Photo Exhibit Highlights Somali Muslim Community In Minnesota, Works To Dismantle Stereotypes
Dearborn, Mich. – As part of its ongoing effort to dispel stereotypes and build community through the arts, the Arab American National Museum (AANM) will host an exhibit featuring a series of photographs that focus on young Muslim Somali men living in Minnesota – America’s heartland.
THE YOUTH/DHALLINYARADA, Mohamud Mumin’s series of larger-than-life portraits, features young men who are actively and positively engaged in their Somali community and American society. Through stark black and white photographs, video and text, these men tell us of their personal journey from Somalia, the prejudices they face in the U.S., and about the work they are doing each day to improve the lives of others.
By highlighting a wide variety of activities in which these young men participate, Mumin portrays commonalities with others in the community, as well as the daily struggle to feel at ease and be themselves. They are positive about and dedicated to life in Minnesota; but while it may be home, it still feels foreign to them.
Mumin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Minnesota. A self-taught photographer, Mumin seeks to harness photography’s immense capacity to facilitate dialogue across barriers and cultures. Thus, he has set out to examine, through the camera, the Somali community in a new land as it negotiates and redefines the essence and boundaries of its identity.
As part of the Arab American National Museum’s 10th Anniversary Programming, come meet the photographer, Mohamud Mumin, during several special events in September:
Friday, September 11, 6 – 9 p. m.: A town hall meeting that will be held in partnership with UNITY: Journalists for Diversity, will feature ACCESS’ Campaign to TAKE ON HATE, ADC-Michigan and CAIR. Participants will discuss issues that face the Arab American and Muslim communities in Michigan, in particular with regard to media representation. The town hall will also be an opportunity for journalists to share best practices for empowering the community to tell its own stories, as well as an opportunity for community members and organizations to voice their concerns. Mumin will be available before and after for a gallery stroll and short talk on his work. RSVP is required.
Saturday, September 12, 11 a. m. – 2 p. m.: “Tell the World Who You Are” Youth Photography Workshop with the artist. RSVP is required. Maximum attendance of 25 students, aged 15-21. Event will take place in the Annex, in partnership with the Campaign to TAKE ON HATE.
This exhibition is made possible by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and The Kresge Foundation.
THE YOUTH/DHALLINYARADA
Photography by Mohamud Mumin
July 31, 2015 – January 3, 2016
In the Lower Level Gallery
Free with Museum admission
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About AANM
The Arab American National Museum (AANM) is a national program of ACCESS and documents, preserves and presents Arab American history, culture and contributions.
The AANM is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums; an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution; and a founding member of the Immigration and Civil Rights Network of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience.
The Museum is located at 13624 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI, 48126. Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday, Tuesday; Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Admission is $8 for adults; $4 for students, seniors and children 6-12; ages 5 and under and Museum Members, free.
Visit www.arabamericanmuseum.org or call 313.582.2266 for further information.
About The Michigan Council for the Arts
The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) strengthens arts and culture in Michigan by increasing its visibility; supporting arts education; encouraging new, creative and innovative works of art; and broadening cultural understanding. A key conduit for arts and cultural information, MCACA is also a source of arts and culture grant funding. For more information, please visit www.michiganbusiness.org./arts
About the Kresge Foundation
The Kresge Foundation is a $3.5 billion private, national foundation that works to expand opportunities in America’s cities through grantmaking and investing in arts and culture, education, environment, health, human services, community development in Detroit.