Get in Touch: Voices and Visions with Dr. Ismaili

In celebration of Black History Month, the focus of the exhibit "Cultural Connections" is to highlight the influences of African immigrants on African American culture. This workshop will extend that idea and encourage people to consider their own cultural identity and its influence on the American culture at large.

Surrounded by the colorful work of Tesfaye Tessema, Dr Ismaili will start by reading her poem evoked by the paintings. The audience will be able to consider Tessema's use of the Afro hair pick as a symbol of his culture and reflect upon their own cultural icons. Dr Ismaili will then lead a workshop for both children and adults, starting with a reflection on the work of Tesfaye Tessema. People will be encouraged to create their own response, either writing their own experiences or illustrating them with symbols, exploring their own culture through its symbols, icons and traditions.

Dr Ismaili arrived from Africa as a young woman and has lived in New York ever since. She has been a writer in residence in many colleges and art centers and organized university events focusing on poets and musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds. Dr Ismaili is a noted writer, poet and playwright as well as running a small gallery - Galleria Africa -bringing new voices and visions to the New York art scene The Springfield Ave Partnership has partnered with 1978 for this event.