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Minnesota Timberwolves player Luol Deng will speak to members of Minnesota's South Sudanese community on Sunday night in Bloomington. 

Deng is a two-time NBA All-Star who spent most of his career with the Chicago Bulls; he signed with the Timberwolves this year after stops in Cleveland, Miami and Los Angeles. 

Deng was born in what is now South Sudan. His family fled civil war and eventually resettled in London. 

Event organizer Yar Kang of Burnsville, Minn., said Deng has been an inspiration to her and many other refugees. He will talk to the group about building peace and unity.

"It means a lot, the fact that he's a South Sudanese, fled the country because of war, went to England, worked hard and became successful," she said. "He has a story to tell. Luol Deng's story is the story about any refugees who immigrate to any country around the world, and they make it."

"And also we want Luol to talk to our youth," she said. "We want our youth to do more. They come here for better opportunities in America. If Luol can make it, any refugee kid, or any South Sudanese kid will make it."

The event runs from 5-10 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel, 7800 Normandale Boulevard in Bloomington. It's free and open to the public.

Kang said Deng is involved with several charities and has used his fame to support the lives of refugees.

Recent census estimates say there are up to 3,200 people in Minnesota who were born in Sudan.

Laura Yuen

Author

Minnesota Timberwolves player Luol Deng will speak to members of Minnesota's South Sudanese community on Sunday night in Bloomington.

Timberwolves' Luol Deng to speak to Minnesota's South Sudanese community

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