The Cincinnati Enquirer published a beautiful story (with photos) about Shema Asifiwe, the high school artist behind the new “Ohio Is My Second Country” coloring book from the Ohio Immigrant Alliance.

The article captures Shema and some of his high school friends, returning to Roselawn Condon elementary school to spend time with the students there. 

In its final month, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ton of terrifying decisions that will have damaging and even deadly consequences for Ohioans.

Read this grab bag of updates from OIA ahead of the July 4 holiday.

Now, journalists, book reviewers, librarians, educators, and camp, scout, or other group leaders may request free review copies of Ohio Is My Second Country and From Welcome To Deportation via these media kits.

If you want to know what’s wrong with the U.S. immigration system and how to make it work, don’t ask Congress. All they have done is over-fund the out-of-control agencies. Ask the immigration lawyers, and former immigration judges, agents, and immigrants who have been on the inside — some of whom have been violently discarded after building lives here for decades.

That’s what Demba Ndiath did in his new book, From Welcome To Deportation. Learn more about solutions from immigrants, lawyers, and judges in this blog post.

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.”