Complex laws confuse immigrant fishermen
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has done a lot to reach out to immigrants who like to fish and hunt. But some immigrants still find state rules and regulations confusing.
State officials have translated the rules and regulations into different languages, hired Hmong officers and stocked lakes with ample numbers of white bass, a popular catch among Hmong fishermen.
Even with significant efforts to educate immigrants, following state fishing rules and regulations can still be confusing.... Read more >>
Somali youth labeled as terrorists
It’s a bright sunny day, perfect for basketball for Abshir Jama at the Brian Coyle Center in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis.
But for 17-year-old Jama, who was in town visiting his cousin, the day will end too soon.
“I have to be home before dark,” he said.
His family has imposed stricter rules for him, in an effort to protect him from violence in the Twin Cities.... Read more >>
Latino business, culture enhance Twin Cities
It’s hard to miss the green, white and red exterior of Don Panchos Bakery. The sweet aroma of freshly baked conchas greets you at the door of the shop on St. Paul’s west side.
In the back, Efrain Perez squeezes frosting into two-inch pink roses on a Tres Leches cake. He cuts bolillos and puts them in the oven. He chats with customers as he bags bread.... Read more >>
Living in America, waiting years for it to be home
Even though Cynthia Espinoza had lived in Minnesota for eight years, she had to pay out-of-state tuition when she went to Minneapolis Community and Technical College.
That’s because Espinoza, now 32, a political refugee from Guatemala, wasn’t a permanent resident, and didn’t qualify for in-state tuition.... Read more >>
Despite schools' attempts, immigrants continue to struggle
In Minnesota, the immigration population has been rising. They come from the lush hills of Laos, from the dust-covered streets of Somalia, from the quaint villages of Mexico, and for many of them their destination is the state of Minnesota.
A lot of those new Minnesotans are children who need to go to school. And when their first language is Spanish, Hmong, Laotian or Somali rather than English, there are challenges to integrating them into predominantly English-speaking schools.... Read more >>
Why the Achievement Gap? Need to work limits study time
I think one of the most important reasons for Minnesota’s big racial gap in graduation rates and test scores is the economic situation in many families. Like the majority of the Latino immigrant students I know, I have to work after school to help my family here and in Mexico. Consequently, I don’t have enough time to study or to do my homework in the evening.... Read more >>
Mac-n-cheese or ugali? This teen eats both
Having parents who don’t really understand your culture can be hard. I’ll have a conversation with my dad that goes like this:
“Hey, Dad! Can I go to the mall today?”
“You go to the mall all the time and it’s such a waste of money. Back in my day, we didn’t have a mall to go wander around in. We chased grasshoppers instead and we were so happy!”
“Um, Dad. Pretty sure if there were a mall in the middle of the village, the kids would rather go there instead of chasing grasshoppers.”... Read more >>
Immigrants have always been here
In 1948, May Breivik worked five days a week at a travel agency in Stavanger, Norway.
As she booked customers’ trips to the United States, she never imagined that she would soon be one of those passengers sailing to a new life in America.... Read more >>
Twin Cities: vibrant with diversity
In the heart of Minneapolis on Riverside Avenue, Somali men gather on the white plastic chairs outside Starbucks.
The strong aroma of freshly made coffee hovers around them. Mohamoud Hassan publicizes his upcoming soccer tournament, in which he’ll be a coach. Abahualah Tama explains the security he feels living here: “Home is where you feel safe. I feel safe in Minnesota.”... Read more >>
Many fear Hmong culture is fading away
A box of red, white and blue cupcakes is set on the table. In broken English and heavy accents the group of Hmong elders at the Hmong American Partnership sing “Happy 73rd Birthday” to Kia Vang.
Since arriving in the U.S in the 1970s the Hmong have attempted to adapt to western culture. They have encouraged the younger generation to learn English, go to college and even run for political office.
But at the same time, some fear that their traditions are fading away with each generation.Read more >>
