The 2nd edition of the Mauritania Day, celebrated on Saturday, October 26, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio was marked with cultural display, dialogues and education on the contributions of Mauritanians in the diaspora to the growth and development of central Ohio and America.
In 2023, the City of Columbus officially recognized October 28 as Mauritania Day, an annual reminder of the contributions, vibrancy, civic engagement, and culture that Black Mauritanians have brought to the state of Ohio since their migration began.
“It is an honor that so many in the Mauritanian community have chosen to call Columbus home after seeking asylum and refuge from their country of origin,” according to excerpts from the Proclamation.
“This day is a day to celebrate our resilience, our bravery, our courage to stand up against racial discrimination and slavery in Mauritania,” said Houleye Thiam, Columbus Community Center Program Director of Mauritanian Network for Human Rights, organizers of the Mauritania Day.
While expressing appreciation for the support of the Columbus community, Houleye Thiam said, “thank you for coming out to help us celebrate our partnerships of beautiful people and organizations, many of whom may not be able to point out Mauritania on a map, but dared to sit with us, to cry with us, to celebrate with us and to say, “not under my watch”, that Black Mauritanians are discriminated against by the Mauritanian government”.
Houleye noted that “while some so-called “leaders” in Ohio have thrust our state into the national political news without our consent, Ohio is actually leading the call for the welcoming reception and dignified treatment of Black and other migrants who have chosen to make Ohio their home.”
Also, Houleye Thiam commended expressed appreciation to the community partners, including Legal Aid of Central Ohio, Our Helpers, The New Americans Magazine, Rep Mike Carey’ office, Mt Carmel Street Medicine, for supporting “Mauritanians in their quest for justice and equality in their homeland, and to celebrate their achievements in advocacy and support for their communities in the US.”
Speakers at the event were Ibrahima Sow, Ifrah Aliawl and Lindora Kolu Howard-Diawara.
Support the New Americans magazine to continue to serve our community with precise news that affect the new American, immigrant and refugee community. https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8LHFS78NRNJJY&source=url
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.