by Unite Cloud | Aug 31, 2021 | Action Steps, Appearance, Black, Central MN Stories, Community, Immigrants, Somali
– Author – Caroline It is hard when someone assumes that you are an ally in their disrespect and hateful comments just because of the color of your skin. I was at a small social gathering and someone made the comment, “I wish I could go to Aldi without...
by Kelly | Jan 19, 2020 | Central MN Stories, Community, Immigrants, Immigration, Refugee, Somali
Refugee resettlement in Stearns County has been a hot-button issue for years now. However, there are many details about resettlement that get muddied in the court of public opinion. This blog will lay out facts and resources for you to be able to “do your own...
by Unite Cloud | Aug 27, 2019 | Central MN Stories, Community, Muslim, Religion, Somali
A while ago, my friend and I were talking about the 2016 mall stabbing that happened in St. Cloud. I recalled praying that the suspect was not Muslim, especially not Somali, because I was scared of the backlash the Somali community might get. When it was confirmed...
by Kelly | Aug 19, 2019 | Central MN Stories, Community, Muslim, Religion, Somali
The issue of Islamophobia is very real in MN. In the last four years, I have attended events where speakers purport that “one day all Muslims will rise up and behead your children and grandchildren.” When my Muslim friends participate in community meetings or...
by Melissa Marolf | Jan 28, 2019 | Central MN Stories, Community, Education, Immigrants, Refugee, Somali
My 90 students are refugees and immigrants. They are funny, kind, brilliant, strong, wise, brave, courageous, and chock full of perseverance. I am fortunate to work with them because, after working amongst them for the past twelve years, I know that they are waiting...
by Nasra Ali | Dec 20, 2018 | Central MN Stories, Community, Muslim, Race, Religion, Somali
Read this as it’s written with pain from a heart full of pain. This is the other side of the workplace that some will never understand. I still remember the day when I was searching for my first job, just like any other person. I walked into a local store that...
