The UNC Asheville chapter of Students for a Democratic Society will host a talk on "Live from Iraq: A First-Hand Witness Account" by Sami Rasouli at 7 p.m. Friday, April 20, in UNC Asheville's Rhoades-Robinson Hall, room 125. The event is open to the public; donations will be suggested at the door. A display of Iraqi artwork will also be available for purchase.

Rasouli, an Iraqi-American, immigrated to the United States in 1985 to seek medical help for his oldest son, who is deaf. Rasouli and his family decided to stay, moving to Minnesota in 1986. After four years of earning a living by driving a cab, Rasouli opened Sinbad's Café and Market, a popular restaurant specializing in Middle Eastern foods. Three years ago, Rasouli gave up his comfortable life in Minneapolis to return to his native country. There, he founded the Muslim Peacemaker Team, which works to rebuild devastated cities, reduce violence and protect human rights.

For more information, call Kati Ketz, UNC Asheville Students for a Democratic Society regional coordinator, at 614/439-3978.