Stardust Communications

What happens when you bring together African immigrant rideshare and truck drivers and business owners to talk electric vehicles? I recently had the privilege of facilitating an intimate and insightful conversation on behalf of Humanize MN with members of the African immigrant community in the Twin Cities about electric vehicles (EVs). Participants were people who work as rideshare drivers or own and operate trucks and medical transportation services. The conversation was organic and powerful. It was inspiring to hear firsthand perspectives on the potential of EVs within this community. Key takeaways: 1?? Climate and Cost Conscious:?Participants clearly understood the climate benefits, potential cost savings, and convenience offered by EVs. 2?? Range Anxiety Remains:?Like many, they expressed concerns about range anxiety, especially for medium and long-distance travel. 3?? Charging Infrastructure is Critical:?A major need identified was the lack of readily available fast chargers, particularly in convenient locations like housing complexes. 4?? Eagerness to Learn:?There was a strong desire for more information about EVs and genuine appreciation for the opportunity to engage in these discussions within Minnesota. It's crucial that discussions about electric vehicle adoption (or any other issue of importance) include diverse voices like these. These conversations help us understand specific needs and tailor solutions for equitable access. ?? What are your thoughts on EV adoption in diverse communities? ?? What barriers or opportunities do you see in making EVs accessible for all? ?? Are you involved in similar initiatives in your area? I'd love to hear about them! I'd appreciate your thoughts in the comments, or if you'd like to connect about organizing similar conversations in your community, please reach out! Special thanks to my colleagues Patty Day (Stardust Communications), Beth Croteau-Kallestad (MnDOT), and the folks at Somali TV of Minnesota as well as African Immigrant Community Services for making this conversation possible. Thanks to Isma Muse for the beautiful photos. #ElectricVehicles #EVAdoption #CommunityEngagement #RideshareDrivers #TruckDrivers

Have you ever paused to consider how language shapes our understanding of mobility? Last weekend, I had the opportunity to discuss the ins and outs of electric vehicles – their benefits, the barriers to adoption, and common public perceptions – with Mohamud Mascade of VOA and Somali TV of Minnesota. But before we started our recorded interview, which was later aired live on Somali TV of Minnesota's Facebook page, Mohamud and I spent a few minutes grappling with something fascinating: the lack of a direct Somali equivalent for the English word "transportation" – especially when discussing official contexts like a Department of Transportation. We settled on "Gaadiid," which, as Mohamud explained, encompasses various transportation modes—personal vehicles, bicycles, boats, and airplanes. However, we weren't sure if it included walking or being on foot as a form of transportation. This intentional engagement with the Somali-speaking community in Minnesota was deeply meaningful for me. It was a chance to connect with my native language in a way I rarely experience in my professional life. A special thank you to my friend and collaborator Patty Day of Stardust Communications, who pulled me in to support her to meaningfully connect with underserved communities in a way that has not been done before. Let me know if you've experienced language challenges. Are there any Somali-English language experts in my LinkedIn community who can offer insights on the nuances of 'Gaadiid' in this context? What are your thoughts?" Humanize MN #ElectricVehicles, #Language, #Diversity, #CommunityEngagement, #Somali, #Transportation #Gaadiid.