Not everything we cover is serious. Here are the stories that made us smile this year, and we hope they’ll give you joy, too.
Protests in Iran hit home for Nashville’s Iranian and Kurdish communities
In Nashville, the Iranian and Kurdish communities have held several demonstrations in solidarity with the protests in Iran in an effort to raise awareness of what’s going on. Many still have family in Iran and worry for their safety. In this episode, we’re joined by members of the local Iranian and Kurdish communities to hear about their concerns.
From Kurdistan to Nashville
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.
Nashville’s Kurdish community celebrates Newroz with thousands attending the first new year event since the pandemic began
As thousands of Kurds gathered to celebrate Newroz, marking the new year, on Sunday, Mayor John Cooper announced that he had signed a declaration making March Kurdish Heritage Month in Nashville.
First Kurdish American wins top prize at Tennessee Craft for textile work that captures the immigrant experience
This year, for the first time, the top prize at a biennial exhibit of Tennessee Craft has gone to an artist from the state’s Kurdish community.
A Community Loss Has Led Some Nashville Kurds To Sign Up For A COVID Vaccine
A prominent death softened many Kurds’ resistance to the idea of vaccination, but new questions have arisen.
Nashville’s Large Kurdish Community To Rally For Independence From Iraq
They hope one day for Kurdistan to include parts of all four countries where Kurds currently live. But U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry recently urged them to remain part of Iraq.
Film Festival Welcomes Kurds from Nashville, Northern Iraq
The Nashville Film Festival always draws crowds of movie buffs from around Middle Tennessee and the rest of the nation. But this year, organizers are welcoming a special contingent from halfway across the globe.