IMMIGRATION

'Offend' us: Ask local Muslims whatever you want to know

SCTimes

UniteCloud is hosting a panel discussion and question and answer event Monday, Nov. 6. Organizers hope it will encourage people to talk to their Muslim neighbors.

"Minnesota Nice" sometimes means Minnesotans don't ask uncomfortable questions, preferring to remain uninformed than to offend someone.

Too often, that keeps a distance between Central Minnesota's Muslim and non-Muslim communities.

Not anymore.

UniteCloud is hosting an event to ask those uncomfortable questions. They even say it in the title of the event: "I don't mean to offend you, but ... "

The event is from 6-8:30 p.m., Monday at First United Methodist Church of the St. Cloud Region in Sartell.

"We have a long-held belief that if you have a question of your Muslim neighbors, you should ask your Muslim neighbors," Ringsmuth said.

Muslim and UniteCloud board member Dr. Zurya Anjum said at a meeting that a lot of people will ask her questions using those words: I don't mean to offend you, but.

Organizers purposefully asked Muslims from a variety of backgrounds.

"These four people are not all Somali. There are so many different types of Muslims in this area but for so many people, Somalis are Muslim and any Muslim is Somali," Ringsmuth said.

The panelists are:

Dr. Zurya Anjum, a psychiatrist and member of the UniteCloud board.
Aref Hassan, associate professor of political science at St. Cloud State University, specializing in the Middle East and North Africa, political Islam and ethic conflict. He is also part of the UniteCloud speaking team.
Hassan Yussuf, community organizer and treasurer for Eagle, Inc. a nonprofit aimed toward narrowing the achievement gap for English-language learners. He is also part of the UniteCloud speaking team.
Mary Iqbal, a Wisconsin native and convert to Islam. She is a St. Cloud State University student.

They also show a diversity within Islam. Some Muslims are more conservative and devout than others. For example, Anjum stopped wearing a hijab because it was hindering her medical practice and the Quran allows for that.

They also have different kinds of expertise. Hassan can speak about terrorism and how it relates to Islam from the academic perspective. Iqbal can talk about choosing to convert to Islam.

Panelists will discuss how Islam has affected their lives personally and professionally.

Ringsmuth said organizers are prepared for people who may come with anti-Muslim messages or people who seek to disrupt the event.

"I would hope that they are just as respectful as we were when we have gone into anti-Muslim events," Ringsmuth said. "I would hope that the same respect would be given to our event. We never desired to shut an event down or talk over the speakers."

UniteCloud is also asking attendees to consider bringing a donation of diapers or wipes to the event. They will be given to families living in the St. Cloud School District that are in need.

The nonprofit is also launching Central Minnesota Green Card Voices in January, a traveling exhibit that tells the stories of 19 first-generation immigrants and refugees from nine countries who call Central Minnesota home.

It's another effort to help people understand one another.

"If you have a relationship with a refugee or an immigrant neighbor, you're less likely to be fearful," Ringsmuth said.

The exhibit was produced in partnership with Green Card Voices, with funding from Initiative Foundation, Blandin Foundation and the Central MN Community Foundation.

If you go ...

"I don't mean to offend you, but ..." panel discussion.

When: 6-8:30 p.m., Monday.

Where: First United Methodist Church of the St. Cloud Region, Sartell.

Details: To register and for more information, visit unitecloud.org/i-dont-mean-to-offend-you-but.

How to help

UniteCloud is collecting diapers and wipes to donate to families in need living in the St. Cloud School District.

Drop them at the event, contact UniteCloud to arranger other ways to donate by emailing info@unitecloud.org or donate via givemn.org/organization/unitecloud and put "diapers" in the dedication box.

Upcoming event

Green Card Voices exhibit launch

When: Jan. 5, 2018.

Details: Visit unitecloud.org/green-card-voices and greencardvoices.com/programs/exhibits for details.