Ibrahim Hirsi, Author at Sahan Journal

Author Archives: Ibrahim Hirsi

Ibrahim Hirsi is a reporter at Sahan Journal, where he covers immigrant communities and the politics and policies that affect them. He was previously a staff writer for MinnPost and MPR News. Ibrahim got his start in journalism at the Minnesota Daily, the University of Minnesota’s student newspaper. He’s currently a Ph.D. student in immigration history at the University of Minnesota.

Sharma Boy’s first visit to the United States is a month-long stop in Minneapolis for two live shows. The YouTube sensation is also leading workshops with local Somali youth about his songwriting and the power of storytelling.

Author Archives: Ibrahim Hirsi

Somali music star, Sharma Boy, plans to rock Minneapolis stages and mentor youth.

During the pandemic, employers asked immigrant workers in Minnesota to risk their health, safety, and status. In a new study, workers say they often got nothing in return.

Bayan Research Center aims to define problems facing Somali Americans, provide data, and recommend solutions.

Free muffins, a fancy cappuccino machine, and a $1,000 signing bonus: A Minnesota school-bus-company CEO talks about the struggle to hire drivers amid the pandemic worker shortage.

There is an addiction problem in Minnesota’s East African community. The pandemic has made it worse. Alliance Wellness Center can offer solutions.

Demand for food and housing aid jumped during the COVID pandemic. Nelima Sitati Munene and her nonprofit, ACER, jumped in to provide help.

Advocating for patients, addressing vaccine disinformation: Meet the Somali American nurse who has become an ‘unsung hero’ of the COVID-19 pandemic

The pandemic compelled one Somali American educator to become something else: a full-time artist.

Minneapolis teacher Mariam Mohamed thinks the emotional health of her students is more important this year than their multiplication tables.

Remembering Abdulkadir Mohamed Mursal, a giant figure in modern Somali journalism, who died this fall from COVID-19

What’s it like to run for city council during the pandemic? An Ethiopian-born candidate is trying to meet voters in Austin, Minnesota—without door-knocking or shaking hands.

Young, educated and Black: Here’s how Minnesota’s politicians with African roots are reshaping the state’s politics.

Another win for the Squad: Progressive champion Ilhan Omar beats well-funded challenger Antone Melton-Meaux.

Ilhan Omar wants to rewrite U.S. immigration policy—if she can win the DFL primary first.

A goat, a knife, a sacrifice: Some Muslims in Minnesota celebrate the Eid al-Adha holiday with ritual slaughter.

‘The cash is piling up’: Hawala money transfers provide a financial lifeline for thousands of families. What stopped the money flow from Minnesota to Somalia?

The cost of practicing journalism for an Ethiopian reporter? A jail cell, a caravan across the Sahara, a raft on the Mediterranean — and exile in Minnesota.

Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, sues Minnesota journalist and his independent newspaper

Immigrant retailers reopened shops in neighborhood malls. Customers haven’t returned

Stray golf ball shatters windshield of Minneapolis educator; elite country club receives a lesson about etiquette and social media

Amazon workers warned about COVID-19 risks at Minnesota warehouses. Workers kept getting infected

‘He was loved by everyone’: Somali community remembers Nur Omar Mohamed, who died of COVID-19

‘Defund the police’ debate unfolds with no representation for Ward 6 residents on Minneapolis City Council

In the aftermath of George Floyd killing, an uneasy discussion about racism in Minnesota’s Muslim community

In a new novel, Minnesota Somali woman shows how immigrants are taking charge of their own narrative

Young Minnesota Somalis, asserting their blackness, take center stage in George Floyd protests

Immigrant business owners, hit hard by vandalism and looting, say they want justice for George Floyd

As Asian Minnesotans call for justice for George Floyd, some feel targeted for officer Thao’s role in death

Minnesota Muslims get creative to celebrate Eid while keeping social distance

Resettlement agencies in Minnesota are grappling with Trump’s restrictions on refugee arrivals

In fight for better working conditions, Somalis find their voice

Low-income immigrants in Minnesota shying away from benefits, even with Trump rules still weeks away

Lured by jobs and housing, Karen refugees spread across Minnesota

‘Create your own world’: Minnesota’s Somali writers make their mark

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