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Stories Matter. The way stories are told and who tells them shapes our understanding of the world. Stories and narratives have the power to enhance a sense of belonging while building community, however, as we have recently experienced the last couple of months, stories can also have a negative impact on communities driving exclusion.
People must have ownership of and be the tellers of their own stories. In her iconic TED Talk, The Danger of a Single Story, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie emphasizes how easily narratives can be distorted when only one perspective is told: “The single story creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete. They make one story become the only story.” Adichie's words resonate deeply, especially for those whose immigrant journeys are often flattened into simplistic, one-dimensional tales.
Immigrant and refugee experiences are vast and diverse, encompassing stories of struggle, resilience, triumph, and joy. When individuals and communities take ownership of their stories, they reclaim the power that has often been taken away from them. Storytelling allows people to define themselves on their own terms, to represent the complexity of their lives beyond what others may assume. These stories then become the platform for action leading towards more inclusive communities where everyone shares in the prosperity.
We invite you to see examples of this at the art exhibit, Still Moving: How History Compels Us to Lead, an exhibition celebrating leaders across the region with an immigrant background. Storytelling can lead to mutual understanding, growth, and the building of communities. Also, as part of the upcoming BLINK festival, and a continuation of the FotoFocus Biennial, Summermusik with A Picture’s Worth and Kentucky Refugee Ministries will host two community nights. You can follow Welcome CincyNKY 2024 for more details.
Representation matters—both in the stories we tell and the voices we uplift. As we listen to and share the stories of immigrants, we begin to dismantle the "single story" and replace it with a tapestry of rich, varied narratives that truly reflect the human experience. This October let’s celebrate storytelling as a tool for empowerment and representation, and honor the voices that shape our collective understanding.
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BRYAN WRIGHTExecutive DirectorCincinnati Compass |
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Still Moving - Featured FotoFocus Biennial Exhibit |
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The opening reception and facilitated discussion for the Still Moving art exhibit was a wonderful success! Attendees had the chance to connect with some of Cincinnati’s influential immigrant leaders, learning how their personal journeys have fueled their passion for community leadership. The event sparked meaningful conversations, challenged misconceptions, and highlighted the incredible contributions immigrants make to the fabric of our city. If you missed the opening, don’t worry—the Still Moving exhibit is still open for viewing at the Reed Gallery at the University of Cincinnati DAAP building, Hours: Sunday - Thursday 10a.m.-5p.m. through November 21st, 2024. Join us as we continue to celebrate the powerful stories of these leaders and gain insight into how their experiences have shaped the diverse, vibrant community we all cherish. |
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Fluent Friends @ Covedale Branch of the Cincinnati Public Library |
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Fluent Friends is after-school hangout for young people ages 13-18 who are non-native English speakers from 4-5pm every Tuesday. kThis is not a language class, and there is no formal language instruction. This is a conversation group where young people can practice their English skills in a low-pressure, supportive environment. Join for a casual hangout with other English language learners. Activities will be planned just to get the conversation going. Contact: Margaret Buck - margaret.buck@chpl.org | https://chpl.org/events |
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Upcoming Events |
FEATURED EVENTS |
14th Annual APNET Symposium Gala |
November 2, 2024 | 5 - 9:00 P.M. | Carl H. Lindner College University of Cincinnati |
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You are cordially invited to an evening of inspiration, culture, and celebration at the 14th Annual APNET Symposium Gala. This prestigious event will showcase dynamic community speakers, honor outstanding scholarship recipients, and feature captivating entertainment, including a vibrant fashion show, a silent auction, and exquisite African cuisine. Whether you seek to network with like-minded professionals, advance your business, or simply indulge in an evening of cultural richness, this event is not to be missed. It's a unique opportunity to connect with innovative leaders, celebrate those making a difference in our community, and support a noble cause. Event Highlights:
Networking & Cocktails Silent Auction & Fundraising Activities Dinner & Music Fashion Show & Cultural Entertainment Distinguished Speakers - Award/Scholarship Presentations
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Asianati Night Market | October 17-20, 2024 |
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The Asianati Night Market returns to BLINK, featuring a wide array of unique Asian street foods. This year, we're expanding the market to include not just food vendors but also Asian-owned businesses and artists in our immersive installation. Expect more family-friendly activities, games, snacks, and merch. |
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More than Meets the Eye – Concert and Community Exhibition | October 10 |
Sawyer Point Building | October 10, 6 p.m. |
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17th Annual Bianu | October 12 |
Cincinnati Music Hall | October 12, 6:30 p.m. |
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More than Meets the Eye | October 14 |
Walnut Hills Library Branch | October 14, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. |
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Community Night at BLINK | October 18 |
A Picture’s Worth, Kentucky Refugee Ministries & Summermusik | Roebling Books & Coffee – Covington, 306 Greenup St, Covington, KY 41011 | 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. |
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Community Night at BLINK | October 19 |
A Picture’s Worth, Kentucky Refugee Ministries & Summermusik | Roebling Books & Coffee – Newport, 601 Overton St, Newport, KY 41071| 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. |
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BLINK | October 17-20 |
Cincinnati, Ohio & Northern Kentucky |
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Free Webinar: Retaining International STEM Talent | October 23 |
E Pluribus / Economic Innovation Group | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
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2nd Africa America Trade and Investment Summit | October 30 |
True Shea | Union Hall, 1311 Vine Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
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14th Annual APNET Symposium/Gala: Celebrating Excellence In Our Community | November 2 |
African Professionals Network (APNET) | UC Lindner College of Business [Main Lobby & Auditorium], 2906 Woodside Drive, Cincinnati, OH, 45221 | 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. |
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Owning Your Story: Counternarrative and Storytelling as Tools for Advocacy | November 13 |
Reed Gallery at the University of Cincinnati DAAP building | 6 p.m. |
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