Coming to the United States at a young age, Ibrahima Sow endured a number of experiences that qualified as culture shock. Navigating his way in this new world, he met each challenge with heart and courage all the while determined to maintain his identity. What he learned is something that we can all benefit from; when culture shock is met with compassion, it can create a vibrant and strong community.

Ibrahima Sow is an immigrant from Senegal, West Africa. Coming to the United States at age 8, Ibrahima went through Columbus City Schools and became a first-generation college graduate from The Ohio State University. Being a local advocate for resource accessibility and opportunity for our refugee and immigrant neighbors, he became the first foreign born to make a general election during the Columbus City Council race in 2015. After the ultimate loss, he has remained active, presently leading the New Citizens Advocacy Coalition and engaged in awareness campaigns for neighbors to embrace our diversity through cultural dialogue in all neighborhoods.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx