Minnesota Institute for Nigerian Development(MIND).
Minnesota Institute for Nigerian Development (MIND) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was established in 1988 and officially registered with the State of Minnesota in 1994. MIND’s mission is to provide a platform that allows Nigerians and other groups to become productive citizens culturally and economically. MIND is the umbrella organization representing all Nigerians in Minnesota. In other words, MIND is representative of many different Nigerian ethnic and cultural organizations. It is estimated that there are 15-20,000 Nigerians in Minnesota; one-third of the above Nigerians reside in the Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center areas, also known as the “Brooks.”
The country of Nigeria is complex and dynamic! Nigeria sits in the western part of the Continent of Africa. The country gained its independence on October 1st, 1960, from England. It is a common belief that Nigeria is the most populous in Africa, with 206 million people and 250 Ethnic groups with as many languages and dialects. The three major languages are Igbo, Hausa, and Yoruba; the country’s official language is English. Economically, Nigeria is the number four oil-producing country in the world. Because Nigeria sits right under the equator, the country is blessed with lush tropical rain forests in the south, savanna plain in the midsection, and desert to the North. With such a diverse climate, Nigeria can produce all sorts of food. Rice, Yam, and Cassava are some of Nigerians’ primary food.
Nigeria has produced some of the most recognized authors in the world, from Chinua Achebe to Chimamanda Ngozi Adachi. The Nigerian film industry (Nollywood ) is the number two movie-making in the world. According to Houston Chronicle, on January 12th, 2018, Nigerians were the most educated ethnic group in the USA. With that said, Nigeria is truly a dynamic country. Minnesota Institute for Nigerian Development (MIND) is a mini replica of the country Nigeria here in Minnesota with its diversity and community building. MIND provides the following services to the Nigerian community: Training for new immigrants, education on civil participation at the local, state, and national level, translation, interpretation, and referral services to all immigrants. Here are other yearly activities that mitigate community building in Minnesota: Here are other yearly activities that mitigate community building in Minnesota:
- Passport Renewal/ Issuance with our consulate in New York
- Annual Family Picnic
- Independence Day Celebration
- Community Center Fundraising
- Educational/ Cultural/ Health Information activities
These activities are ways to bring our community together. MIND’s motto is “Bloom where you are Planted” We strive to live up to our motto. MIND’s next event is Our Independence Day Celebration on October 1st, 2022.
Check us out!
Website: https://www.mindmn.org/
email: info@mindmn.org