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Maine Association of Broadcasters Award 2019

9/14/2019

This is a special 30 minute sampler highlighting three segments from shows over the past year. This recording was submitted to the Maine Association of Broadcasters and won 2nd place in the Public Affairs category on Saturday, Sept 14, 2019.

My special thanks goes out to WMPG leadership for their unwavering support of this show and to my wonderful, trusting, beautiful and courageous guests for their time and willingness to share themselves on the air.

Three Shows Telescoped into One:
African Dundada (South Sudan).
NMS 204 aired on 4/21/19 (0:00 to 10:00)
Mariella Uwimana (Rwanda).
NMS 201 aired on 3/10/19 (10:00 to 22:55)
Mateo Hodo (Albania).
NMS 187 aired on 7/29/2018 (22:55 to 30:00)

nms_telescoped_for_mab_submission_2019.mp3
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213 Golaleh Yazdani

9/8/2019

Golaleh was born and raised in Iran where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts (metal and jewelry) from the University of Art in Tehran. Three and a half years ago she came to Maine to attend Maine College of Art (MECA) for a Master's Degree in Fine Arts which she completed in May of 2018. Golaleh's portfolio and upcoming events are posted on her website: www.golalehyazdani.com.
Golaleh talks about how everyday women resist the oppression of conservative laws in Iran and how their acts inspire her and possibly weave their way into her art from time to time.

Music: Mohsen Namjoo sings "Zolf"

nms_213_golaleh_yazdani_iran_sept_8_2019.mp3
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212 Saïd Eastman

8/25/2019

Saïd Eastman came to Springvale, ME from Tangier, Morocco as a young boy in 1979.
He is the CEO/GM of JobsInTheUS.com which operates 50 hyper local state job sites plus Washington, DC. The first of the 50 sites www.JobsInME.com is celebrating 20 years of helping employers and job seekers find one another in Maine. This is a platform for connecting job seekers with employers and provides additional free resources to help seekers prepare for job searching. Saïd speaks to the concept of "human capital" and how he tries to humanize job searching for seekers and while delivering quality candidates to employers. The resources on his sites are free to job seekers.

As someone who was raised with a love for Morocco and the USA, Saïd values both assimilation and honoring one's heritage. To ensure people know where Morocco is located and its contributions to the region he administers a Facebook group called Morocco Is Not The Middle East. The group is member curated and highlights culture, cuisine and gorgeous landscapes of Morocco. Join and check out the pictures, videos and commentary on Morocco.

Music: "Clandestino" by Manu Chao/Playing for Change

nms_212_said_eastman_morocco_aug_25_2019_mp3.mp3
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211 Delphia Watchiba

8/13/2019

Delphia was born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo and moved to Maine when she was four years old. Now she is ten years old, a brand new American citizen, and about to start fifth grade at Reiche Elementary School.

Delphia plays squash at Portland Community Squash and takes piano lessons through a program called 240 Strings. Last winter she had the honor of introducing her music group at Janet Mills' Inauguration event where she also was delighted to get to meet the new governor.

Music: Lauren Daigle sings "You Say"

nms_211_delphia_watchiba_081119.mp3
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210 Jumana Alhanfy

7/21/2019

Jumana and her family came to Maine in January of 2017. Since that time she worked while she took adult education classes and also completed an Associate's Degree. She has begun doing research at University of New England where she will matriculate this fall. Jumana recommends this path to others getting started in Maine because she felt she got excellent support at Southern Maine Community College and is now off to pursue her dream of being a dentist.

Jumana has enjoyed an easy transition to the US thanks to her excellent English skills, supportive family, joy of learning and many welcoming Mainers along the way.

