“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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.”

“Telling your story is the secret to survival.” — Houleye Thiam

“Soccer is the most essential part of my life.” — Enock Sadiki

Shema Asifiwe, a Cincinnati-area immigrant, provided the cover art for Ohio Immigrant Alliance’s Black immigrants data brief.

Artist Janel Young has a message for Haitians in Springfield: “You belong here.”

The West African griot tradition tells us who we are.