Celebrating our cultural destinations

Chad Kulas

For the 11th year, the Midway recently celebrated Little Africa Fest. While many festivals have stopped due to increasing costs, it’s great to see this one grow every year. Same with the Little Mekong Night Markets, which occurred in June farther east on University Avenue.
Entrepreneurs from both African and Asian countries have made a major impact to the Midway community. But the importance of immigrants can be seen throughout Minnesota, as was presented at a recent Midway Chamber event when Sean O’Neill, director of Economic Research at the Minnesota Chamber, presented “The Economic Contributions of New Americans in Minnesota.”
Simply put, immigration has been very important to our state’s economy in recent years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, international migration accounted for 94% of Minnesota’s net population growth from 2020-2024. But from 2001-2024, the state experienced a negative net domestic migration in 20 of the 24 years.
In addition to seeing increases in immigration to Minnesota, our foreign-born population is becoming more highly educated, skilled and entrepreneurial. As the Minnesota Chamber presentation stated, this could all lead to more future innovation and productivity.
If you’re looking to learn about different cultures at the Minnesota State Fair, Dr. Bruce Corrie has created the Cultural Destinations Boutique in the Education Building. Visitors can buy, share or enjoy gifts from around the world from global fashion and jewelry to coffee and tea. It is a Cultural Destination - meaning it is not just a shop, but an experience filled with activities.
With the intent of creating spaces where people can enjoy the music of the world, Dr. Corrie, in partnership with Jill Pavlak, launched the World Music Nite series at Urban Growler Brewing. This series offers world music, with recent examples including Bollywood Nite, Afro Beat and as part of the Twin Cities Jazz Festival - Parisian Cafe Jazz. Their next event is Sept. 11 featuring Salsa music and dance lessons.
“When we enjoy culture, for a moment we let our differences be absorbed into joy” said Dr. Bruce Corrie. “That is what Cultural Destinations is all about.”
It was at last year’s Little Africa Fest that a ribbon cutting was held for the newly renovated building. On July 29 this year, the big scissors came back out for Mama’s Market. Mama’s is a grocery store ran by nine women and located at the Little Africa Plaza. The building is a testament to the contributions by African immigrants in the Midway, as well as the growing impact immigrant communities have on our economy. From owning businesses, to increasing employment and customers, we are fortunate to be a melting pot in the Midway and welcoming to new Americans. Immigrants have helped many Main Streets across the United States survive and thrive, and University and Snelling Avenues are no exception. Thanks in large part to immigrants, the Midway is growing.