Music: The song that reminds Jumana of her early days in Maine: Ed Sheeran "Shape of You."

nms_210_2_jumana_alhanfy_iraq_july_21_2019.mp3
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209 Layla Kargar

7/14/2019

Layla and her family came to Portland, ME as refugees in 1989. Her family was originally from Herat, Afghanistan.
Layla is a business woman who owns and runs a payment company called Portland Payments which sells the credit card equipment to merchants. She speaks about how to be savvy as a cosumer.
In spring of 2018 she and her editorial team launched the inaugural issue of the magazine called Incomer. Incomer is a quarterly print and digital magazine that strives to shine a light on the good works of local immigrants.

Additionally, Layla is presently running for Portland City Council from the third district.

Music: "For What It's Worth" by Buffalo Springfield.

nms_209_layla_kargar_2_afghanistan_july_14_2019.mp3
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208 Maurice Habimfura

6/16/2019

Maurice and his wife came to Portland, ME from Rwanda in 2014.
He is a dancer, choreographer, drummer and master of Rwandan dance. Maurice started to dance in 1995 and in 2006 he joined a group of dance at University called the Indangamuco Cultural Ballet. Once here in Maine they joined Ikirenga cy'Intore and perform traditional Rwandan dances called Imihamirizo around the state and beyond. For links to upcoming shows click here for June and August 2 and Aug 24.
Maurice is all about conserving his traditional cultural heritage. Additionally, he is a CNA, nursing student at UNE, father of two young children, and brand new US citizen.
Music: "Ikiribazayire" performed by Uwizihiwe Charles

nms_208_maurice_habimfura_rwanda_june_16_2019.mp3
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207 Ken Niyonkuru

6/2/2019

Ken came to Portland from Burundi in late December 2016 as a sophomore in high school. He learned English very quickly and took rigorous courses at Deering High School where he distinguished himself academically.
With the help of his school's program called Make It Happen! Ken was able to find his way through the maze of college applications and will attend Connecticut College in the fall.
Beyond his school work, his job as a cashier at a local grocery store, and volunteering at the homeless shelter, Ken also was accepted into the selective year-long program at The Telling Room. The Young Writers and Leaders Program fosters written and spoken expression. Through this experience Ken learned to speak publicly, share his creative works openly and he became published, all before graduating from high school.

Music: Canco Hamisi sings "Ewe Burundi"

nms_207_ken_niyonkuru_burundi_june_2_2019.mp3
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206 Christielle Mutoniwase

5/26/2019

Ikirenga cy'Intore is a local Portland dancing and drumming group performing the traditional dances of Rwanda. The choreography depicts scenes of hunting, fishing and other activities while wearing traditional costumes and moving to the rhythms being created on handmade drums. Christielle Mutoniwase started the group in 2015 to perform at cultural events and weddings in the area. There are now ten members who invite others to sample the ancient dances at many different venues.
You can see them perform in Maine or by viewing their facebook page or their website.

Music: "Ganyobwe" by King James

nms_206_christielle_mutoniwase_rwanda_may_26_2019.mp3
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205 Papy Bongibo

5/5/2019

Papy Bongibo came to Maine in 2010 and is now the President of the Congolese Community of Maine. The Congolese population in the state numbers about 2,000 strong. The organization works to solve common barriers many immigrants experience: housing, education, workforce and childcare. Presently, CoCoMaine is conducting a survey about the child care needs throughout the community so that they can develop an affordable and accessible parenting cooperative. You can learn more about their organizing efforts on their facebook page: cocomaine.
Papy is not only the leader of CoCoMaine but he is also the founder of New England African Arts, Entertainment and Community Association which brings big name artists overseas to create a vibrant arts community to Maine venues.

Music: Fally Ipupa sings "Maria PM"

nms_205_papy_bongibo_drc_may_5_2019.mp3
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Maine Association of Broadcasters Award 2019

213 Golaleh Yazdani

212 Saïd Eastman

211 Delphia Watchiba

210 Jumana Alhanfy

209 Layla Kargar

208 Maurice Habimfura

207 Ken Niyonkuru

206 Christielle Mutoniwase

205 Papy Bongibo

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