Press & Features | The Assembly Room

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Women In History

Jeannine Gaskin joined Women In History at the beginning of 2022. Jeannine feels strongly that black women's stories need to be shared with as many people that will listen.

Apr 25

Built Strong program boosts minority-owned businesses to benefit from Greater Cleveland's construction boom: Mission Possible

Author: Jeff Reidel Published: 9:45 AM EDT April 12, 2026 Updated: 9:45 AM EDT April 12, 2026 https://www.wkyc.com/article/money/economy/mission-possible/built-strong-minority-owned-businesses-greater-cleveland-construction-boom-mission-possible/95-c73507bd-8155-4b24-a633-61a78d742f90 CLEVELAND — Greater Cleveland is in a construction boom, with nearly $30 billion in projects expected over the coming years.

Apr 12

Built Strong: Building Cleveland’s future

Posted by: Laura DeMarco / Video by Megan Gallagher on Monday, November 17, 2025 https://greatercle.com/blog/gcp-news/built-strong-building-cleveland-s-future/ Built Strong is helping to reshape the landscape of Cleveland’s construction industry. Developed at the Greater Cleveland Partnership and led by Cheryl C. Perez enterprises, Built Strong was designed to do more than simply help minority- and women-owned construction firms get jobs or win bids.

Nov 17, 2025

Spectrum News: Hundreds to compete at first Rock Hall Salsa Across Borders

BY Tanya Velazquez Cleveland PUBLISHED 9:19 AM ET Aug. 09, 2025 https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/news/2025/08/09/salsa-across-border-new CLEVELAND — Hundreds of dancers from across the state are preparing to show off their best moves at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where music, dance and history are taking center stage this weekend.

Aug 9, 2025

Learning from our mistakes:' Women in History Ohio performers educate, inspire

Ideastream Public Media | By Abbey Marshall Published June 12, 2025 at 6:10 AM EDT Ruth Pangrace and Jeannine Gaskin share a laugh following a Women In History Ohio performance at the Maple Heights Senior Center.

Jun 12, 2025

Test Flight Part 1 – Week 3: Poems of An Angry Feminist / The Stars Made Me Gay

The Stars Made Me Gay: Queer Anthology Vol. 1 By Lauren Lash Directed by Kate Smith Produced by Jeannine Gaskin

Feb 20, 2025

WKYC Spotlight

Leon sits down with Playwright francisca da silviera and Co-Director & Cast Member Jeannine Gaskin of not-for-profit (or the equity, diversity and inclusion play). Author: wkyc.com Published: 10:29 PM EDT October 29, 2024 Updated: 10:29 PM EDT October 29, 2024

Oct 29, 2024

Cleveland.com Feature

By Joey Morona, cleveland.com CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Playwright Francisca Da Silveira calls “not-for-profit (or the equity, diversity and inclusion play)” her “calling card play.” She often has her agent send it to theaters and television producers interested in getting to know her as a writer

Oct 18, 2024

Rock Hall to hold event next Tuesday for minority contractors, small business owners

By: Remi Murrey Posted 10:15 PM, Jun 13, 2024 and last updated 11:17 PM, Jun 13, 2024 June Jamboree aims to combine resources, enhance contractor success and support small, minority, and women-owned businesses.

Jun 13, 2024

Fairview Park DEI Colation

Updated: Apr. 04, 2024, 11:40 a.m. | Published: Apr. 04, 2024, 8:05 a.m. By John Benson, special to cleveland.com FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio -- The Fairview Park Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Coalition earlier this year started presenting monthly workshops.

Apr 4, 2024

From the first note to the final step… this is how the day unfolds.

Salsa Across Borders returns to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for a full day of rhythm, culture, and community, where music moves us, history grounds us, and dance brings us together.

From live music and cultural activations to immersive family experiences and our highly anticipated dance competition, every moment is designed to connect, celebrate, and honor the global rhythms that unite us.

This is a free outdoor community event on the Rock Hall Plaza, open to all. RSVP covers the outdoor experience, with separate admission required for the Museum. Cleveland residents and Rock Hall members receive free Museum access through the CLE VIP program.

Join us July 19th for another powerful celebration where rhythm, culture, and community move as one.

Registration link in bio!

#rockhall #cleveland #community #LikeFollowShare #salsadancing

Cinco de Mayo is more than a celebration… it is a story of resistance.

Rooted in the Battle of Puebla, this day marks a moment when the underdog rose, when community, courage, and culture stood strong against power. Over time, that spirit traveled, finding its way into the hearts of Black and Brown communities across the United States.

During the Civil Rights Movement, Cinco de Mayo became more than history… it became a platform. A space to stand for equity, dignity, and visibility. A reminder that our struggles are often shared, and so is our strength.

