Director’s Note
Diaspora has always been personal to me.
For over a decade, I have had the honor of co-founding and serving as Creative Director of the award-winning Gahanna Lincoln High School Diaspora program. I’ve watched young people discover their voices, confront their truths, and step boldly into their brilliance. What began as a school-based cultural production has become something far greater; proof that when young people are trusted with their stories, they transform stages into sanctuaries and performances into movements. Diaspora: Truth from the Youth is the evolution of that vision.
This citywide production unites 9th–12th grade students from across Columbus to create something powerful and unforgettable through art, music, movement, and imagination. This is more than a show. It is solidarity. It is collaboration. It is cultural pride embodied.
As a nationally recognized, award-winning educator and Black Studies curriculum developer, my life’s work has centered on empowering youth through creative and culturally responsive education. I believe deeply that scholarship and artistry belong together. I believe our students are not only learners but they are also visionaries, creators, and leaders. Diaspora is where they get to practice that truth publicly.
This generation is the generation of creatives; young people who will create opportunities for themselves. They must learn who they are, understand that they can build what they need and believe that they can become who they are called to be. But they cannot do it alone. It takes our guidance. Our investment. Our belief.
Diaspora is a platform for transformation, representation, and empowerment. I invite you not just to watch but to join the movement. Donate. Mentor. Share. Show up. Through Diaspora: Truth from the Youth we can ensure that the truth from our youth continues to shine.
With gratitude and vision,
Dr. Donja Thomas Creator & Director, Diaspora: Truth from
the Youth
Production Team
Creative director
Dr. Donja Thomas
Asst. Creative director
Malina Ronét Ransom (Gahanna Lincoln, Class of 2016)
Audio/Visual
Bobbi and Harold Townes from Bloom Audio Sound Consultants
STAGE CREW LEADS
Lamou Conde (Gahanna Lincoln, Class of 2015)
Lauren Woods (Gahanna Lincoln, Class of 2015)
STAGE CREW
Kiara Brown (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
A’merie Bowman (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
Pearl Foncha (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
Josh Grant (Gahanna Lincoln, 11)
Carlton Harris (Gahanna Lincoln, 11)
Marvin Nimo (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
Oluwajuwon Ogunyemi Jr. (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
Paul Pace (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
Rayshawn Pittman (Gahanna Lincoln, 11)
Zayden Santiago (Gahanna Lincoln, 11)
Sophia Williams (Fort Hayes, 10)
USHERS
Josh Grant (Gahanna Lincoln, 11)
Carlton Harris (Gahanna Lincoln, 11)
Rayshawn Pittman (Gahanna Lincoln, 11)
Emanuela Pokua (Gahanna Lincoln, 11)
EMCEES
All emcees are students at gahanna lincoln high school
James Balde (12)
Jeffery Douglass Jr. (12)
Nyla Lucas (12)
Ronald Neal (11
Aandrea Peavy (11)
Art pieceS
“For
Alivia Pinckney (11)
Nylee Smith (12)
Rohey Suso (12)
Yasmine Ray Thompson (11)
the ancestors, The Black excellence”
By Nylee SMith (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
“Black
Joy”
By dionna kendrick (Reynoldsburg High School Summit Campus, 12)
Additional team
DJ MR. KinG
Videographer
Photographer - Dwain Thomas
Social Media Chair - Kamaron Zachary (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
This production has 2 acts And a total of 28 performances by 84 Students from 8 central ohio high schools. running time: approx 2.5 hours, including one 15 minute intermission
ACT I
Sounds of Blackness - ‘We Been’
Jefferey, Aandrea, James, & Yasmine
Fellowship and Faith - ‘Lift Every Voice’ Nylee
“Lift Every Voice and Sing”
Israel Dairo, piano (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
Addison Dia, vocals (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
Rylie Holmes, vocals (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
Sanaiya Mohamed, vocals (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
