Join the Downtown Duluth YMCA and Green Card Voices for an exhibition on the stories of recently arrived youth from Afghanistan and a panel discussion.

Inspired by the book “My City Was a Sparkling Jewel: Voices of Newcomer Youth from Afghanistan,” the exhibition and event will serve as a platform to explore the journeys of 30 storytellers, ages sixteen to twenty-two, who come from various ethnic groups: Pashtun, Hazara, Pashai, and Tajik. Using a trauma-informed approach to storytelling, Green Card Voices and its Afghan partners carefully collected the stories of these youth who share the challenges faced, opportunities grasped, and dreams these youth had, and still have, for themselves, and for the families and friends they left behind.

Speakers:

Julie Vang, Program Manager of Green Card Voices

Zahidullah, born in Nangarhār, fondly remembers his province for its chapli kabab and oranges, and after a harrowing escape from the Taliban through multiple countries, he now enjoys his new life in Minnesota, where he navigates cultural differences while aspiring to become a lawyer or pursue a career in science.

Fariha, originally from the vibrant city of Mazār-e Sharīf, faced the challenges of being a Hazara in Afghanistan but cherished the beauty of her hometown, and after a difficult journey to the United States, she now embraces her new life in Minnesota with hopes of becoming a doctor and advocating for girls’ education in Afghanistan.

Adina, originally from Kabul’s Kart-e-Char neighborhood, experienced the challenges of war in Afghanistan but cherished her school days and time with family before being forced to flee, eventually finding a new life in Minnesota where she has embraced her future with hope, making friends and cherishing the calming presence of the state’s lakes.