VOICES | A Somali Perspective: Brian Coyle Center Controversy by Wali Hassan, Mshale • As America celebrates President-Elect Barack Obama’s historic win, the Somali community in Minnesota is forced to deal with negative press brought about by one of their own. On Election Day, November 4th, stories about Somali volunteers allegedly influencing voters at the polling stations began to appear in the press.
Community Earth Councils launched in Minneapolis by Karen Engelsen, TC Daily Planet • On November 12, 200 Elders (50+) and Youngers (16-28) from around the metro area gathered in the Great Hall of Coffman Union to launch an intergenerational community-building movement, an event held in conjunction with the Positive Aging Conference at the University of Minnesota. Participants gathered to set up Community Earth Councils grouped by location in the metro area, and began to assess local needs, envisioning how to heal, steward, and sustain the earth.
Hawkinson Peace Awards honor local activists by Sheila Regan, TC Daily Planet • Rhoda Gilman, Betsy Raasch-Gilman and Arvid “Bud” Dixen received honorary awards and twenty students received scholarships totaling $36,000 from the Hawkinson Foundation November 16, honoring their commitment to peace and justice. The foundation was created in honor of Reverend Vincent L. Hawkinson, a lifelong advocate for peace and justice.
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ARTS ORBIT | The Daily Planet swears off meth (and crack, while we’re at it) by Jay Gabler • I blame myself. It all started with my review of Jeune Lune’s The Deception, which I thought I was being real clever by likening to “Dangerous Liaisons on crystal meth.” But that was just the beginning.
Refugee Winter Clothing Drive at Downtown Bars This Weekend by Erica Mauter • Several downtown establishments — The Lounge, ENVY, AQUA, drink, and Spin — are participating in a winter clothing drive for refugees, sponsored by the International Institute of Minnesota. Many refugees are spending their first winter in Minnesota and are quite possibly unprepared for it.
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