Minnesota

Over the course of Barack Obama's presidency, roughly 54,000 Somali refugees found new homes in the United States, a far cry from the widely circulated but inaccurate claim that he relocated 70,000 Somalis to Minnesota. Contrary to some eyebrow-raising social media posts, this was not a cunning plan to manipulate future elections in favor of Ilhan Omar, the Somali-American Congresswoman representing Minnesota. Around the time of the U.S. presidential election on November 5th, messages floating around Facebook declared,…

The Biden administration's approach to the Israel-Gaza conflict has stirred unrest among Somali and Muslim Americans nationwide, contributing to Kamala Harris's dip in support normally expected by Democrats. In Minnesota, community organizers dispersed leaflets in mosques and Somali shopping centers, urging folks to consider third-party options, portraying the administration as backing what they termed genocide in the Middle East. Discussions with voters and community figures reveal alternative motivations: nostalgia for a…

Renowned for her personal history and commitment to progressive values, Ilhan Omar has consistently been a beacon for change. Born in Somalia, Omar's journey to becoming a member of Congress reflects a deep personal engagement with issues affecting immigrants and minorities. Her candidacy and eventual victories in elections have been testaments to her influential persona and unwavering beliefs. Omar's re-election campaign faced fierce competition from Dalia Al-Aqidi, an Iraqi-born secular Muslim and former journalist.…

“If the Somali language were to vanish, we would lose its vibrant culture and profound oral history," she remarked earnestly. "The initiative, Sing-Again, represents my hope for relishing and rejoicing in the language. The narrative isn't solely about somber displacement or becoming a refugee; that’s not a tale we wish to dwell on constantly." Hassan secured a notable Minnesota Legacy Cultural Heritage Grant amounting to $121,394. She mentioned that a significant portion will fuel the book's publication, while some funds…

Gatherings of devoted citizens, healthcare experts, and passionate advocates converged at the illustrious Minnesota Somali Community Center’s annual Samafal Gala. This event was a beacon, illuminating those who have exhibited remarkable dedication in tackling the opioid crisis, mental health issues, and other critical challenges confronting the community. The gala was a tribute to bravery, “Geesinimo,” with accolades commemorating their significant impacts. The evening was alive with traditional performances, cultural…

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn (AX) — In Stearns County, language barriers continue to thwart Somali-speaking residents from exercising their voting rights, despite Minnesota's efforts to promote accessible voting. With no legal stipulations for Somali interpreters at polling stations, many potential voters struggle with English proficiency, hindering their ability to cast votes. Minnesota legislation mandates voting materials in Somali, Spanish, and Hmong to reflect prevalent non-English languages in the state. However, these…

Abdi Daisane Aims to Shift Minnesota House Seat to DFL in Upcoming Elections Amidst an evolving landscape in St. Cloud, local entrepreneur Abdi Daisane is gearing up to contest for the Minnesota House, seeking to tip the scales from Republican to Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) this autumn. Over the past few years, there's been a noticeable influx of new immigrants—many of whom hail from East Africa—shifting the socio-political fabric of the area. District 14A has been firmly in Republican hands for over a decade, and…