AfghanistanAsyleeEthnic cleansingRefugeeStorytellingSurvivor

An Escape To a New Beginning

As members of Afghanistan’s Hazara ethnic minority, Mohsin’s family has endured generations of persecution. From a young age, he understood the weight of responsibility—working in his family’s store by age six and weaving carpets after school to help make ends meet. Mohsin fled his homeland twice: first as a child seeking refuge in Pakistan, and later as an adult, determined to build a safer, more hopeful future for his young family in the United States.

This story was shared on stage as part of The Immigrant Story Live, a signature production of the award-winning nonprofit, The Immigrant Story. The event took place on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the Cabell Center Theater at Catlin Gabel School in Portland, Oregon.

Presented in collaboration with the City of Portland’s Office of Community & Civic Life’s Immigrant & Refugee Program, this performance was part of Welcoming Week 2024, a national initiative that brings together immigrants, refugees, and U.S.-born residents to celebrate the power of inclusive communities.

This free public event was generously supported by the Zidell Family Foundation, with additional funding from the City of Portland and Travel Portland.

Learn more at: theimmigrantstory.org

Storyteller: Mohsin Jamal
Performance Coach : Demet Tuncer
Script Coach: Nancy E. Dollahite
Master Of Ceremonies: Demet Tuncer
Rehearsal: St. Andrew Lutheran Church
Camera: Jesus Contreras, Lani Milton, ??, Sam Gaty
Video Edit: ??
Post Video Edit and Color: ??
Sound : Joel Groves, Aloha Sound, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
Sound Post Mixing & Mastering: Jack McDonald
Lights: John Oribello, Cailin Cable High School
Stage Backdrop: PLACE
Stage Manager: Stacy Waters
Location Manager: Mia Bane, Cailin Cable High School
Technical Manager: Todd Baize
Logistics: Trina Hing, Alexandra Kotova
Executive Producer: Sankar Raman

As members of Afghanistan’s Hazara ethnic minority, Mohsin’s family has endured generations of persecution. From a young age, he understood the weight of responsibility—working in his family’s store by age six and weaving carpets after school to help make ends meet. Mohsin fled his homeland twice: first as a child seeking refuge in Pakistan, and later as an adult, determined to build a safer, more hopeful future for his young family in the United States.

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