Arts & Entertainment

Whittier Elementary's Somali Poetry Jam

When's the next time you'll get to see a distinguished Somali poet perform in Minneapolis?

Inspired by the oral history and poetry traditions of its many Somali students, parents and staff at Whittier International Elementary School, an IB magnet school serving Southwest Minneapolis, are hosting a poetry jam to raise funds for the American Refugee Committee's famine relief efforts in Somalia. 

The event will feature a diverse slate of performers, including distinguished Somali performers of traditional poetry.

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"The event grows out of the principles of our International
Baccalaureate curriculum, which encourages our families and children to pair global understanding with social action," said Kirsten Delegard, a Whittier parent. "The school community sought to organize an event this fall that addressed the needs of our many Somali families, who have friends and family who have been devastated by the humanitarian crisis in East Africa."

Donations will be collected at the event or can be made online.

Find out what's happening in Southwest Minneapoliswith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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