Roots - ‘The Things We Carry’Rohey & Ronald
Heir
Ellis Kalala (Gahanna Lincoln, 10)
Afro Dance
CHOREOGRAPHY BY Phillip Adu-Acheampong, Bri Asenso, Ginelle Attah Gyamfi, Marvin Nimo, Rita Ofori, & Abena Osei-Kuffour
**Full group & songs listed on pg 10
The Path to Healing - ‘Removing the Mask’ Nyla
Today I
Spoke
with an Owl
Mikayla Boan (Gahanna Lincoln, 10)
“Stole the Show” by SIENNA SPIRO
Ajani Fennoy (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
See the truth of me Video Clip of Dr. Thema Bryant
“Things Will Get Better” by Cleo Sol
Addison Dia (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
RAEgan’s Wisdom
Raegan Harris (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
DEnotes an original PERFORMANCE THAT Students choreographed, wrote, or arranged -
“Mirror” by Kendrick Lamar
Selene Burks (Gahanna Lincoln, 11)
Seleste Burks (Gahanna Lincoln, 11)
Nature’s Soul
Mikayla Boan (Gahanna Lincoln, 10)
COLTRANE - ‘A Love Supreme’Jefferey
The Best Good Video Clip of John Coltrane
Coltrane Tribute
Intro and “Contribution to Coltrane” acrylic painting by Ashe Houser “Impressions”, “In a Sentimental Mood”, and “Giant Steps” by John Coltrane
** Full band listed on pg 11
Purpose of Praise - ‘Living Words’ Aandrea & James
“Proverbs 4:23/Not Finished”
Garnell Sowell (Hilliard Bradley, 12)
“TOTAL PRAISE” by Richard Smallwood
ChoreographY by Naiya Sayavong
Aliyah Batts (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
Felicia Fordjour (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
Queen Garsoo (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
Cultural Connections - ‘Kokujin bunka’Rohey
Sukiyaki Video Clip of taste of honey
SUKIYAKI
Ashe Houser (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
“Jump Up, Super Star!” froM
Arrangement by Brie Kalala
Intro By Brie Kalala And Ellis Kalala
** Full band listed on pg 11
ACT II
A Rose for Rosewood - ‘Listen with Intention’Rohey & Nylee
Rosewood Tribute
“SUMMERTIME” By George Gershwin from PORGY&BESS
** Full band listed on pg 11
Let Freedom Ring - ‘Freedom Song’ Ronald & Livvy
Freedom
Layla Williams (Gahanna Lincoln, 11)
Black Boys Shine - ‘Still Becoming’ Jefferey
“DREAMS”
Lamine Komara (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
Dear Mr. Black Man
Walter Jones (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
He Stayed
Devin VanDunk (Gahanna Lincoln, 11)
Finding Love - ‘Love is all We Need’ Nylee, Nyla, Yasmine, & Livvy
“Overjoyed” by Stevie Wonder
Rylie Holmes (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
“Use Your Heart” by SWV
Lai Williams (Gahanna Lincoln, 11)
Layla Williams (Gahanna Lincoln, 11)
“At Last” by Etta James
Israel Dairo, piano (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
Sanaiya Mohamed, vocals (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
DEnotes an original PERFORMANCE THAT Students choreographed, wrote, or arranged -
Expressions
of
Blackness -
‘It
Ain’t Hard to Tell’
Aandrea, Yasmine, & Livvy
IamaQueen
/Black ASL Fashion Show
Natalie Andrews (Gahanna Lincoln, 11)
Nora Andrews (Gahanna Lincoln, 11)
Songs listed on Pg 10
Rita Anokor Ofori (Gahanna Lincoln, 11)
Marvin Nimo (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
Raegan Harris (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
Zion Davis (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
Walter Jones (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
Fluent Translations
Zyara King (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
GLHS CHEER
Coaches: Hannah Norman & Niesa Gordon
** Full group & songs listed on pg 10
Rhythm & Blues - ‘Rhythm & Black’ Aandrea, Rohey, Nylee
“The Boy is Mine”
by
Brandy
and Monica
Rylie Holmes (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
Sanaiya Mohamed (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
R&B Mashup - GLHS Lionettes
** Full group & songs listed on pg 10
LEAD CHOREOGRAPHER: Naiya Sayavong Represent Lamine Komara (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
Grand Closing - ‘This is How We Represent’
Nyla, James, Livvy, Nylee, Rohey, & Ronald
Large groups
Afro Dance
CHOREOGRAPHY BY Phillip Adu-Acheampong, Bri Asenso, Ginelle Attah Gyamfi, Marvin Nimo,
