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Thank you, Chip Scoggins, for sharing the story of Noah, Armando and Badou — the three Macalester basketball players (“Of different cultures, but brothers as Scots,” Feb. 2). Despite their “different countries, different race, different religion,” the three of them have formed a very tight friendship thanks to working together as teammates. Even though their conversations can become loud and animated, they respect each other, listen and learn from each other. The power of diversity. These three — and thousands of young people just like them — will build on their foundational relationships to do great things and become the future leaders of our country. This is heartwarming.
Matt Hansen, Eden Prairie
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Thank you, Ka Vang, for the wonderful article on Hmong cuisine (“Hmong cuisine is having a moment — make that a movement,” Strib Voices, Feb. 2). These award winning chefs (Diane Moua, Yia Vang and Marc Heu) are also recent immigrants and remind us how lucky we are to have received so many immigrants from Vietnam, Cambodia, etc., after the Vietnam War. There were some in Minnesota even back then who were not welcoming. But they have made Minnesota better, not just by bringing awards and yummy new food to Minnesota, but by raising families, building successful businesses and giving to the community. What would University Avenue look like without them? We are all better with these hardworking immigrants in our communities.
Elizabeth Gawrys, Vadnais Heights
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