The Qalanjo Project

At TQP, we condemn the recent statements made about our community in Minnesota. These narratives are not new. They are part of a long pattern of scapegoating immigrants, Muslims, and Black communities during moments of political expediency.

As an organization dedicated to Somali culture and art as it lives and evolves in Minnesota, we feel an especially deep responsibility to stand with our community in moments like this. Our work is rooted in connection and the belief that our stories deserve safety and respect.

These remarks are harmful, but they do not define us. Our unity is our protection.

We encourage our partners, neighbors, and institutions to speak clearly and act boldly in solidarity. Silence is not neutrality — it has consequences for the most vulnerable among us.

We choose community. We’ll get through this together. 🐘

Gathering together to reflect on memory, storytelling, and the power of cinema with our community was truly something special.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this conversation. It was an unforgettable evening with visionary Somali filmmaker Abdulcadir Ahmed Said.

Deep gratitude to our brilliant moderator, Dr. Iman Mohamed, for guiding the conversation with such care and to our co-host, the Institute for Global Studies at the University of Minnesota, for partnering to make this event possible.

The full conversation is now available on our YouTube channel. Many thanks to Fowzi Media for capturing this event so beautifully. Whether you’re revisiting the moment or tuning in for the first time, we invite you to watch and reflect with us.

https://youtu.be/DLPav8lHGCY?si=5KGxwrrT3j_Ndtnr

Special thanks to Minnesota Humanities Center for sponsoring this work. This work is funded in part by MHC with money from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

Cinema Of Memory - A Conversation with Abdulcadir Ahmed Said The Qalanjo Project Presents Cinema Of Memory - A Conversation with Abdulcadir Ahmed SaidCinema of Memory was a powerful conversation with renowned Somali fi...

Community Conversation Series:
Greening without Gentrification?

Join us for a learning exchange session to discuss and navigate anti-displacement and green economies work in the Twin Cities + envisioning TQP 2020.

This Saturday, Dec 28th from 2:30 - 5:00 pm!