Rita Ofori, & Abena Osei-Kuffour
“U Go Kill Me (feat. El)” by Sarkodie, “Ayi (feat. Bisa Kdei)” by Criss Waddle,“Santos edit Body YaAzo” BY DJ Santo$, “Zenzele (feat. Royal Musiq, CowBoii, Uncool MC & Xduppy)” by Uncle Waffles, “Shake Ah (feat. Tony duardo, optimist music za & ex maestro)” by tyla, “Uyah! (feat. 2wo Bunnies, jay music & imbongiYosizi)” by uncle waffles, “Azingele (feat. S.K. Blinks)” by Ruff-N-Smooth, And “Move back” by 5Five
Chrissy Addo (Gahanna Lincoln, 11)
Phillip Adu-Acheampong (Westerville North, 12)
Rita Anokor Ofori (Gahanna Lincoln, 11)
Bri Asenso (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
Bruno Foncha (Reynoldsburg, 10)
Pearl Foncha (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
Branden Aidoo (The Charles School at Ohio Dominican University, 11)
Marvin Nimo (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
Abena Osei-Kuffour (Gahanna Lincoln, 11)
Holleigh Sakwa (Gahanna Lincoln, 11)
Layal Williams (Columbus Alternative, 12)
GLHS CHEER
All Cheerleaders are students at gahanna lincoln high school
“I Need a Hot Girl (Instrumental)” by Cash Money Millionaires, “Who You Wit” by Lil Jon & East Side Boyz
Cydneigh Baylis (10)
Mia Braima (10)
Ari Broadnax (12)
Aja Bush (10)
Keiarra Davis (12)
Maliyah Edwards (11)
Ajani Fennoy (12)
Anastasia Goodwin (10)
Mya Green (11)
GLHS Lionettes
Damaiya Jones (11)
Isabelle Kopp (12)
Brianna Marshall (10)
Infinitee Mock (12)
Taliyah Moore (11)
Niy Robinson-Pugh (9)
Teryn Sails (10)
Naima Woodley (11)
All Dancers are students at gahanna lincoln high school
“Poison” by Bel biv devoe, “rock the boat” by aaliyah, “tell me” by dru hill,“Supersonic” by j.J. Fad
Aliyah Batts (12)
Felicia Fordjour (12)
Queen Garsoo (12)
Rylie Holmes (12)
Fashion Show
Salaya Miller-Williams (12)
Danyelle Price (12)
Aneika Ray Thompson (12)
Yasmine Ray Thompson (11)
“EA (Feat 21 savage)” By Young Nudy, “ I Found my smile again” By D’Angelo, “Fashion” By Cortis, “Who is THat?” by K!nO
(& songs)
“Jump Up, Super Star!” froM
super Mario Odyssey
Arrangement by Brie Kalala
**Denotes Soloists
VOCAlIST
Kassidee Jones, lead vocals (Gahanna Lincoln, 11)
Woodwinds
Dejáun Brantley, clarinet (Gahanna Lincoln, 10)
Brandon Jiang, clarinet (Gahanna Lincoln, 11)
**Brie Kalala, flute (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
Priyanka Kelawala (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
Bella Wymer, clarinet (Gahanna Lincoln, 11)
Saxophones
Samuel Akers, alto sax. 2 (Pickerington North, 11)
** Ellis Kalala, sax. 0 (Gahanna Lincoln, 10)
Kaiden Shaw, alto sax. 1 (Gahanna Lincoln, 10)
Xander Mayeres (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
Horns
Isaac Banks, also french horn (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
Zach Boesger, trumpet (Gahanna Lincoln, 10)
Tyler Butts, trumpet (Gahanna Lincoln, 11)
Nathaniel Black, clarinet (Gahanna Lincoln, 11)
Dylan Butler, trumpet (Gahanna Lincoln, 10)
Xander Mayeres (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
Rhythm Section
Max Akers, bass (Pickerington North, 10)
Amari Palmer, guitar (Fort Hayes, 11)
**Matthew Peck, drums (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
COLTRANE & ROSEWOOD TRIBUTE
Phillip Adu-Acheampong, Coltrane saxophone (Westerville North, 12)
Max Akers, bass (Pickerington North, 10)
Ethan Akoi, saxophone (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
Ajani Fennoy, Rosewood dancer (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
Ashe Houser, Coltrane intro, & clarinet soloist (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
Natalie Johnson, guitar (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
Kassidee Jones, Rosewood vocals (Gahanna Lincoln, 11)
Matthew Peck, drums (Gahanna Lincoln, 12)
SPECIAL THANKS TO...
Derrik Pannell
Center of Entrepreneurial Development
Sheri Neale & Maroon Arts Group
Adia and Elisha Holmes
Steve King
Rashad Thomas
Deborah Thomas
Serena Travis
Helene Biandudi
Othni Turner
Tia Coates
Jessica Rupp
Bernard Lawshea
Amber Slaughter
Brother Cecil Ahad
Alisha Martin
Natasha Lucas
Valin Haynes
Michelle Harris
Jennifer Bell Williams
Deneen Davis
Tami Andrews
Nalene Jenkins
Sharonda Thompson
Dwayne Marshall
Bridges Family
Ransom Family
Drake Schmidt
Kat Leonard
Cynthia Macioce