St. Cloud immigrants address diversity at forum

St. Cloud immigrants address diversity at forum
By Kari Petrie • kpetrie@stcloudtimes.com • June 19, 2008

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St. Cloud residents have to celebrate their diversity by sharing their diversity, participants in a forum for and about new immigrants said Wednesday.


The forum was a part of St. Cloud's first Listening Week, a six-day event that started Monday during which residents can meet with officials. Each day a handful of topics is discussed, including public services and public safety. Mayor Dave Kleis said the aim is to give residents a chance to voice concerns in a casual environment.

“We are here to listen," he said.

A diverse group of residents gathered Wednesday at City Hall to discuss with Kleis issues relating to new immigrants and diversity. About 30 people gathered in the council chambers to share a meal and talk. Some comments focused on creating more understanding between groups while others focused on immediate needs.

Mohamed Yusuf suggested the city start a welcome center to serve as a one-stop shop for resources and information about the community.

Brianda Cediel agreed with the idea and said the city needs to be better prepared for more refugees who come to the area.

Cediel also said it's important for others in the community to get to know their new neighbors. She encouraged Kleis to spread the word that neighbors should get to know each other better. With more communication between different groups, “both sides are going to feel integrated," she said.

Neighbors should celebrate each other's diversity and learn more about each other's culture, Oladele Gazal said. He said there should be time set aside when all communities can come together and learn more.

“This place is changing," he said. “We need to know each other."

Gazal said the Listening Week event was the first time he had the opportunity to sit down and really talk with Kleis about his ideas. But it really is a starting point.

“We need to take this outside to everyone," he said. “That's my two cents."