Lynn Tramonte 3/20/26 Lynn Tramonte 3/20/26

“Ohio is My Second country” coloring book and concert

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.

The coloring book will be available for sale at the Ohio Immigrant Alliance’s Bookshop.org page, and in select independent bookstores. It will also be featured at our June 13 concert at the Columbus Arts Festival. The book includes lessons on each of the depicted languages, and a guide for how to use it in your community.

Lynn Tramonte 3/16/26 Lynn Tramonte 3/16/26

Brave of US Tattoo Contest

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.

Lynn Tramonte 3/9/26 Lynn Tramonte 3/9/26

“Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” is a must-see

Go see “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding,” a play by Ohio State graduate Jocelyn Bioh, directed by Shanelle Marie, before the run ends on March 22 in Columbus. As Charlie Stewart wrote over on the Ohio Immigrant Alliance blog, “‘Jaja’s African Hair Braiding’ teaches me that community will always be the answer, come what may. It gave us everything it needed to give, and then some.”

Lynn Tramonte 2/25/26 Lynn Tramonte 2/25/26

Ohio creatives put their talents to use

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 OIA’s 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.

2/2/26 2/2/26

You Mean the World - CLE

“You Mean the World” is a campaign to reset the conversation around immigration, starting in Cleveland. Created by a group of non-profit leaders, creatives, and a pastor, the initiative uses photo and video content to reflect a truer story about immigrants than the one we see most often in the news. They wrote:

Our team combined all the talents we could muster to showcase, celebrate and stand in solidarity with our immigrant neighbors because we believe with our whole heart that Cleveland is better because of each person represented here. While the nation spins trying to determine the value and dignity of newcomers in America, we invite you to watch, listen and learn. We invite you to join our collective voice as we say, “You Mean the World” to all who have made a new home here-past, present and future.

View campaign art and get involved here.

11/4/25 11/4/25

You are loved, welcomed, and exactly where you’re supposed to be.

OIA Organizing Director Maryam Sy and her family represented the organization at the WTF Is Happening Community Event in Kent on September 21, 2025. (In this instance, WTF stands for Wellness, Transformation, Freedom.) It was a space focused on art, healing, and action, featuring live music, hands-on creation, 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.

10/13/25 10/13/25

Art and processing our “place”

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. The Sculpture Center in Cleveland is exhibiting Federico Cuatlacuatl’s “Xoxal: Baño de Fuego” until November 8. Read more about his exhibit here, and view some of his installations in this Spectrum News story.

5/14/25 5/14/25

Pulaagam: A Celebration of Fulani Heritage

At the Columbus Arts Festival June 7, we're spotlighting Columbus' very-own female griot, Habi Gawlo, and poet-activist Houleye Thiam in "Pulaagam: A Celebration of Fulani Heritage."

The audience will also be treated to recorded music from Salif Sarr, a Columbus artist and vocal advocate for the Fulani people of Mauritania.

1/9/25 1/9/25

The Fulani Project

The beauty of the Fulani culture and people, who have moved throughout the world but maintain their families’ heritage and roots, is evident in Tariq Tarey‘s photos in “The Fulani Project.”