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Why
Minnesota? African Resettlement to Minnesota in the 21st Century
Minnesota
ranks among the top 10 states in the U.S. with the largest African-born
populations. So what attracts immigrants to Minnesota? On April
10, 2008, Wynfred Russell, Director of Multicultural Services at
Normandale Community College, discussed how issues in Africa are
affecting immigration to Minnesota. He explored reasons for African
immigration and resettlement in Minnesota, provided an overview
on refugee status, summarized the historical connection between
the United States and Liberia, and explained how states become places
for refugee resettlement.
The program
was offered in conjunction with the Humanities Center's professional
development workshop, Understanding East African History and Cultures,
on April 11-12, 2008.
RESOURCES
- Suggested
readings and videos (view)
- Agencies
that resettle Africans in Minnesota (view)
- Online resources/handout
from event (view)
ABOUT WYNFRED
RUSSELL
Wynfred Russell came to the United States in the early 1990's as
a Liberian refugee student after fleeing the civil war that had
engulfed homeland. He studied at Northern Michigan University and
North Carolina State University, majoring in political science,
mass communication, and Third World Studies, respectively. He joined
the faculty of the Department of African American & African
Studies, where for six years he taught African history and culture.
Russell has also taught history and education at North Hennepin
Community and Century College, respectively. As a member of the
U of M resident "experts" on West Africa, he has made
numerous media appearances and contributions on: MPR, NPR, BBC,
CBS, CNN, Radio Jamaica, WCCO, KARE11, Orlando Sentinel, Detroit
Free Press, New York Times magazine, Star Tribune, and Pioneer Press.
He has written and published several articles and columns on civil
war and conflicts in sub-Saharan Africa. Russell is now director
of Normandale's new Center for Multicultural Services.
ABOUT
THE MINNESOTA HUMANITIES CENTER
Through its emphasis on the humanities, the Minnesota Humanities
Center works to build a thoughtful and society. A Minnesota-based
national center and clearing house for the best in the humanities,
the Humanities Center: conducts professional development opportunities;
creates and disseminates one-of-a-kind educational resources; partners
with other organizations to offer humanities programs statewide;
and operates a full-service conference facility. For more information
visit www.minnesotahumanities.org.
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