The Ohio New African Immigrants Commission, NAIC Calabash Forum will debut on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, with Closing the Gap on Mental and Preventative Health at 95 S. Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio from 1:30 PM -4:30 PM.

The forum will bring together African immigrant communities to share stories, explore challenge and connect with local leaders, professionals, and support services.

Also, participants will listen to an expert panel, participate in breakout sessions designed to spark change, build connections, and improve well-being for all.

Members of the Expert Panel include Dr. Awa Dia, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical, Dr Caroline Kingori and Representative Dontavius Jarrells and others from Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and Columbus Public Health.

The Ohio New African Immigrants Commission is a state agency, enacted by the 127th General Assembly of Ohio. The statute provides for fifteen members on the board of commissioners appointed by the Governor, in conjunction with legislative appointments by Ohio’s respective chambers.

The statute requires that commissioners be of sub-Saharan African origin, lawful US citizens or permanent residents, and be representative of continental African and Ohio’s geographic distribution. The commission shall meet no less than six times per calendar year, and six members shall constitute a quorum.

The Commission serves as a clearinghouse on community challenges and opportunities, facilitate special studies, advise the governor, legislature, and state agencies, and stimulate public awareness, among other statutory mandates.

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