Minneapolis - Learning from Place: Somali Cedar Riverside
2026-10-02 15:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Brian Coyle Neighborhood Center, 420 South 15th Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55454, United States
Cedar Riverside is the heart of the East African community in Minneapolis and home to one of the largest Somali populations in the United States. Over time, Somali Minnesotans have shaped the neighborhood into a vibrant cultural corridor filled with businesses, mosques, and gathering spaces where community life unfolds each day.
Participants will begin at Brian Coyle Community Center and hear from respected community leader Halimo Ainte, who will share reflections on Somali migration, community building, and the transformation of Cedar Riverside into a thriving East African neighborhood. Participants will also visit neighborhood spaces such as a local mosque and nearby businesses that serve as everyday gathering places.
The experience includes a Somali coffee ceremony that reflects the tradition of roasting spices as a vehicle for welcome, conversation, and connection. The learning tour concludes with Somali food samples and reflections.
K-12 Educators will receive 3 clock hours upon completion of the event.
This experience is curated by Yusra Mohamud, as a longtime connector within South Minneapolis’s East African community, Yusra brings a rare combination of deep cultural roots and a gift for storytelling that transforms corridors into living narratives of resilience, identity, and belonging.
Registration
To ensure that cost is not a barrier, we have a limited number of complimentary spaces available for Minnesota residents. If you would like to receive a complimentary spot, please register with the discount code FEEWAIVER.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org | MHC Cancellation Policy
Register Now

Blaine - We Are Water MN
2026-10-08 - 2026-11-30 | Northtown Library, 711 County Hwy 10 NE, Blaine, MN, 55434, United States
The We Are Water MN traveling exhibit examines water issues statewide and in local communities through personal stories, histories, and scientific information. It strengthens Minnesotans’ relationships with water, exposes visitors to new perspectives, and increases participation in water stewardship activities.
Host Partner: Anoka County Library
We Are Water MN will round out its 2026 tour at the Northtown Library in Blaine! Anoka County Libraries exist to serve their communities and connect them to resources and learning, and We Are Water MN is no exception, bringing water education and engagement to the library. Fun fact: Anoka County is the 4th largest county in the state of Minnesota, comprised of over 360,000 residents! Libraries are naturally places people go to learn, and we look forward to seeing the many water related resources, books, book discussions, and beyond!
Though most of the programming at Northtown will happen indoors, the library also features beautiful outdoor grounds, with a pond and Shoreline Buffer Garden that are on library premises. Join us outside for nature programming!
About We Are Water MN?
We are Water MN is a project of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society; the Board of Water and Soil Resources; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension.
Learn more about the We Are Water MN exhibit, partnership, and programs.
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Save the Date! 2027 Project Citizen Showcase
2027-05-04
What happens when students investigate issues in their communities, research public policy solutions, and present their ideas to decision-makers?
Join us for the 2027 Project Citizen Student Showcase, where student teams from across Minnesota will share their civic engagement projects with educators, community members, and judges. This event will highlight the research, creativity, and civic leadership of young people learning how to engage in democracy by becoming active leaders in defining and implementing democratic public policy.
More details about participation and registration will be shared in the coming months.
Learn more about Project Citizen and upcoming opportunities on the Minnesota Center for Civic Education program page.
