Hawa Ali
University of Minnesota Rochester
CLI 4393: Directed Study
In this course, with the aid of Dr. Dingel, I explored intersectionality and how it can be used to explain the impact of structural racism on the personal and collective experiences of minorities. I also examined black feminist thought which emerged as a response to the intersectionality of structural racism on black women and how they utilized it to overcome the problems that they faced. One particular reading that I explored as an example of black feminst thought was a book called "Keeping Hope Alive" by Dr. Hawa Abdi. Dr. Abdi in her autobiography dissects the influence intersectionality had on the politics leading to the Somali civil war and the lives that resulted from it. She also epitomizes black feminist thought in the way that she lived her life and the solutions that she created for thousands of Somalis displaced in their own country.
Photo credit: Amazon
Photo credit: Square Space
HUM 4721: Special Topics in Humanities
In this course, we explored the movement of immigrants and refugees by examinng the situations in their countries that motivated their move to the U.S. Additionally, we examined the role of humanitarian relief in these war torn countries and discussed whether it is possible for these agenices to remain neutral during their service in these countries. We also discussed the "healthy immigrant effect" of first and second generation immigrants and the impact of social determinants of health on their health outcomes. Furthermore, we had the pleasure of exploring the different resources immigrants and refugees have in Rochester such as the Catholic charites refugee resettlement program and the Intercultural Mutual Assistance association (IMAA).
CLI 3950: Special Topics
In this course, we utilized participatory action research methodology to conduct a qualitative research study which aimed to assess the resources and barriers minority students face in four different high schools in Rochester, Minnesota. We worked with Rochester STEM Academy, Rochester Off-Campus Charter high school, Rochester Alternative Learning Center and Hawthorne Education Center. In each of these schools, we collaborated with the students and staff to identify what research questions they were interested in. We conducted one survey and three focus groups in each school respectively. We also transcribed and analyzed the qualitative data from each of the schools. We hope to present our findings at the educational symposium as well as with the schools when their students and staff visit UMR.
Photo credit: Rochester STEM Academy