By June 2016, I walked into a graphic store in Columbus, Ohio for a deal on a 4-page newsletter design. The outcome was to go home and do it myself. Microsoft Publisher came up as the only option at that time based on the targeted July 2016 launch. With little knowledge from a free Microsoft training class at Vineyard Church, the first 4-page print newsletter of New Americans magazine was produced at a computer shop on a Cleveland/Dublin Granville mall. With the lead story headlined 4th of July, copies of the newsletter were distributed free to members of the public.
Deba Uwadiae
Publisher/Editor-In-Chief
Ten years ago, in July 2016, we began with four pages and a dream. A simple dream, to create a platform where immigrants, refugees, and new Americans could see themselves, tell their stories, and be recognized as vital contributors to the life of our city, our state, and our nation. What started as a modest newsletter has grown into a trusted publication, a community institution, and a voice that continues to resonate across Ohio and beyond.
When we published that first issue, we had no guarantees. No roadmap. Just conviction. We knew that the stories of new Americans deserved to be documented with dignity, accuracy, and pride. We knew that our communities needed a space where their achievements, challenges, and aspirations could be shared. And we knew that if we stayed committed, the magazine would find its place. I remember introducing the first newsletter to Ohio-based Bishop Tony Osuobeni outside the post office on Cleveland/Dublin Granville mall where he held a copy and said to me, “This will fly.”
It did, and far beyond what we imagined.
The Early Years: Building With Heart
The early days were filled with long nights, tight budgets, and a determined team that included Deacon Patrick Olabode. I wrote, edited, photographed, and distributed with passion to the libraries, government offices, grocery stores, churches and mosques. Every story mattered. Every interview reminded us why this work was necessary. And every reader who said, “I saw myself in your magazine,” strengthened our resolve.
From four pages, we grew to twelve in July 2017. Then sixteen. Then a daily online publication (www.thenewamericansmag.com). Each milestone reflected not just expansion, but evolution, a deeper understanding of our mission and a stronger connection to the communities we serve.
The People Who Made It Possible
New Americans Magazine has never been just a publication. It has been a collective effort, shaped by writers, photographers, editors, volunteers, advertisers, partners, personalities and readers who believe in the vision.
Our contributors brought skill and heart.
Our advertisers and sponsors sustained us.
Our readers inspired us.
Our community partners opened doors.
And through it all, we have worked with unwavering dedication, often going above and beyond to ensure that every issue carried the excellence our audience deserves.
A Decade of Impact
Over the years, the magazine has documented stories that changed lives, strengthened communities, and elevated immigrant voices in powerful ways. We have covered elections, business successes, cultural celebrations, graduations, naturalization ceremonies, and the everyday triumphs that define the immigrant experience.
Those who have graced our cover include President Donald Trump, President Mohamed Abdullahi Muhamed Famaajo of Somalia, Governor Mike DeWine, Mayor Andrew Ginther, State Senators Tina Mharath, Hearcel Craig, and Michele Reynolds.
Others are Mayor Wilmot-Collins of Helena, Mayor Joe Begeny (Reynoldsburg), Franklin County Commissioner Kevin Boyce, Hilary Clinton (Presidential Candidate), Andrew Yang (Presidential Candidate), Columbus City President Shannon Hardin, Robert Adams Cordray (Ohio Governorship Candidate) and Ambassador Fitsum Arega of Ethiopia.
Others include Abdullahi Warsame, Pharmacist Afua Nutar, Ricky Madison, Dr. Rosaire Ifedi, Dr. Morakinyo Kuti, Feyi Tolani, Dr. Seleshi Asfaw, Joana Pinkerton, Deputy Sheriff Ahmed Shukri,
Architect Kay Onwuke, Attorney Emmanuel Olawale, Elvis Saldias, Farhiya Shirwa and Amina Abdule.
We also have Apostle Alex-Eric Abrokwa-Clottey, Lilleana Cavanaugh. Micael Habte, Eminet Emmaneul S Wettee, Mowlid Aden, Tatjana Bozhinovski, City of Reynoldsburg and Central Ohio Transit Authority, COTA.
We launched the Annual New Americans Awards in 2019, honoring leaders who uplift our communities.
We established the New Americans Book Fair in 2022, now a signature event in Columbus.
We expanded coverage statewide and built partnerships that amplified our reach.
Through these efforts, the magazine has become more than a publication, it has become a movement.
Challenges That Shaped Us
The journey has not been without challenges. We navigated funding limitations, staffing gaps, and the shifting landscape of media. The pandemic tested our resilience, forcing us to innovate and adapt. But each challenge strengthened us, teaching us to be resourceful, creative, and steadfast.
Today: A Stronger, Bolder Magazine
Today, New Americans Magazine stands as a respected voice in Ohio’s media landscape. Our readership continues to grow. Our digital presence is expanding. Our programs are thriving. And our commitment to telling authentic immigrant stories remains as strong as ever. Today, the New Americans magazine publishes daily on its website, www.thenewamericansmag.com, and bimonthly in print. Apart from the distribution to online subscribers, the magazine broadcasts daily to 66 communities of over 10,000 subscribers on the most used direct social media platform of the community – the WhatsApp. The second leading story with over 40,000 views in 2025 was
https://thenewamericansmag.com/ice-scare-at-saraga-on-morse-road/.
The most read story with 101,539 views, dated 2025/01/23 was headlined “Columbus Chamber of Commerce Opens Registration for Elevate Cbus Program”.
We are proud of what we have built, not because it was easy, but because it was necessary.
The Next Ten Years: A Vision Forward
As we celebrate this milestone, we also look ahead. The next decade will bring new opportunities:
– Hiring more full-time, part-time, and freelance writers
– Expanding statewide and nationally
– Growing digital storytelling through video, podcast, and social media
– Strengthening business sustainability
– Launching the New Americans Magazine App.
Our vision is bold, but our foundation is strong.
A Moment of Gratitude
To everyone who has supported this journey — staff, management, contributors, advertisers, partners, readers, and community leaders — thank you. Your belief in this mission has carried us through ten remarkable years.
New Americans Magazine began with a dream. Today, it stands as a testament to what community, commitment, and courage can build.
And as we step into the next decade, one truth remains:
Our stories matter. Our voices matter. Our community matters.
Here’s to the next ten years — and to the countless stories still waiting to be told.
Deba Uwadiae, Publisher/Editor-In-Chief
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
The Ave
