Fargo Human Rights Commission

2008 MLK Award Recipients

Individual Award - Sharif Hashim Hassan

Sharif Hashim Hassan is being given the Human Relations Award as a respected leader in the Muslim community, and the “glue” that is helping hold together the Somali community in Fargo. Sharif Hashim became a US citizen in 2004 after 8 years of living in Fargo. He worked especially hard to learn English for basic communication. Since his arrival, he has been a pivotal figure at the Islamic Center. He has performed many religious duties, including Islamic weddings and religious rights of deceased persons. Particularly notable are his efforts to teach Muslim children the basics of Islam, Islamic history, culture and Arabic language. In the words of many who nominated him, Sharif Hashim is a wise and polite elder, an organizer and role model who is there whenever you need him.

Business / Nonprofit Organization - The FM Student Council Ambassadors

The FM Student Council Ambassadors are being awarded the Human Relations Award for youth and young adults for their work in organizing the recent “Fill the Dome” food drive. These students, representing each of the area high schools, first had the idea that they wanted to see how well area schools (who knew each other only as competitors) could also work together. They executed a plan, engaged the community, recruited business and organizational supporters, negotiated donated space at the FargoDome and worked with the area Hunger Coalition. Amazingly, they were able to collect over 80,000 pounds of non-perishable food from all 43 schools in the metro area. With cooperative leadership, compassion and many hours of mental and physical work, the Student Council Ambassadors truly brought out the generosity of our community.

Business / Nonprofit Organization - FrostFire Creative/OPEN Magazine

FrostFire Creative/OPEN Magazine is being awarded for significant contributions toward recognizing and encouraging awareness of the City of Fargo’s diverse community. Launched in February of 2005, FrostFire Creative’s vision was to produce films that showcase the human reality and the changing way we see the world around us. OPEN Magazine published it’s first issue in May of 2007 and highlighted the growing diversity of the City of Fargo. The magazine stays true to FrostFire’s overall vision and purpose while supporting and being committed to presenting all facets of life in the metro area including the struggles and successes of diverse populations.