Following is a blog post from Demba Ndiath, Advocacy Director of the Ohio Immigrant Alliance. He attended Mauritania Day in Columbus, sponsored by the Mauritanian Network for Human Rights in US, and spoke about OHIA’s Black Immigrants In Ohio report.
Watch this video featuring Houleye Thiam, General Secretary of the Mauritanian Network for Human Rights in US.
L-R: Ibrahima Sow, Demba Ndiath, Houleye Thiam, Hawa Sall
As the Advocacy Director of Ohio Immigration Alliance, I was excited to share the work we’re doing to make Ohio a more just and welcoming place for all immigrants, especially our Black and Muslim communities at the 2nd edition of Mauritania Day. Since 2007, OHIA has worked tirelessly to advocate for immigrants at risk of deportation. Through public campaigns, direct advocacy, and collaboration with organizations across Ohio, we’re making a real difference in the lives of those facing detention and deportation.
- Successfully ended two ICE contracts, reducing detention capacity in Ohio by 90%
- Launched the #ReuniteUS campaign to give deported individuals a voice in policy discussions and advocate for their right to return
- Published “Broken Hope,” a book sharing the powerful stories of 255 deported individuals who spoke with us about their experiences
- Conducted groundbreaking research on Ohio’s Black immigrant population to advocate for better policies and data practices that reflect their true contributions
