Africa’s Media Explosion

Charles Muigai is concerned that two years after violence broke out in Kenya following disputed elections, Kenyans have done little to avoid a repeat in the 2012 elections. Muigai said Kenyans are not having in-depth discussions about what happened.

“Post-election violence has been the hardest topic to discuss,” Muigai said. “A lot of Kenyans do not read beyond the headlines.”

Even in the diaspora, Kenyans still distrust each other. Mingling across ethnic groups is rare. Muigai said he wants to change that. He spent $5,000 of his own money to build an Internet radio station in Dallas, Texas, to give Kenyans a medium they can use to discuss various issues.

Round Up: Africans in Minnesota Mainstream Media

by Nelima

I know it’s been a while, but I thought I might update everyone on what the mainstream media is saying about the African community in Minnesota.

• Born into a life of chaos in Eritrea.
• South African enjoys a Minnesota winter.
• Racial dialogue. 
• Expanding African Development Center show off new spot.
• A continent on fire.
• Signs of resistance found in African H5N1 viruses.
• With 12 months secured, Liberian community looks forward.
• Liberians get 12 months here.
• Liberian Leo Gibson quits Minnesota Thunder.
• Minnesota Somali families facing Autism.
• FBI searching for missing Somali men from Minnesota.
• Missing Somali-American spotted at Minneapolis Shopping Mall.
• Once a refugee, now a minister.

Round Up: Africans in the Minnesotan Mainstream Media

by Nelima

Here’s another round up of how the mainstream media is covering the African community.

• New Islamic mortgages now available in Minnesota
• Bill Would Ban Headwear on Driver’s License Photos
• Somali Student Group Protest s Bare-Head ID Bill
• Another gloomy economic roller-coaster ride
• This time will Liberians be forced to leave?
• Maplewood man convicted of $438k fraud
• FBI watching Somali Muslims in Minneapolis

In America, Somalis find proud footing

by Hussein Samatar 

Recent news, though, reinforces the need for dialogue and understanding

Many of us from Somalia see ourselves as Americans first and then Somalis. I include myself, having been born and raised in Somalia but having never worked a single day there due the ongoing civil war. My work, and the work of my colleagues, has been in Minnesota, where we’ve been making our state better and safer through sheer determination, hard work, entrepreneurship and can-do American attitude.

Americans of Somali descent now live in every corner of Minnesota, from Pelican Rapids to St. Paul to Minneapolis. In a very short time the community has produced an impressive amount of new businesses throughout the state. Even in cities like Willmar, you will find businesses owned and operated by the members of the Somali community. Students have been graduating in high numbers from high schools, colleges and universities and are becoming professionals in many fields.

Rewriting the Star Tribune’s February 27th Editorial

by Silas,

(If this posts look weird it is because I made some changes to the original article that was the editorial of the Star Tribune of February 27th. The words in the reddish print are my additions, which I think the reader should take into consideration when reading the original editorial. I also crossed out what I thought should have been ommitted or re-worded.)

Editorial: A critical juncture for local Somalis and the mainstream media

Irresponsible and careless reporting connecting the Abubakar As-Saddique’s Islamic Center to a suicide bombing and disappearances have has created heightened fear, suspicion and encouraged xenophobia towards Minnesota’s Somali community.

It Wednesday’s open house at the Abubakar As-Saddique Islamic Center in the Phillips neighbourhood of Minneapolis had all the trappings makings of a typical community celebration — colorful balloons, great food, happy families and easy conversation. But there was a tense undercurrent at Wednesday’s open house at the Abubakar As-Saddique Islamic Center in the Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis.

Weekly Round Up: Africans in Minnesotan Media

by Nelima

I went scouring the web again to see what the media is covering in the African comunity. Blind, Inc. gives new meaning to ‘goin’ it on your own’, Pan African Student Leadership conference is this weekend, Muslims invite FBI chief to Minneapolis mosque, M.anifest is coming to America (the same article as Hip Hop has M.anifest),  With War Over, Liberians In Minn. To Be Sent Back, Minnesota Honors Students at Banquet, Ethiopian scientist says physical exercise lowers risk for MCI, Omeka! program brings cultures together. There were a bunch of reports following last night’s open house at Abubakar As-Sadique Islamic center, I will post those after I put up the article I wrote on the event. Did I miss something? Please share.

The Somali Community and the Twin Cities Mainstream Media: Towards a More Perfect Union?

by Nelima

Frustrations and suggestions were exchanged at a panel discussion on the portrayal of the Somali community by the media. The accusations in the media that the Abubakar mosque was connected to the missing Somali men, seemed to be the cause of the community’s resentment towards and mistrust of the media.

Somali Community frustrations:

• Media presenting a one-sided view in only consulting Omar Jamal.
• Media insensitivity towards Imams, who are respected leaders in their community and mosques, which are the most important institutions in their community.
• Language used in their reporting, this article from NPR was referenced for the descriptions of the Imam’s dyed beard and the youth directors thumbs and other descriptions.

Public Discusssion on News Coverage of Somali Community Tonight

by Nelima

Sorry for the short notice. If you have found the news coverage of the Somali (and by extension African community) wanting, come with your questions, complaints and most importantly suggestions.

Where: U of MN Journalism School — Murphy Hall Room 130

When: Thursday, February 12, 2009 | 7:15 – 9:00 p.m

What: A discussion about news coverage of the Somali community: What are the challenges to covering an immigrant community? Are there good stories that aren’t being told? How can we build strong relationships between the media and Somali community leaders?

Our own Nekessa will be a panelist at the event alongside other media and community people. Here’s a chance to be heard. See you there!

The Kenya Communications (Amendment) Bill, 2008: Media Is To Blame Too.

by Capt. (Rtd) COLLINS WANDERI

On 10th December, 2008, Parliament dealt a blow to the freedom of press and expression in Kenya by passing The Communications (Amendment) Bill, 2008. MPs were mainly driven by vengeance over the media’s sustained coverage of the taxation of their hefty salaries and allowances.

But is the media fraternity entirely blameless? The media celebrated in September 2007 when Hon. Mutahi Kagwe, then Minister for Information and Communications withdrew the same bill from Parliament citing the need for further consultations and introduction of clauses to deal with cyber crime and protect the optical fibre cable. My commentary on this Bill was published in the Business Daily on 4th September, 2007. Read here. Instead of using the window created by the withdrawal of the bill to highlight its weaknesses and lobby for the removal of the offending clauses, the media concentrated on political sideshows.