By: Emily Storm
150 strangers, one stage, and limitless connections. For the people of Minneapolis, Strangers Meeting Strangers is a new event created with the intention of forming connections with people of all walks of life within the Twin Cities.
The event’s attendees can throw their name into a raffle at the door. If chosen, they have the opportunity to meet and talk to another stranger from the event about any topic in front of the crowd of other strangers. The talking periods last 10 minutes, and there are five conversations.
Liban Kano, the event’s founder, is a retired veteran who realized a need for connection upon returning to Minneapolis from the military. “After a decade in the military, I realized I didn’t know many people anymore. Life has changed, people have moved on.. I wanted to do the polar opposite of the military… and I wanted to get more into freeflow creative.”
Kano’s choice to step into a creative environment is inspiring others to venture out and create new connections, such as local artist and event attendee: Endio– who attended the event because he values connecting with other people.
“Every person has their own story, their own set of experiences. Being able to find a common ground– that is so special,” Endio says.
Emily Storm 