Minnesota SPJ

Press conference and conversation with Abdi Aynte this Friday

Posted on 25. Mar, 2009 by scott.theisen in News

The Somali community and the media: A press conference and conversation with Abdi Aynte

Come join us for a press conference and coffee hour at 3:30 p.m. this Friday, March 27 at the Bedlam Theatre, 1501 S. 6th St., Minneapolis, with Abdi Aynte, who will discuss the nuances and the intricacies of covering the Somali community in Minnesota and elsewhere. From clan rivalry to regional and class differences, the Somali community is diverse, though it can sometimes be perceived as homogeneous from the outside. Abdi will help sort through fact and fiction, perception, and media myths and truths. Come with questions about media coverage of the Somali community in Minnesota.

Abdi Aynte is a Washington correspondent for the BBC World Service, where he covers topics ranging from the elections and the economy, to the so-called ‘missing Somali men.’ Prior to that, Abdi was a senior fellow at the Center for Independent media, writing for the Minnesota Monitor (now Minnesota Independent). Abdi was also the former board chair of the Twin Cities Media Alliance. Born in Somalia and raised in Egypt, Abdi has a BA in Professional Writing and Political Science, and is finishing his MA in Government at Johns Hopkins University.

Where: Bedlam Theatre, 1501 S. 6th St., Minneapolis
When: March 27, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.