Salif Sarr is a Mauritanian-Ohioan pop star. Shema Asifiwe is the Cincinnati-based artist (and high school student) behind the Ohio Immigrant Alliance’s new coloring book. Demba Ndiath is about to publish his book about West African migration to Ohio.

They are all part of “Ohio Is My Second Country,” the Ohio Immigrant Alliance’s fourth presentation at the Columbus Arts Festival on June 13. 

On December 13, OIA hosted our first holiday pop-up shop with Bomani Beauty MD — a local Afro Caribbean, veteran, and family-owned vegan skincare and cosmetics company — at Hexagon Books in Cleveland Heights. Shoppers loved Bomani Beauty's all-natural skin, hair, and bodycare line. The passionfruit oil glosses and cupuaçu butter products were instant hits. Nounou chose the clear gloss and Lynn picked up a big jar of the Lemongrass Lavender Tropical Ting. Ibrahima ordered three jars, one for him and each of his brothers.

For the first time ever, we’re making digital versions of the Ohio Migration Anthology completely free! Download Volume 1, “Far From Their Eyes,” here and Volume 2, “(Everything Is) Cells and Bodies,” here.

The Fulani people are the largest nomadic ethnic group in the world, with significant presence in Ohio. Houleye Thiam, whose poetry was featured in Volume 1 of the Ohio Migration Anthology, anchored “Pulaagam: A Celebration of Fulani Heritage,” an event curated by Maryam Sy.

Thiam welcomed the crowd with a brief introduction to Fulani pride and the program. “In Fulani culture,” she said, “in order for you to shine, I don't have to dim my light. We can all shine together.”