Cooler but still well above normal this week

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Newcomers to America — be they immigrants, refugees or even international students — have access to a variety of social services to help them begin a new life.

That was the topic of discussion at the North Star Journey Live conversation recorded in Moorhead, Minn., on Nov. 21. MPR News senior reporter Sarah Thamer traveled to Concordia College for the international student potluck to talk with people who are dedicated to making the Fargo-Moorhead area welcoming. 

The founder of the Fargo Moorhead International Potluck shared how food can be used as a bridge to cross cultures. Community leaders who work with the growing immigrant population in northwest Minnesota agreed that simple things like being able to find spices to replicate food from home goes a long way to making newcomers feel seen.

A trio of international students studying at Concordia also shared their experiences and offered advice on how to cultivate belonging amidst diversity. Pro tip: Don’t be afraid of discomfort. It’s a necessary part of the process. 

Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on:

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

Social Issues

Immigration

Homepage

Shows

MPR News with Angela Davis

North Star Journey

North Star Journey Live

Minnesota News

Fargo-Moorhead News

Host

Author

How do we create belonging for newcomers to our communities? That’s the topic of this North Star Journey Live conversation recorded at the international student potluck at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn.

How do we create belonging for newcomers to our communities? That’s the topic of this North Star Journey Live conversation recorded at the international student potluck at Concordia College in Moorhead.

North Star Journey Live: Lessons on belonging from the international student potluck

Four people pose for a photograph on a stage.

Kelly Gordon | MPR News

Tom Campbell | MPR 

A crowd gathers for a potluck inside a cafeteria. 

North Star Journey Live: Lessons on belonging from the international student potluck

Go Deeper.

Like this?

News you can use in your inbox