Muna Ali was crowned Miss Minnesota USA 2024 on June 23, after years of dedication and hard work, and is now preparing to compete for Miss USA.
Abdi Mohamed
Abdi Mohamed is a contributing writer at the MN Spokesman-Recorder. He can be reached at amohamed@spokesman-recorder.com.
Posted inArts + Culture
‘Reasons for Moving’ an intimate, gripping experience
Three performers from different generations shared their immigrant backgrounds and struggles for belonging in a powerful interdisciplinary performance at the Southern Theater.
Posted inEducation
Normandale’s president enjoys leading the charge to do what’s right
Normandale Community College President Joyce Ester is working to instill a sense of belonging in students and has nearly doubled the school’s diverse student population since she arrived.
Posted inNews
Feeding Our Future fraud audit faults Minnesota Department of Education
The Minnesota Department of Education’s Office of the Legislative Auditor has released a special report on the nonprofit Feeding Our Future.
Posted inEducation
Saint Paul’s East African Magnet School concludes its first year with celebration, reflection
East African Magnet School, the nation’s first school dedicated to educating children of East African origin, celebrated its first year of operation with a lively awards ceremony.
Posted inNews
Kente Circle therapist wants more Black people to consider therapy
LJ “Soul” Tucker is a licensed therapist at Kente Circle who specializes in Marriage and Family Therapy, and he has seen an increase in clients seeking help due to the pandemic and civil unrest.
Posted inEducation
Special Ed paraprofessional helps shrink equity gaps
SpedUp program helps paraprofessional Leticia Alvarez improve learning environment for students of color.
Posted inArts + Culture, Theater
Guthrie Theater’s production of ‘Skeleton Crew’ highlights Detroit’s working class
The Guthrie Theater’s production of ‘Skeleton Crew’ is in its final week, explores the financial impact of the Recession-era economy and the lives of Detroit’s working class.
Posted inNews
Second annual Somali Youth Summit shines spotlight on pressing issues
Abdirahman Mukhtar, a youth worker in Minneapolis, founded Daryeel Youth to support young East Africans and bridge the gap between them and their parents, while also addressing pressing issues.
Posted inEducation
2024 Teacher of the Year recipient Tracy Byrd imparts life lessons on the field and classroom
Tracy Byrd, a former football player and track coach, was named Minnesota Teacher of the Year for 2024.
Posted inNews
Former President Trump’s visit draws supporters, detractors
Former President Donald Trump’s visit to Minnesota was met with protests from groups such as Minnesota Abortion Action Committee, Minnesota Immigration Rights Action Committee.
Posted inArts + Culture, Theater
‘Beautiful: A Carole King Musical’ tells a generational story
The Chanhassen Dinner Theatre’s production of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” features a diverse cast of local Twin Cities actors.
Posted inEducation
Summit Academy welcomes prospective students and touts new programs
Summit Academy OIC recently held its second annual open house welcoming dozens of potential students to explore their programs.
Posted inEducation
Sirtify aims to increase the presence of Black male teachers in Minnesota classrooms
Marvis Kilgore, the program director of Sirtify, aims to recruit and support Black, African American, and African men into elementary and secondary education pathways.
Posted inArts + Culture, Theater
Inda Craig-Galván’s ‘A Jumping-Off Point’ explores the question of who gets to tell Black stories
Inda Craig-Galván’s play “A Jumping-Off Point” was developed by the Bay Area Playwrights Festival and the Jungle Theater.
Posted inNews
U of M and pro-Palestinian protesters reach tentative agreement
The University of Minnesota has agreed to meet six demands from pro-Palestinian student protesters, including divestment from corporations with ties to Israel.
Posted inNews
Siblings scattered when child protection intervenes: one family’s struggle
Bonnie Anderson and Roynell Taylor have been married for over 47 years and have 35 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, but have faced obstacles in gaining custody of their grandchildren due to CPS reports and racial profiling.
Posted inNews
Somali Day returns to the State Capitol
Somali Day at the State Capitol brought together community leaders, entrepreneurs, and advocates to discuss issues relevant to the Somali community in Minnesota.
Posted inArts + Culture
Shakespeare’s History Plays return to the Guthrie
The Guthrie Theater’s production of the History Plays: Richard II, Henry IV, and Henry V is a historic moment, as it marks the first time these plays have been performed in a rotating repertory in over 30 years.
Posted inEducation
St. Paul plans a school focused on Black history, culture
Saint Paul Public Schools is developing a program to reduce educational disparities faced by Black children through a new magnet school that will focus on African American culture and history.