On Saturday, April 19, 2025, Twin Cities International Schools in Minneapolis hosted the first East African Book Fair in collaboration with Scanson Publishers. The event attracted over 800 attendees, including students, parents, teachers, and community members predominantly from East Africa, all eager to explore a rich tapestry of literature that celebrates cultural contributions from the region.
The fair showcased 25 writers from East African countries, including Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Djibouti, featuring over 200 books that covered a wide range of topics, such as language, fiction, non-fiction, politics, social life, and immigration. Most of the literature was written in English and Somali, with a focus on accessibility for younger audiences.
“The book fair aimed to provide a platform for East African writers and connect them with the community,” said Mr. Abdirashid Warsame, the Executive Director of Twin Cities International Schools. He emphasized the importance of students reading books by authors who share their cultural backgrounds and announced plans to prominently display the books and portraits of their authors in the school libraries and hallways.
Dr. Randal Eckart, the former principal of Twin Cities International Schools, served as the guest of honor, while Dr. Abdisalam Aden, principal of East African Magnet School in Saint Paul, was also in attendance. Both speakers encouraged young students to read as a way to prepare themselves for taking responsibility for future generations.
Among the authors was Hudda Ibrahim, whose book “From Somalia to Snow” seeks to educate Americans about Somali culture. “I wrote this book to inform our American neighbors about our origins, history, culture, and contributions to Minnesota,” she explained, highlighting the book’s focus on how Somali immigrants navigate assimilation while preserving their cultural heritage.
Also present was Coach Larry McKenzie, a legendary figure in Minnesota basketball, known for leading both Minneapolis Henry High School in north Minneapolis and Minneapolis North to a combined six state championships. He presented his books at the fair, adding to the diverse lineup of authors.
Amina, a middle school student from Twin Cities International Schools, expressed her excitement about seeing writers who share her heritage creating literature in both Somali and English. “I am thrilled and excited to see books written by members of my community and authors who look like me and share the same name as mine,” she said.
A father attending the fair, holding a copy of “When Rivers Stopped Singing to Clouds,” praised the variety of books presented by East African authors.
Mahad Hassan, a participant at the fair, encouraged budding writers to start penning their stories and emphasized the importance of fostering knowledge for future generations. He noted that Somalis are considered an oral society that passes down knowledge and stories from generation to generation. “We lose many stories in this process, so it’s important to write them down to preserve them,” he said.
Mohamed Sheikh Hassan, founder and Executive Director of Scanson Publishers, noted that this groundbreaking event aimed to bridge the gap between writers, readers, and the younger generation in the diaspora.
Mr. Warsame and Mr. Hassan expressed their commitment to making the East African Book Fair an annual event, further enriching the cultural landscape of the Twin Cities. Established in 2001, Twin Cities International Schools was founded to address the educational needs of the rapidly growing East African community in Minnesota, providing best-practice English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction within an American school environment. Notable graduates include Zainab Mohamed, a Minnesota State Senator, and Nadia Mohamed, Mayor of St. Louis Park, among other influential leaders in the state.
According to an article published in the New York Times, East African families often choose charter schools over larger district schools for several reasons. Charter schools provide a culturally sensitive environment that helps preserve children’s heritage while offering quality education. Additionally, these schools accommodate the needs of East African students, including dietary considerations and language support, which may not always be available in larger public schools.
Charter schools also allow immigrant parents to take a more active role in their children’s education, aligning with their values and expectations for behavior and academic performance. Parents appreciate the smaller, community-focused setting, which helps shield their children from challenges in American youth culture that they perceive as threatening.
The Somali Museum of Minnesota was also in attendance, showcasing traditional Somali utensils and cultural storytelling alongside dance performances featuring Dhanto, Jandheer, and Saylici dance troupes. Young students from Twin Cities International Schools performed these dances, demonstrating a deep connection to their cultural heritage.
