SONGS FOR OUR FATHERS: The Glory That is Fatherhood

It is a complex time to be raising kids. Join Alexei Casselle, Nick Metcalf, Abdirahman Mukhtar, and Mohamud Nur as they explore the struggles, joys, and fears fathers face, and how they are finding inspiration, support, resilience and fortitude to walk the path of tending our next generations.

Co-Moderators: Ben Weaver and Suleiman Adan.

Alexei Moon Casselle, known on stage as Crescent Moon, is a father, educator, and artist who first discovered the power of words at age 12—thanks to a teacher who turned classroom outbursts into creative writing assignments. By 15, he was writing rap lyrics and performing at South High School, launching a music career rooted in Hip Hop that remains at the core of his work. As a former member of the group Oddjobs and current member of K*ll The Vultures, he has toured internationally and shared stages with artists like Snoop Dogg, Shock G of Digital Underground, and De la Soul. Over the years, his creative expression has expanded to include Folk/Americana, Spoken Word, and experimental music that resists easy categorization. Alexei is the proud father of a teenage daughter, and together they write and perform as the duo DoubleDragon. His journey as a parent deeply shapes both his songwriting and his work as a secondary educator, where he helps amplify young voices.

Nick Metcalf is Sicangu Oyate – Burnt Thigh People – Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Nick has lived in the Twin Cities for 30 years where they’ve made a life filled with lots of friends, family, and community. Nick is a proud Parent and Grandparent. Nick is a Poet and Writer. Nick participated in the Loft’s 2024 year-long Poetry Apprenticeship with Heid E. Erdrich. Abdirahman (Abdi) Mukhtar is passionate about the health of the young people in his community. A leader, coach for numerous sports teams, mentor, and passionate youth worker over two decades, he is widely known on the West Bank of Minneapolis and in the Somali American community in Minnesota for his community work. He founded Daryeel (the Somali word for “care”) Youth to be a non-judging beacon of light for young people in the throes of active addiction. He welcomes all to his Friday night gatherings, where he supplies food, clean clothing, personal hygiene products, a first aid kit with Narcan, and dressing for wounds. His compassion has earned him the trust of his community, especially parents who are trying to help their children reclaim a healthy life.

Mohamud Nur has been living in Minnesota since 1998. He is a proud father and grandfather. While raising his children, he worked double shifts to support them and ensure his familys survival. Raising children, especially boys in the United States, and particularly in Minnesota, comes with many challenges. It requires time, space, and most importantly, presence. Mohmed made it a priority to not just be a parent, but also a friend to his children.

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