Community Cinema [DC]‘s “Welcome to Shelbyville” presents an opportunity to talk about immigration from two perspectives: persons who are new American citizens of Muslim faith; persons who, like Miss Luci in the film, are committed to being welcoming guides and teachers about what it means to be and American.

Busboys and Poets, April 30, 5 PM

Washington DCJCC, May 15, 3 PM

Sadia Ali Aden is a human rights activist and writer. She is an active member of D.C.’s Somali community. Her articles on Somalia and Islam have been published by media groups around the world: Huffington Post, Middle East On-Line, Islam Online, Global Politician, Aljazeera Magazine, Foreign Policy Forum and Media Monitor Network, Scoop, and Worldpress. She has been interviewed on NPR, BBC, VOA, and Aljazeera discussing Somali/Muslim issues . Ms. Ali Aden co-founded Adar Foundation, Somali Diaspora Youth and is the founder of the Diaspora voice. (4/30 and 5/15)


Allison Kokkoros is the principal of the Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School. Founded in 1970, the Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School was the first Charter awarded for adult education in the nation. Their students come from as many as 78 nations speaking over 35 languages. Class options range from the basic English Literacy and life skills necessary for successful introduction to American life, to Career Level English and Professional Certificate Courses in Technology and Culinary Arts. Classes are offered in the morning, afternoon and evening to accommodate differing students’ work and family schedules. (5/15)


For reservations: Click on this link, or call 202-939-0794

Note: This post has been updated. Both guest speakers will join the May 15 screening at the Washington DCJCC