Minnesota has the largest number of Somali citizens in the United States, according to the census, prompting many to be interested in what being Somali means.

St. Louis Park city leaders are hosting an event, “Meet Your Somali Neighbors” Feb. 6.

The goal of this event is to increase the awareness and knowledge of the many Somali people living in the city as well as in Minnesota as a whole, according to coordinator Karen Atkinson.

“I feel like those of us who were born in the United States need to have a better understanding of our immigrant neighbors,” she said. “It will benefit all of us.”

It will feature guest speakers Ahmed Ali, the African and Somali Outreach Liaison for the Hennepin County Library and St. Louis Park High School senior Khadija Charif. The event will feature discussion of Somali traditions, beliefs and culture.

Charif said she has high aspirations on how she would like people to receive the night.

“I am doing this in hopes that people come to understand our religion, our culture, our communication in hopes of bringing a bridge between American culture and Somali culture,” Charif said. “With this event I also hope that people become culturally aware, not only of Somali culture but that it drives them to want to understand other cultures.”

People interested in attending can register at  www.slpcommunityed.com. The event is from 6:30-8:30 at the Park Recreation Center, 3700 Monterey Drive.