From Kurdistan to Nashville

Many Nashvillians are vaguely aware that the city is home to “Little Kurdistan,” which is the largest Kurdish community in America. However, it’s easy to know that fact without really understanding these neighbors. In this episode, we’ll unpack how Nashville became a destination for Kurdish refugees starting in the late 1970s and then hear from local Kurds about their future hopes and ambitions for their community.  But first, it’s time for @ us! Host Khalil Ekulona and digital lead Anna Gallegos-Cannon respond to listener questions and feedback about birth control, the missing purple martins and more. Guests:  Dara Aziz, software engineer born in Kurdistan Dilman Yasin, community outreach coordinator with Kurdish Professionals Media Elmas, data analyst with Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nawzad Hawrami, founding member board of the Salahadeen Center Related episode: What it means to celebrate Newroz in Middle Tennessee