OIA merch; family reunion; CAIR-Ohio honors Tramonte; bookmark these links

Oct 22

OIA Merch, Just In Time for the Holidays

We just opened a merchandise store, with art by Cincinnati high school student Shema Asifiwe. His drawings have already been featured on work by OIA, Maketank, and UNIQLO, and Shema is only a sophomore. He is currently creating a coloring book, “Ohio Is My Second Country,” which OIA will publish.

“Migration Is Human” is the message on our t-shirts and sling bags — the perfect, protest-size portables. Pick up something for every member of your family, just in time for the holidays, and support the Ohio Immigrant Alliance too.

See you at the Family Reunion!

Speaking of family, if you believe #OhioIsHome to everyone who chooses to plant roots here, then you are a part of ours. Join us at the first-ever Ohio Immigrant Alliance Family Reunion & Fundraiser on November 15, from 4-7pm, at Chez Rama restaurant in Columbus. Hear from two of our family leaders:

Ayman Soliman, who recently won his freedom from the Butler County Jail and the return of his asylum status.

Gerónimo Ramírez, Maya Ixil. A survivor of the Ixil genocide, Gerónimo has been a human rights leader since the age of 13. He co-founded and helps lead Comunidad Sol in Northeast Ohio.

At the family reunion, connect with old and new friends from around the state; enjoy free Senegalese food and songs by griot Habi Gawlo; perform the juurgal with us (bring dollar bills); and purchase limited edition “Family Reunion” t-shirts. RSVP here.

If you need to stay overnight, book a hotel through Apogee to donate a portion of your stay to OIA.

CAIR-Ohio Names ED Tramonte “Trailblazer”

This Saturday, October 25, CAIR-Ohio's Columbus and Cincinnati Office is honoring the OIA’s Executive Director, Lynn Tramonte, with its Trailblazer Award at their banquet: “New Chapter in Civil Rights: American Voices, Muslim Values.” The Honorable Cori Bush will give the keynote address. Additional awardees to be announced. Tickets are still available here.

Said Tramonte, “I was overcome with emotion when I found out I had been chosen for this award. It means so much because CAIR-Ohio means so much to me. The work they do spreads dignity, love, and justice. They educate and empower people. Their work is hard, but essential. It saves lives.

“Islam is a beautiful religion that is about peace, love, and caring for others. There is so much misinformation spread about it, in the media and by people who know nothing about the religion. CAIR-Ohio not only confronts and overcomes those lies, but also the policies and actions built on them. And they do so with love, calling people in and welcoming them. It has truly been a highlight of my career to work with Muslims in Ohio who love this state, are raising their children here, and are only asking for the chance to continue living their lives here in dignity and safety.

“My gratitude goes out to to Khalid, Faten, Tala, Omar, and everyone else at CAIR-Ohio for the work they do. The Ohio Immigrant Alliance considers CAIR-Ohio family. We continue to believe in this country and know we can be a better, safer, more equitable and just community for all.”