Today, we celebrate the music, the movement, the joy… but we also honor the meaning beneath it. The resilience. The unity. The power of culture to connect us across borders.

On this day, we celebrate community.
We celebrate what becomes possible when we move beyond barriers, when we stand together, and when we choose unity over division.

Because history has shown us… when we move as one, we rise together.

#salsaacrossborders #AssemblyRoom #cincodemayo #Community #culture

This year’s judges don’t just know the rhythm… they are the rhythm.

Gladisa Guadalupe
A powerhouse of classical excellence, Gladisa Guadalupe brings over 40 years of global ballet mastery, shaping generations of dancers and elevating Cleveland’s artistic landscape.

Krisilyn Frazier
Rooted in Afro-diasporic traditions and global performance, Krisilyn Frazier blends cultural depth, elite training, and storytelling to honor dance as both art and language.

Margie Colón
Known as “Pura Salsa,” Margie Colón fuses two decades of dance mastery with community impact, using rhythm as both celebration and a force for change.

Join us July 19th at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for another unforgettable day of rhythm, culture, and community at Salsa Across Borders.

Registration link in bio!

#salsadancing #cleveland #RockHall #Community #maythe4thbewithyou

There’s a certain kind of magic you don’t plan… you feel it.

Last year, it showed up in laughter echoing across the plaza, in little feet trying their first steps, in seasoned dancers moving like poetry, and in strangers becoming community before the song even ended. It lived in every drumbeat, every spin, every shared moment.

This is what Salsa Across Borders is all about.

Not just an event… a living, breathing reminder that when we come together through art, music, and rhythm, something bigger than all of us takes shape. This is where true community happens. No barriers. No titles. Just energy, culture, and connection moving as one.

And we’re doing it again.
- Free family fun for all
- Culture, history, and music you can feel
- A dance floor open to everyone, from first-timers to seasoned performers

And to the dancers… this is your moment.

Whether you’re just finding your rhythm or you’ve been dancing for years, the stage is calling. The competition is open, the crowd is ready, and the energy? It’s unmatched.

🔗 Link in bio to RSVP and register to compete FREE!!

#SalsaAcrossBorders #Salsa #Cleveland #Community #Culture

There’s a rhythm behind the rhythm.

Before the music plays, before the dancers take the floor, before the crowd gathers… there’s a circle of people listening, shaping, building something bigger than themselves.

This is that circle.

Salsa Across Borders doesn’t happen because of one person, one vision, or one moment. It happens because a community shows up, speaks up, and creates together. Every voice matters. Every perspective adds a new layer to the experience.

This competition, this stage, this energy… it’s not just an event.

It’s what happens when culture is honored, when people are heard, and when we choose to build with each other instead of around each other.

We say “across borders,” but the truth is…
the real bridge is us.

Different backgrounds. Different stories. One shared rhythm.

And when we move together, the impact reaches further than any one of us ever could alone.

Better together isn’t just a phrase, it’s the foundation.

Join us July 19th at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Feel it. Be a part of it. 💃🏽🔥

https://www.assemblecle.com/salsaacrossborders

#SalsaAcrossBorders #Cleveland #Salsa#AssemblyRoom #RockHall

We’re back… and registration is NOW OPEN.

The Assembly Room returns for our annual Salsa Across Borders 2026, in partnership with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame!

Salsa Across Borders is a free community and family day filled with culture, history, music, rhythm, and connection… all in one place.

Free RSVP is live

Dance competition registration is OPEN for those ready to take the floor and compete to win!

Whether you’re coming to vibe, learn, or bring the heat… there’s a place for you here.
Don’t wait. The rhythm is already moving.

Register now: https://www.assemblecle.com/event-details/2026-salsa-across-borders

Link in bio

#SalsaAcrossBorders #RockHall #Salsa #Dance #Cleveland #SummerVibes #Community #Festival

Hustle & Grow: Cleveland Real Estate Edition is back — because the last room was full, the energy was real, and the deals didn’t stay hypothetical. People learned how to see opportunities, structure them, and move with confidence. Some folks left with notebooks full. Others left with phone numbers that matter. A few left plotting their first (or next) deal before the week was over.

This isn’t hype. It’s hands-on, plain-language real estate education rooted in Cleveland, but built for anywhere ambition lives. We talk strategy, funding, creative pathways, and exits — the stuff that turns curiosity into action.

If you missed the last one… yeah, this is your second chance.
If you were there… you already know why seats go fast.

🎟️ Spots are limited. Waitlist is already forming.
📍 Cleveland Real Estate Edition
🚀 Come ready to hustle. Leave ready to grow.
🔗 Link in Bio

Stay tuned — because momentum like this doesn’t slow down, it multiplies.

