Diaspora" was dedicated to those voices.

Organized in cooperation with the Somali Museum of Minnesota, attendees had a special opportunity to explore its collection of art and artifacts with the museum's founder and executive director, Osman Ali. Professor Cawo Abdi (Sociology, UMN) discussed her path-breaking research that compares Somali experiences in the U.S., South Africa, and the U.A.E. Her work illuminates the opportunities and disadvantages Somalis face in each of these locations. We also had a special performance by a local Somali artchivist. A moderated Q& A followed.

The following is a recording of this event:

This event was sponsored by Global Minnesota: Immigrants Past and Present, a year-long series of public programming funded by a $150,000 National Endowment for the Humanities grant.