By The New Americans Magazine and the New American Community Information Center announced the names of five distinguished Ohioans as Ambassadors of the New Americans Book Fair in celebration of the 5th Anniversary on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Columbus Metropolitan Library, Karl Road branch.
The pioneering Ambassadors include Columbus City Hall of Famer Imran Malik, Author Bertha Obayuwana, Attorney Emmauel Olawale, community leader and health advocate Kawther Musa and Community Relations Coordinator New American Program, City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods Lindora Kolu Howard-Diawara.
“The pioneering Ambassadors of the New Americans Book Fair were presented with the award for their unwavering support, generosity, and dedication to the mission of the New Americans Book Fair,” said Deba Uwadiae, Coordinator and publisher of New Americans magazine.
“Their commitment has helped create a space where stories are shared, cultures are celebrated, and communities are united.”
Imran Malik
Imran Malik currently serves as the appointed commissioner of the Columbus City’s Community Relations Commission (CRC). In the past he has served on the Columbus Mayors’ Faith Leaders Action Group (FLAG). In Dublin he is the chair of the Community Inclusion Advisory Committee (CIAC) and has previously served on the Dublin Police Department’s Chief Justin Paez’s Advisory Board. Beside these appointments, Imran has served and led a plethora of non-profit organizations of Central Ohio and beyond.
Bertha Obayuwana
Bertha Obayuwana is the founder of Parents Advocating for Racial Equity and Liberation organization. She co-created an activity book empowerment series entitled, “Zakira Presents!” Through stories and fun activities like riddles, coloring pages, mazes, word searches etc., the ZAKIRA PRESENTS series encourages the reader to foster a spirit of global citizenship, cultural appreciation, celebration of diversity, empathy and inclusion.
Emmanuel Olawale
Emmanuel Olawale is a trial lawyer who has successfully tried several personal injuries and other civil cases before juries and judges. He is a recipient of several professional, leadership, and academic awards, such as Super Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Top 100, National Black Lawyers Top 100, and others.
Emmanuel is the author of “The Flavor of Favor: Quest for the American Dream. A Memoir” and “Starting and Growing a Law Practice Without Breaking the Bank.” He is the host and producer of Central Ohio’s leading social media show and podcast, “Legal Angle with Emmanuel D-Law Olawale.” ®
Kawther Musa
Kawther Musa is a community activist. She graduated from the New American Leadership Academy in 2019; a leadership and professional development program focused on civic engagement for New American residents. Since February 2019, Kawther has been a Franklin County Sheriff’s Advisory Council member. She is a co-founder of Ohio Somali Book Fair.
Kawther also works with Heart of Ohio Family Health Center as a Program Coordinator. She also volunteers as a community lay-leader for Islamic Trauma Healing, a mental health intervention for Somali refugees, in partnership with Case Western Reserve University. Kawther speaks Somali, Arabic, English and she currently serve as a Federally Certified Health Care Navigator at UHCAN Ohio.
Lindora Kolu Howard-Diawara
is the City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods’ Community Relations Coordinator of New American Program and Administrative Coordinator of the Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs.
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