Minnesota Homeownership Center generously sponsors Community Conversations.
Are you the first person in your family to graduate from college? The first to run a marathon? The first to write a book or plant a tree?
Many of us who grew up in immigrant families feel especially driven to try something new. Over the past decade, communities of color in Minnesota have overcome obstacles to achieve amazing successes in education, business, sports, and culture.
On October 17, we’re hosting a Sahan Community Live and North Star Journey Live event to celebrate our achievements, both big and small. On stage, we’ll talk to people who’ve succeeded in sports, comedy, farming, and more.
Speakers at the event represent a wide range of professions and communities:
- Chenue Her is the first Hmong man to become a TV news anchor.
- Michael Vang is one of the first Hmong soccer players to play professionally in the United States.
- Remona Htoo is one of the first Karen children’s book authors in Minnesota.
- Rodrigo Cala is the first in his family to buy a farm in the United States.
- Zaynab Mohamed, the first person under age 26 to win a seat in the Minnesota Senate.
With this event, we aim to highlight the unique rewards and challenges that come with being the first to embark on a new journey. What traits does it take to break free from tradition and how things have always been done? We’ll discuss the pressure to succeed, the fear of failure, and the sense of responsibility to represent an entire community’s hopes and ambitions.
At 6 p.m., before the show begins, attendees will have the opportunity to meet with some of the speakers. During the show, Sahan will be providing free food from a few of our favorite immigrant-owned restaurants.
Join us for the live community conversation on Thursday, October 17, at 6:30 p.m., in the studio of the Saint Paul Neighborhood Network, located at 550 Vandalia Street in St. Paul.
This event is free and open to the public. All community members are encouraged to attend. Registration is strongly encouraged. Learn more and RSVP here.
