Reza Jalali, Executive Director of the Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center, at Tonight’s Grand Opening of Photography Show.  It runs Until June 18 2023.

Narmony Keita, (Left in Red),  With Some of His Drumming Students at Tonight’s Grand Opening of a Photography Show – “Africa to Maine”

A large crowd attended the grand opening of “Africa to Maine” – a photography show currently at the Portland Public Library, Lewis Gallery, 5 Monument Square.  The show is produced by Raza Jalali, Executive Director of the Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center.  The photography exhibit opened last month and runs through June 18, 2023.

With so many people still wearing face masks, some were barely recognizable.  But former state representtive from Portland, Dick Farnsworth, said:  “Our sensitivity to immigrants has increased significantly.”  Danelle King, Operations Manager, for the Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center, said:  “This is a terrific turnout for the event.”  That’s an understatement.

Entaining the guests was a drumming circle led by Namony Keita from West Africa.  He was drumming with his students  at the Portland New Church on Stevens Avenue.  A dance group could not be included at the grand opening this evening because of the small space at the Lewis Gallery at the Portland Public Library.

For more background information on the Grand Opening, please visit post herein dated April 5,2023.