Local Ukrainians, Russians monitor Crimea strife
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Many in Northeast’s Russian and Ukrainian immigrant communities—along with the rest of the world—have been closely following the drama unfolding in their homelands.
OPINION | Bridging Y Iskaa Wax Uqabso: A report from the Lyndale Women’s Leadership Program
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In Lyndale, neighbors are from different cultures and speak multiple languages; we do not like to try new things if we can keep our ordinary routines going. The toughest challenge we face, and fear to face, is leaving our comfort zone, speaking a new language, or just putting on others’ shoes for few minutes.
Progress on the Hmong and Laotian veterans memorial
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March 29th marked the last of the Hmong and Lao Veterans Commemorative Memorial fundraising campaign. Continue Reading
Registration for Rwanda and Tanzania ambassadors’ visits to Minnesota now open
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Registration for two key Africa focused events in May in the Twin Cities is now open. Ambassador Mathilde Mukantabana of Rwanda and Ambassador Liberata Mulamula of Tanzania will headline two separate events organized by the Minnesota International Center and Books for Africa in the same week.
Otaak Band brings East Sudanese soul to the West Bank
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It was a glimpse into a world nearly lost. But the rituals, the traditions, the passed down legacies and teachings from ancestors were still evident in his being. Ahmed Said Abuamna, from Otaak Band, sang as though the music was shooting up from the ground through him, his voice sounding transcendent of earthliness. Watching the smooth and effortless way in which movements flowed from Abuamna’s limbs and in the way songs poured seemingly unencumbered from his soul at the January 29th performance at the Cedar Cultural Center, became a reminder of the importance of keeping a people’s culture and traditions alive.
Condoleezza Rice’s visit sparks protest: Students and faculty are asking the University of Minnesota to revoke her April 17 speaking invitation
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Members of the University of Minnesota community are voicing disapproval of former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice’s campus visit next month, citing her involvement in the George W. Bush administration’s wartime policies.
COMMUNITY VOICES | Condoleezza Rice and the Humphrey School: It’s not about free speech
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Dear Humphrey School Faculty, Fellows Staff and PASA members,April 17 will be a sad day for the University of Minnesota and in particular for the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. That is when Dr. Condoleezza Rice, at the Humphrey School’s invitation, will deliver a Distinguished Carlson Lecture as part of the month-long series of events commemorating the reopening of Northrop Auditorium.The university is a place where ideas get tested, where multiple viewpoints are welcomed. In such a setting, opposition to a speaker seems to violate the very essence of the institution.But I oppose this invitation and in fact believe the University of Minnesota would be doing a valuable service to humanity by withdrawing it, no matter how awkward that might be at this late date.This isn’t about free speech, a diversity of viewpoints, excluding voices, or discouraging dialogue. Rather, it’s about the University becoming associated with abhorrent conduct done in our names.This isn’t about suppressing free speech. Dr. Rice will continue to have no shortage of available forums in which to express her views. Continue Reading
Northsider Brian Gregg on skiing in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi
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How was Sochi?
Absolutely beautiful, according to Northsider Brian Gregg, who skied in three events at the 2014 Olympic Games. Although his last event was Feb. 23, he hasn’t returned home yet, because he’s skiing in Alaska. Last week, however, when NorthNews caught up with him by phone, he shared some of his Olympic experiences.
Minnesota Kenyans mark six-month anniversary of Westgate Mall attack with launch of iLask
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67 people from various countries were killed and over 175 injured many with debilitating injuries, when Al-Shabab terrorists attacked the upscale Westgate mall in Nairobi on September 21 2013.
Minneapolis-based American Refugee Committee sells Microfinance Bank to Liberian diaspora
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The American Refugee Committee, based in Minneapolis, has sold its Liberian Microfinance Bank, Liberty Finance, LLC to DCRB Investments. DCRB is a company registered in Liberia and includes former members of the Liberian Diaspora in Minnesota now based in Liberia. Sale terms were not disclosed (We will be talking to the ARC CFO later tonight who is en route from Liberia and will update as necessary).