Anisa Hagi-Mohamed is working within Minnesota’s Somali community to reframe Autism using inclusive language. Hagi-Mohamed is part of a group of parents advocating for their children with Autism. Autism is often stigmatized and misunderstood within the Somali community, and using words such as Maangaar (meaning “Unique mind”) instead of Maangaab (meaning “slow-minded”) help to bring positive awareness to a language where the word “Autism” doesn’t exist. Research has shown a larger presence of Autism in Somali communities when compared to the state average, which has historically prompted fear surrounding vaccines among these communities. Reframing how Autism is understood and talked about could be a key factor in improving care and promoting awareness in Somali communities of Minnesota and more broadly.

This June will see the 10th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy. The Obama administration formed DACA. It protects immigrants who came to the United States as children from deportation and grants work authorization. Former President Trump rescinded DACA, leaving thousands of DACA recipients (Dreamers) in limbo. When on the campaign trail, President Biden put immigration reform as a top priority and reinstated DACA in January of 2021. But, On July 16, 2021, federal judge Andrew Hanen stopped the government from accepting new DACA applications, essentially canceling Biden’s executive order. The cases around DACA are currently going through appeals courts, and many anxiously await a verdict. Many Minnesota legislators have also fought for immigration reform and a way for Dreamers to obtain citizenship in the United States. As of 2020, over 5,000 DACA recipients live in Minnesota, with an estimated 2,000 more being eligible. While we’re still waiting for comprehensive immigration reform, we can celebrate DACA and the impact that it has had on Dreamers and that many are fighting to ensure that people who have only ever known the United States as their home are protected.

At NewPrensa, we strive to deliver to your inbox important news happening right now. Last week, we elected to cover Roe v Wade, hoping to devote this week to the aftermath of the Buffalo supermarket shooting. We were shocked when the news broke about the Robb Elementary shooting in Uvalde, Texas. How is it that delaying our coverage of one shooting could suddenly compete with another massacre, less than two weeks apart? According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been 213 mass shootings in the United States in the first 145 days of 2022. That number is shocking, but statistics can often distance us from the emotions and the reality of the lives lost. In those 213 shootings, 242 people died, and 912 were injured. 

The first of the two most recent shootings occurred in Buffalo and has been identified as a racist hate crime. The shooter targeted the zip code with the 11th highest black population in the state, in the 6th most segregated city in the nation. The shooter killed ten people in the attack and shot 13 people, 11 of whom were Black. The shooting brought up deep racial inequalities that plague the nation. Residents, who are profoundly aware of the racist structure of their community, worry about the future of their neighborhood. Some choose to leave the area, while others must reconcile with the trauma surrounding the attack and say goodbye to the only grocery store in the area, which has announced a permanent closure. Some Buffalo residents call for more profound history to be taught in schools to help prevent racist attacks like this. 

The second and more recent shooting occurred at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, this past Tuesday, where an 18-year-old gunman killed 19 children and two adults. All the children killed, and the two teachers killed were from the same 4th-grade classroom. The small Uvalde community is deeply mourning, and grief counseling will be available to students at the community civic center. No clear motive has been established for this shooting, although many, especially within the GOP, were quick to assume that the shooter, who has a Spanish name, was an undocumented immigrant. Texas state senator Roland Gutierrez confirmed that the shooter was born in North Dakota. The fact that so many will jump to a different conclusion shows that many do not believe that guns have caused the gun violence epidemic.

What can be done?

If you were born in or around the year 2000, you have lived through about 20 of the worst 30 mass shootings this country has seen. It’s easy to feel powerless in these situations. But because mass shootings happen so frequently, they fall out of the headlines as quickly as they come in. The families of those lost in mass shootings do not forget, though. While it may be nice  “thoughts and prayers,” what we need is real action to be taken and policy to be passed. 

According to EveryTown Research, Minnesota is ranked 17th (out of all 50 states) for gun law strength. In 2020, the Minnesota House passed bills for Background Checks and Red Flag Bills. But, you can still call your elected officials about gun safety issues on a broader scale and demand that they vote for more gun safety laws.

To find who represents you in Minnesota, click here. 

Where can I donate?

• You can support Buffalo residents financially through the Buffalo 5/14 Survivors fund or the For the Love of Buffalo Campaign, where all donations will go back to the community.  

• GoFundMe has created an online hub of verified fundraisers to support the victims and families affected by the Uvalde shooting; this includes a fundraiser by VictimsFirst, which ensures that 100% of the donations will go directly to the victim base.

• EveryTown is the largest gun violence prevention organization in America. Not only do they support and educate people about gun violence, but they take action to enact and implement innovative gun policies, advocate for safety reforms (both locally and nationally), and demand accountability from elected officials.

Hanging out in the Twin Cities is a great way to spend the day! Here are some upcoming events that you may want to check out! We're here to put some cool events on your radar no matter what you're looking to do. 

Is there an event you want us to share?
Reach out here:newprensa@newpublica.com

• Celebrating 10 Years of DACA - Sponsored by Metro State University and MN Community Care, this event celebrates DACA and honors retiring elected leaders “who have represented and been allies to and with immigrant communities in Minnesota.”

  • Wednesday, June 15, 2022, from 5:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. at Metropolitan State University - New Main Hall

• 13th Minnesota Cuban Film Festival (MCFF) - The MCFF features films that “address the achievements and challenges of the Cuban people through the eyes of its filmmakers.” The festival will run showcase films on Thursdays, starting tonight! Buy your tickets now!

  • Every Thursday from May 26, 2022, to June 30, 2022, from 7:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. at Saint Anthony Main Theatre

• The Art of Banksy - “This globally acclaimed showcase features original and authenticated works associated with, arguably, the most intriguing and talked-about artist in modern history.” NewPrensa writer, Maria, is anxiously trying to find a day to go! The exhibit travels to different cities and starts its stint in Minneapolis today! Buy your tickets soon, as they’re selling fast.

  • Thursdays through Mondays from May 26, 2022, to June 12, 2022, with time slots ranging from 1:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.