Community Arts job opportunity

The Mixed Blood Theatre seeks three Community Liaisons to the Somali community of the zip code 55454.

Mixed Blood's new "55454 Series" is aimed at bringing together the community of Cedar-Riverside through shared artistic experiences created and nurtured in its exceptionally rich zip code of 55454. For the first year of the Series, Mixed Blood seeks three Community Liaisons to coordinate the presentation of events highlighting the breadth of Somali arts in the neighborhood, as well as promote three plays staged by Mixed Blood with Muslim and African themes, characters, and content that will be offered free of charge to anyone who lives in 55454. Liaisons can expect about 100 hours of work between October and June. There is a modest stipend offered to each of the three Liaisons.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bilingual in spoken English and Somali (bilingual written fluency preferred)
• Superior networking skills, with established connections to the Somali community
• Comfortable with concepts and duties relating to event publicity
• Outgoing personality, strong work ethic, independent and collaborative worker
• Passion for the arts and strengthening the Cedar-Riverside community

Elders, women, foreign-born individuals, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Please submit application materials by Wednesday, September 30, 2009. Interviews will be the following week. Work begins the second week of October 2009 through mid-May 2010.

TO APPLY: Please contact Scott Artley, 55454 Series Coordinator, with a message that describes your background and interest in the position, what skills you can offer (based on the above skills/qualifications), and full contact information. Include a resume, if available.

To apply by email: scott@mixedblood.com

To apply by phone: 612-338-0984 (please leave a voice message)

To apply by mail: Mixed Blood Theatre, c/o Community Liaison Search, 1501 South Fourth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55454

Poetry Reading by Niyi Osundare

The University of Minnesota's Global Spotlight Initiative is hosting a poetry reading by award-winning Nigerian poet and human rights activist Niyi Osundare on Friday, September 25, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. in the University International Center, Room 101. Niyi Osundare is a prolific poet, dramatist, essayist and literary critic. He has received numerous awards for his poetry, including the Commonwealth Literary Prize and the Noma Award, as well as the Fonlon/Nichols award for "excellence in literary creativity combined with significant contributions to Human Rights in Africa." Following the reading there will be a reception for Twin Cities Africanists.

BGAPSA Kick-Off BBQ

The Black Graduate and Professional Students Association (BGAPSA) presents the BGAPSA Welcome Back Kick-Off BBQ. Join BGAPSA for a chance to meet the members of the 2009-2010 Black Graduate and Professional Students Association board, students across the university, faculty, as well as folks from community organizations.

Come meet new people, reconnect with old friends, and enjoy FREE FOOD! DJ Mixwell will also be spinning hip-hop, funk, and soul at the event. Friends, family, and allies are welcome as well.

DATE: Friday, September 25, 2009
TIME: 4:00 PM -- 6:00 PM
LOCATION: University of Minnesota Riverbend Plaza (behind Coffman Union).

Fourth Fridays at the Movies

"Fourth Fridays at the Movies" is a screening and discussion of vintage movies featuring African Americans as actors, producers, and/or directors. This month's movie (September 25) is Big Fella, featuring Paul Robeson. The event is held at the Golden Thyme Coffee & Café in St. Paul. A social moment is held from 6:30-7:00; the film begins at 7:00. For information on Fourth Fridays at the Movies, call Golden Thyme at (651) 645-1340.

Twin Cities Black Film Festival

The Twin Cities Black Film Festival provides an opportunity for independent filmmakers of color to have their works showcased before the community, and also serves as an avenue of discovery for industry professionals seeking new talent. The 2009 festival will be held on September 18-20.

social networking

The department now has a social networking presence. Fan us on Facebook and/or follow us on Twitter!

"Being Branded" cultural education concert

On September 17 and 18 the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce will bring to the Twin Cities a cultural education concert, "Being Branded," to generate awareness around the branding that minorities have had in their past and to stimulate individuals to move beyond those stereotypes. The cultural and education concert is a contemporary fusion of two art forms (modern dance and figure skating) allowing for movement explorations to take place on the ice where traditionally performed jumps and spins adopt an entirely new contextual significance. The concert's purpose is to inspire the audience to witness and feel something they have never seen or experienced before: stories and complexities of racial and cultural identity being told on the ice by national and international competitive performers of color.

A free performance is offered to high school and college students:

September 17 at the University of Minnesota's Ridder Ice Arena, 1901 4th St., SE Minneapolis, MN 55455. Performance and Post-concert Discussion: 9:30 a.m. - noon.

Contact Ashley Blocton at 651-777-9119 to register for the free concert. For additional info visit www.mbccculturaleventg.eventbrite.com/