#RealEstate #Cleveland #WholeSale #BuyHoldRepeat #Strategy

Tonight was a full house — and a full blessing. Deals were made in real time, networks stretched across the room like bridges built on purpose, and folks walked out with enough knowledge to wrap up their own Christmas deal before the year ends.

The energy? Electric. The momentum? Unmistakable. The opportunities? Already unfolding.

If you missed this one… whew. I don’t say this often, but you definitely felt that shift from the outside looking in.

Stay tuned. The next Hustle & Grow Real Estate Edition is already humming in the background, and trust me — you don’t want to watch the next wave from the sidelines.

Always a pleasure partnering with @greatlakeadam

#ClevelandRealEstate #HustleAndGrow #RealEstate #WholeSale #cleveland

Hustle & Grow Real Estate

Ready to step into the real estate game with confidence?
Hustle & Grow: Cleveland Real Estate Edition is your three-hour power class designed to help you spot the right deals, secure the money, and choose the smartest exit strategy for your next investment.

And because we believe in planting seeds early — you can bring one youth, 21 and under, for FREE. Let them soak up the game right alongside you.

In just one session, we’ll break down:
🧭 Finding the Right Deals — where to look, how to analyze returns, and how to build the team that keeps you winning.
🏦 Financing Strategies — credit basics, asset-based lending, and creative ways to fund your investment property.
🚪 Exit Strategies — flips, holds, rentals, and how to choose the move that fits your goals.

This isn’t theory. It’s real-world game, rooted in Cleveland’s market and built for wherever your hustle takes you next.

Your next move deserves clarity.
Your next investment deserves strategy.
And your future portfolio deserves you in the room — and the next generation learning beside you.

Session led by @greatlakeadam

Let’s get to it — seats are limited. 🔗👇

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hustle-grow-cleveland-real-estate-edition-tickets-1976182637466?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Congratulations to one of our amazing co-founders, @jeanninegaskin , on her direction of the Ohio Premiere of All the Natalie Portmans! A Black queer coming-of-age story about grief, fantasy, and finding your voice.

The play opens this Friday, September 26 and running through October 5, this powerful play will light up the stage at Cain Park.

Showtimes: Fridays & Saturdays at 7 PM | Sunday 2 PM

We’re also thrilled to share that Aria Johnson designed the postcard for this beautiful production so it’s a double celebration!🥳

Come out, show your love, and support Jeannine and the entire team as they bring this story to life!

#AllTheNataliePortmans #NewPlay #BlackTheatre #QueerTheatre #ComingOfAge #TheatreLife #OnStageNow #OhioPremiere #StorytellingThroughTheatre #EscapeAndSurvival #ClevelandArts #CLETheatre #

🔥 LAST CALL TO COMPETE! 🔥
Think you’ve got what it takes to win? Bring your best moves to the Salsa Across Borders competition at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this Saturday, August 10 at 2PM!

💰 Cash Prizes
🏆 Trophies
🎁 Sponsor Gift Baskets
🎉 Media Recognition
🎤 AND… First-place winners will be invited to perform live at the Rock Hall again on September 20 during Hispanic Heritage Month!

FREE ENTRY – No cost to register, just bring the energy.
This is your shot to shine on stage and represent your community!

👉 Register now: https://bit.ly/SalsaCompete
📍 Rock Hall, Cleveland, OH
🕑 Competition starts at 2PM

#SalsaAcrossBorders #CommunityInMotion #BridgingBlackAndBrown #CulturalConnection #DanceAsResistance #SalsaDancing #ClevelandEvents #TheAssemblyRoom #Cleveland

🌍💃🏽 MEET THE COMMITTEE 💃🏽🌍
Behind every great event is a powerhouse team, and this one brought the rhythm, the vision, and the heart.

From cultural strategists to salsa historians, community organizers to dance educators, this extraordinary crew has been working behind the scenes for months to make Salsa Across Borders more than a festival. It’s a movement. A celebration. A bridge across communities.

Join us in thanking this incredible committee for their dedication, creativity, and love for the people of this city. Because of them, August 10th will be a day to remember.

August 10th | 10am to 6pm
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
FREE Family Fun Day
Salsa Festival + Dance Competition
Workshops • Performances • Social Dancing

Let’s dance, connect, and celebrate what unites us.

#SalsaAcrossBorders #CommunityInMotion #BridgingBlackAndBrown #CulturalConnection #DanceAsResistance #MeetTheCommittee #SalsaDancing #ClevelandEvents #TheAssemblyRoom #Cleveland

🎤 Meet Our Mistress of Ceremonies: Rosa Morales Cruz! 🇵🇷✨

We’re thrilled to welcome Rosa Cruz, @miss.rebelz , as the Mistress of Ceremonies for Salsa Across Borders!

