“Ohio Is My Second Country” at the Columbus Arts Festival

Celebrating the Courage and Strength of Ohio Immigrants with Salif Sarr, Shema Asifiwe, and Demba Ndiath
Charlie Stewart
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Opinion
Collage of images

In 2026, we need as many community events as possible that help us learn about each other’s cultures, be together, and build community. Fascism is on the rise, morale and safety are low, and people don’t know where to turn. The Ohio Immigrant Alliance (OIA) has always been a safe space during these moments of crises and confusion. OIA is a resource for immigrant justice and advocacy, a community supporting the most vulnerable in Ohio, a trusted space to learn and grow, and a place for protection and freedom. 

Art is one of the many beautiful ways the Ohio Immigrant Alliance helps Ohioans learn about immigrants who have chosen this as their new home. I am a firm believer that art is activism and activism is art. One cannot survive without the other. Art is a catalyst for social change. It challenges the status quo, gives a voice to marginalized communities and raises the individual and society’s collective consciousness. As Amiri Baraka, a Black poet and playwright, said, “The artist’s role is to raise the consciousness of the people. To make them understand life, the world and themselves more completely.” Art is the way we can connect, learn, grow, advocate, and heal. 

Art also allows us to document injustices, so the world does not forget and we don’t repeat the same harm. Kat Owens, the chair of the department of politics, economics, and international studies at the University of Hartford, said, “In my work I am trying to use the arts not just to illustrate a point, but also potentially as a tool for gathering evidence and data… Not only is art a mirror of culture, society, and the injustices people face, but also a tool for documentation and data.” 

OIA is holding another event at the Columbus Art Festival on June 13, from 3-4pm. It will feature immigrant artists and the beauty of the places they left, as well as their experiences here in Ohio, their new home. This is the fourth year that OIA is appearing on stage at this popular community gathering. Last year’s “Pulaagam: A Celebration of Fulani Heritage” was joyous; watch it here.

The 2026 theme is “Ohio is My Second Country.” The event highlights two writers and one internationally celebrated singer. Demba Ndiath, OIA’s Advocacy Director and the author of “From Welcome to Deportation,” will present his book about the experiences of West African immigrants looking for refuge in the United States. Shema Asifiwe, a high school student and visual artist, will present the coloring book he drew for OIA . The inspiration for the event, the coloring book celebrates the places that Ohio immigrants came from and teaches some words in their family languages. Both books will be published this year. 

The crowd will be treated to music from an incredible Fulani artist who resides in Columbus, Salif Sarr. Salif is an international pop star who advocates for the Fulani people in Mauritania and justice overall. The Fulani people are the largest nomadic ethnic group in the world, yet many around the world do not know the culture. Salif is a frequently sought out performer, appearing at Fulani weddings and fashion shows, international concerts, and even a surprise appearance at OIA’s Family Reunion. You can watch videos of Salif’s performance on OIA’s TikTok and YouTube channels. 

Salif will perform songs that relate to the themes of Demba and Shema’s books, celebrating Ohioans from countries like Mauritania, Guatemala, Ghana, Nepal, India, Rwanda, Algeria, Burundi, El Salvador, and more. 

“Ohio Is My Second Country” and the Columbus Arts Festival is coming at an important time. Many immigrants, their loved ones, and other people are experiencing a lot of fear and stress right now. The Ohio Immigrant Alliance’s concert will be a space that brings people together to be in community and enjoy music, art, and each other. The one hour set takes place from 3-4pm on June 13 at the center stage. Come early! Bring your open mind and a loved one, and we will bring the culture and energy. 

Learn more about OIA’s arts and culture contributions at the following links.

Learn how to protect yourself and your community, and get involved.