Rep. Samakab Hussein Breaks New Ground: Citywide Open Gym for Girls Launches, Smashing Barriers and Inspiring the Next Generation
Historic Initiative at North End Community Center Champions Equity, Inclusion, and Opportunity for Muslim Girls and Youth of Color
ST. PAUL, MN – On June 5, Rep. Samakab Hussein (DFL-Saint Paul) was proud to stand alongside Jamad Fiin, Founder/CEO of Jamad Basketball Camps, Director of Saint Paul Parks Conservancy Andy Rodriguez, and Councilmember Hwa Jeong Kim to announce a new citywide Open Gym program for girls at the North End Community Center. The program will run every Thursday from 6–8 PM.
This initiative, in partnership with Jamad Basketball Camps and with invaluable support from Saint Paul Parks and Recreation, is designed to provide a safe and inclusive space for girls, particularly Muslim girls and youth of color, to engage in sports and physical activity.
“This is more than just basketball—it’s about opening doors, building confidence, and making sure every girl knows she belongs,” said Rep. Samakab Hussein, Vice Chair of the St. Paul Delegation. “Thanks to the incredible support from Saint Paul Parks and Rec, we’re creating a space where Muslim girls and youth of color can lead, dream big, and break the status quo. Together, we’re showing that equity and opportunity start right here, in our gyms.”
The North End Community Center in St. Paul officially opened its doors Saturday, April 12, 2025, marking the culmination of a seven-year journey and a $30.9 million investment in the neighborhood. The state-of-the-art facility is poised to become a hub for community engagement and activity, offering amenities that include a kitchen, gym, fitness center, study rooms, and more.
“Growing up, I rarely saw girls who looked like me or wore hijab on the basketball court,” said Jamad Fiin, Founder/CEO of Jamad Basketball Camps. “That’s why I’m passionate about breaking barriers and closing the gap for the next generation. At Jamad Basketball Camps, we believe that with passion and perseverance, any girl can achieve her dreams—on and off the court. My mission is to empower young girls to dream big, work hard, and know that they can become both great athletes and great leaders.”
Jamad Fiin, is a former basketball player at Emmanuel College in Boston, and a professional in the Somali Women's National Basketball Team. As a proud Muslim and first-generation American, her roots trace back to Somalia. Recently, Jamad was featured prominently in Google Pixel-NBA commercials, serving as a positive representation for Muslim girls in sports.
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