Afghan Professionals in New York

Celebrate the diversity and beauty of Afghanistan's culture with family-friendly arts, music, dance, henna, fashion & more! Engage with hands-on henna, participate in arts and crafts workshops, experience the sounds of traditional music, shop with local vendors, and learn from local experts about kite-making, pottery, carpet weaving, traditional dress and more! Featuring a special exhibition by award-winning Afghan miniaturist Shafiullah Shahdad and performances by master dambora musician, Ahmad Gholami. General Admission | $10 + eventbrite service fee ArtsWestchester Members | $5 + eventbrite service fee Youth 16 & Under | FREE *Bring cash for food and other vendors Organized by ArtsWestchester and Hearts & Homes for Refugees

Based in New York, NY, the Afghan American Artists and Writers Association represents a collective united by both ancestral ties to Afghanistan and a shared vision for social justice that extends to marginalized communities worldwide. AAAWA was founded to address the systematic erasure and cultural reduction of Afghan voices in American mainstream media, creating dedicated spaces where artists and writers can present work that authentically reflects the complexity of Afghan American life. The organization brings together Afghans, Muslims, and queer Americans with intersectional identities who recognize their interconnection through more than just heritage—through a commitment to challenging imperialism, capitalism, and systems of oppression. Through community exhibitions, creative workshops, and public commentaries, AAAWA illuminates issues ranging from the psychological impacts of multigenerational warfare to questions of identity formation in diaspora, gender expression, and sexuality. The collective's work in New York serves as a vital cultural hub where Afghan American perspectives are centered rather than marginalized, where nuance replaces stereotypes, and where artistic expression becomes a tool for social transformation. By fostering dialogue and creative exchange among its members and broader audiences, AAAWA demonstrates how cultural organizations can serve as spaces of resistance, healing, and collective vision-building for communities navigating displacement, identity, and belonging.

Women for Afghan Women (WAW) is a community-driven organization dedicated to empowering disenfranchised Afghan women and girls in Fresh Meadows, NY and beyond. Founded in April 2001 by volunteers responding to the urgent needs of Afghan immigrant women in Queens, WAW has evolved into a trusted refuge and advocate for vulnerable populations facing isolation, language barriers, and the lasting impacts of gender-based violence. The organization recognizes that many Afghan and Muslim immigrant families in the Fresh Meadows area and throughout New York experience profound isolation due to language limitations, unfamiliar legal systems, and economic dependence. WAW's community centers serve as safe spaces where women and children can access education, build social networks, and learn about their rights within the U.S. justice system. The organization's deeply personal approach stems from understanding that in Afghanistan, domestic violence is often treated as a private family matter, leaving survivors without protection or recourse. WAW bridges this gap by providing culturally appropriate support that honors Afghan traditions while affirming women's rights to safety and dignity. Beyond direct services, WAW plays a vital role in building bridges between public sector institutions and Muslim communities, offering cultural competency training to law enforcement and community leaders. The organization's vision extends to Afghanistan, where WAW partners with local and international organizations to expand protections and humanitarian support despite ongoing political and economic challenges. Every client served by WAW—whether in Fresh Meadows or Afghanistan—is treated with respect, provided services free of charge, and supported on their journey toward self-sufficiency, peace, and freedom from fear.