High school student and artist Shema Asifiwe, language expert Manuel Chinchilla, PhD, and the Ohio Immigrant Alliance are preparing to publish the “Ohio Is My Second Country Coloring Book” in late spring 2026. Shema drew the pictures for this book by asking immigrants to tell him about their native places. Contrary to stereotypes we often hear about other countries, these are not constantly bleak or war-torn landscapes. There is vibrancy, beauty, and many happy memories, even in places that are experiencing conflict. His friends from all over the world were eager to participate.

At the 2026 Columbus Arts Festival, Ohio Immigrant Alliance is uniting with Shema Asifiwe and Mauritanian-American pop star Salif Sarr to promote the message behind the coloring book, “Ohio Is My Second Country.”

No matter where we were born — Celina, South Carolina, or Senegal — Ohio is home, now. The book, and concert, will focus on what we have in common and celebrating our differences. OIA’s performance takes place on June 13, from 3-4pm, on the Cultural Arts Center Stage.

The Ohio Immigrant Alliance is launching the Brave Of Us Tattoo Design Contest, calling on all tattoo artists and apprentices to express what it looks like to be in solidarity with immigrants at this moment in history. The contest’s themes include Family & Love; Freedom & Safety; Bravery & Strength; Unity Across Differences; and Reclaiming Identity & Culture.

Everyone should go see “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” at the Contemporary Theatre of Ohio. What a powerful performance from the entire cast of “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding,” written by Ohio State graduate Jocelyn Bioh and directed by Shanelle Marie, with a stunning local cast. To make us laugh, cry, and fall in love with the characters is simply an unforgettable experience. Not only is this play culturally and politically relevant to the times we are in, but it teaches us how community can help us through the darkest times we go through in life. This is a must-see. 

Updates from Ohio’s Creative Community; the Hotline; True Public Safety, OIA in the Wild, and More!

When things feel heavy, Ohio’s creative community shows up.

Over the past few weeks, we at the Ohio Immigrant Alliance (OIA) have been moved by the ways people across the state are stepping up to support immigrants and speak out against ICE. Artists of all kinds are using their crafts to raise money to support our mission. Restaurants are putting their menus to work. And more is on the way. Ohioans are being both creative and brave, using their talents to fund immigrant protection and show support for a fair and humane immigration policy.

Said Lynn Tramonte, Executive Director of the Ohio Immigrant Alliance, “Art gives us access to worlds we’ve never seen, and helps us see our world in new ways. Food is another thing we have in common across backgrounds, and a way for people to come together. We are so grateful to the artists, makers, activators, and good people throughout Ohio who are working to make this a better state and donating to our cause. We have no room at our tables for ICE. We only have room for each other.” 

Here's what's happening right now, from DJs, tattoo and textile artists, restaurants, authors, pop-up markets, and more. There’s still time to support their work and make a donation to OIA. If you want to start your own fundraiser, contact us at hotline@ohioimmigrant.org for support.

These are the six core functions of Ohio Immigrant Alliance’s work. This is how we respond to overreaches in federal immigration law enforcement and advocate for a fairer, more dignified immigration system for all.

“Ohio Is Home for All” reads a new, robin's egg blue digital billboard in Akron, featuring faces of people of all races, ages, and ethnicities. According to the Ohio Immigrant Alliance and Elizabeth Zaleski, the billboard’s sponsor, all people who choose to make Ohio their home, raise their families and build good lives here, are welcome in the Buckeye State. 

This annotated version of Souleye Ball’s poem provides cultural references and context for people who aren’t familiar with Mauritanian history, culture, geography, and U.S. immigration policy. It offers a deeper level of understanding of the poem, and we invite you to listen to his delivery as well.

The WTF Community Event was a space focused on art, healing, and action, featuring live music, hands-on art, wellness offerings, and opportunities to connect with other organizations doing meaningful work. Maryam was warmly welcomed by the community, and also got reaffirming messages that Ohioans indeed want immigrants to feel at home. 

Art helps us process the idea of “place,” especially when governments build borders overnight, and force us to live between them. Indigenous people understand this better than anyone.

Get to The Sculpture Center in Cleveland before November 8 to see Federico Cuatlacuatl’s exhibit, “Xoxal: Baño de Fuego.”

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.”