Minnesota is a state known for its kindness and welcoming spirit. This sentiment is reflected in the experience of one individual who got lost in the state as a teenager. Moving to Minnesota with their family after their father found a job, the teenager found themselves lost in the city without a phone or a way to contact home. Despite the challenges, the teenager was assisted by multiple individuals from diverse backgrounds, each offering their help in different ways. This act of kindness left a lasting impression on the teenager, highlighting the compassionate nature of the people in Minnesota.
Growing up in Minnesota, the individual developed a deep connection to the state and its rich cultural tapestry. Immersed in a community of former refugees from East Africa to Southeast Asia, the individual found solace in the diverse languages, traditions, and experiences that surrounded them. This multicultural environment inspired the individual to pursue their artistic passion, using storytelling as a means to showcase the resilience and strength of refugees.
Through various artistic endeavors like plays, installations, and public art projects, the individual aims to shed light on the Indigenous and cultural traditions of Somalis, Muslims, and Black communities. By drawing on the past to heal the present and shape the future, the individual emphasizes the importance of radical imagination, abundance, kindness, and collective care in their work.
However, living in Minnesota as a Somali in today’s world presents its challenges. The community faces stigmatization and discrimination, leading to feelings of insecurity and fear. Despite these hardships, the individual remains steadfast in their commitment to their community, drawing strength from the resilience and unwavering spirit of the Somali people.
In the face of adversity, the individual emphasizes the importance of kindness and compassion, recalling the acts of strangers who once helped them in a time of need. While violence and discrimination may seek to erase the Somali community, the individual remains resolute in their determination to build a better future from the remnants of the past.
As an artist, a Somali, and an American, the individual sees their role as one of witness and strength. They are not here to perform grief but to stand strong in the face of adversity. Drawing on the community’s ability to build and bring life to themselves and others, the individual remains unafraid and brave, knowing that kindness will prevail in the end.
In a world that is just beginning to understand the Somali community, the individual remains hopeful for a future where peace, belonging, and dignity are not just aspirations but realities. Through their art and their unwavering spirit, they continue to be a beacon of resilience and hope in a world that often seeks to diminish their presence.
