People migrate for safety and opportunity every day — both internationally and around the U.S. Migration is as old as time, as basic as breathing. It’s a simple part of being human.
In 2023, the City of Columbus officially recognized October 28 as Mauritania Day, an annual reminder of the contributions, vibrancy, civic engagement, and culture that Black Mauritanians have brought to the state of Ohio since their migration began. The proclamation reads, “It is an honor that so many in the Mauritanian community have chosen to call Columbus home after seeking asylum and refuge from their country of origin.”
The Mauritanian Network for Human Rights in US worked with city officials to make this happen, and has been hosting an annual celebration since then. This year’s Mauritania Day celebration will take place on Saturday, October 26, from 4-8pm at 4300 Kimberly Parkway in Columbus. Speakers include Houleye Thiam, co-founder of MNHRUS; Linda Kolu Howard-Diawara, founder and executive director of the Business for Peace Community Development Foundation; Ifrah Aliawl, a Somali-American leader; Hawa Sall, an expert in clinical research and public health; Amadou Ndiaye, MNHRUS board member; and Ibrahima Sow, executive director of the Ohio New African Immigrants Commission. Ohio Immigrant Alliance’s Advocacy Director Demba B. Ndiath will also be there.
In the spirit of love and community, all are invited to attend.
While some so-called “leaders” in Ohio have thrust our state into the national political news without our consent, Ohio is actually leading the call for the welcoming reception and dignified treatment of Black and other migrants who have chosen to make Ohio their home.
Like Haitian-American leaders in Springfield and around the state, the Black Mauritanian diaspora has opened its arms to the newest arrivals and is helping them get involved in their new home through immigration application assistance, English and civics classes, connections to jobs and immigration lawyers, and more.
As city officials in Columbus already know, Ohio gains when we embrace new people. Ohio benefits culturally and socially, as well as economically.
Ohio is home to over 90,000 Black immigrants, according to a new report by the Ohio Immigrant Alliance (read, listen in English, French, Fulani, and Spanish). Dayton was the nation’s first certified Welcoming City.
Said Demba Ndaith in a video message, ”It’s amazing to see how we’ve contributed to the cultural life and economy of Columbus. For example, checkout Sido, Madina Market, Chez Rama, all these businesses that have been created over the years here and are hiring many people, not only people from our community. We’ve also got a car dealership, a mechanic shop like Farba to repair cars, among other businesses that are now part of the economic fabric of this great city. It feels good to know that we are making a positive impact. We are a community that values hospitality and genuinely loves Ohio. Let’s continue to grow together and make Ohio a beautiful place — a better place for everyone.”
During OHIA’s summer celebration at the Columbus Arts Festival, in partnership with the Columbus Free Press, a crowd listening to West Africa griot Papa Assane M’baye and Tam Tam Magic was moved to take the stage and dance. A young boy took the mic and proclaimed, “I’m about 2% African, and I’m proud to be African.” 💕💕💕