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The Minnesota Daily

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Concerned about portrayal in upcoming TV show, protesters disrupt concert

Police detained at least three protesters in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood after they interrupted a concert by K’naan, the show’s co-writer.
Officers prepare to spray the crowd when individuals started throwing plastic bottles and liquid on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016 in Cedar Riverside neighborhood.
Image by Easton Green
Officers prepare to spray the crowd when individuals started throwing plastic bottles and liquid on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016 in Cedar Riverside neighborhood.

A block party concert in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood Saturday was disrupted by protesters concerned about how an upcoming TV show will depict the community.

At least three people were detained by police in the neighborhood after protesters interrupted a concert by Somali Canadian rapper K’naan. The demonstration was organized to protest a controversial new television show he co-wrote about the Somali-American community in Minneapolis.

The show, an HBO drama called “Mogadishu, Minnesota,” is co-produced by Kathryn Bigelow, who has directed movies like “Zero Dark Thirty” and “The Hurt Locker.” The show is in the early stages of production.

27-year-old Filsan Ibrahim, who helped organize the protest, said the community is unhappy with the show because it targets Somali youth.

The protesters were non-violent, but police used force against residents, Ibrahim said.

“The police were doing what they do best … escalating things,” she said.

Burhan Mohumad, a Cedar-Riverside resident, helped organize the protest with youth in the community because they are concerned the show will negatively portray Muslims and perpetuate stereotypes about Jihadi recruitment.

“The show is to promote the fear of Muslims,” he said.

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