50 original weavings created bySomali elder women who have come to America as refugees are currently on display in the McKnight Lobby Gallery in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Since 1994, with McKnight support,the Confederation of Somali Community of Minnesota (CSCM)has worked to help more than 50,000 Somalis contribute to their new community while preserving their historic culture and heritage. This exhibit, From Somalia to Minnesota—Reviving Textile Traditions, is onesuch effort. Together, CSCM and itsEast African Women’s Center and McKnight are recognizing the age-old Somali tradition of twined weavingand the elder women who create it.
A reception to celebrate the exhibition will be hosted by the McKnight Foundation on Friday, May 9, from 3 - 7 PM in their offices. Traditional East Africanfood will be provided by women from the Center.
Abdi Roble, a photographer who has traveled all over the world documenting thediaspora of Somalis says, “I have not seen the work made at CSCM’s East African Women’s Center anywhere outside Somalia. Preserving this cultural heritage is a great gift to Somalis in America.”

"This display of intricate twined weavings from the East African Women's Center represents an important step for local Somali women to reclaim and pass along a valuable artistic tradition. In gorgeous textiles that bind cultures and generations, the collected works also provide opportunities for greater understanding and connection to our broader community. In partnership with the Women's Center, The McKnight Foundation is proud to host this vibrant, historic exhibition."

Kate Wolford, President
The McKnight Foundation