Rosa is a powerhouse in Cleveland’s wellness and cultural spaces; blending rhythm, movement, and community. She leads salsa classes across the city, uplifts joy and health through Latin dance, and has been an active partner in local wellness and food justice efforts like CV25 and the Nourishing Power Network. Whether she’s on stage or in the community, Rosa brings the soul of salsa everywhere she goes.

We can’t wait for you to feel her energy on August 10! A full day of family-friendly workshops, salsa and movement classes, live performances, a high-energy dance competition, and we’re closing it all out with a community social dance under the sky. Register to compete: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSembSRxh3cENbPbDmHBNjJP5m6gEvRCw9gPVz-rnrSZj9IYew/viewform?usp=dialog

#SalsaAcrossBorders #RosaMoralesCruz #LatinDanceCLE #ClevelandCulture #PuertorriqueñaPower #FamilyFun #ClevelandEvents #RockHall #SalsaCompetition #LatinCulture #CommunityVibes #DanceForTheCulture #TheAssemblyRoom #AssembleCle #SalsaDancing #SheLeads #StrongerTogether

Salsa Across Borders: Festival & Competition
Sunday, August 10 | 10AM–6PM
📍 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
FREE, FREE, FREE

Get ready for a FREE full day of family fun, culture, and rhythm!
Workshops, performances, community celebration, and of course… the Salsa Competition!

Councilwoman Jasmin Santana joins us at 1:50 PM with a special community address before officially launching the competition!

Event MC: The one and only Rosa Cruz @miss.rebelz
Event DJ: Competition Winner @djfercho22_

Think you’ve got what it takes?
Registration is still open for the competition; $500 cash prize for first place, trophies, media features, and a chance to perform live at the Rock Hall during Hispanic Heritage Month!

🔥 NEW: Now accepting entries for the Solo Freestyle category!
Whether you’re dancing as a couple or going solo, it’s your time to shine!

Register Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSembSRxh3cENbPbDmHBNjJP5m6gEvRCw9gPVz-rnrSZj9IYew/viewform?usp=header

#SalsaAcrossBorders #RockHall #ClevelandEvents #SalsaCompetition #LatinCulture #CommunityVibes #DanceForTheCulture #TheAssemblyRoom #AssembleCle #salsa #salsadancing #bachata

🎶 MEET THE JUDGES 🎶
From Harlem to Puerto Rico to right here in Northeast Ohio, our panel brings deep roots, bold moves, and a lifetime of passion for Latin dance. 💃🏽🕺🏽

✨ Avelino “Nino” Davila – At 73, Nino is still moving to the rhythms that raised him. A lifelong student and teacher of Mambo and Salsa, he honors the legends of the Palladium era and passes on the cultural heartbeat of the dance.

✨ Margie Colón – Known as Pura Salsa, Margie has spent two decades inspiring the community through dance, cultural pride, and advocacy. Her dedication to Latin traditions and social impact make her a force both on and off the floor.

✨ Heriberto “Eddie” Pérez – Co-owner of Viva Dance Studio and a master instructor in everything from Mambo On2 to Argentine Tango. With international experience and a signature style, Eddie empowers dancers through precision, passion, and presence.

🌟 These are more than judges, they are storytellers, teachers, and culture bearers. Get ready to dance for legends. Full Bios here -> https://www.assemblecle.com/

#SalsaAcrossBorders #MeetTheJudges #LatinDanceLegacy #ClevelandDanceCulture #rockandrollhalloffame #TheAssemblyRoom #Salsa #salsadancing

We’re calling dancers of all levels, beginner, intermediate, and open, to be part of something powerful. The Salsa Across Borders Competition is more than a dance-off. It’s a celebration of rhythm, heritage, and unity at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Sunday, August 10.

First Place winners in each category receive:
- $500 Cash Prize
- Media Recognition
- Trophy
- AND the opportunity to perform LIVE on Sept. 20 at the Rock Hall during the Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations!

Second Place winners receive:
- Trophy
- Curated prize basket from our amazing community sponsors
- Media Recognition

Third Place winners receive:
- Trophy
- Curated prize basket from our amazing community sponsors
- Media Recognition

🎟 FREE to enter: just scan (or tap) the QR code or register via the link in bio.

#SalsaAcrossBorders #CommunityThroughCulture #DanceForUnity #ClevelandEvents #HispanicHeritageMonth #RockHall #LatinDanceCLE #SalsaLife #AssemblyRoom

Aria Johnson is many things, a community builder, director of construction, cultural producer, and a fierce believer in what’s possible when we come together.

As co-founder of The Assembly Room, Aria brings her unique lens, merging public policy, construction, and culture, to design systems and stories that spark equity and economic growth.

From boardrooms to block parties, Aria is all about creating spaces of transformation. Her leadership isn’t just about what gets built, but who gets seen, heard, and lifted in the process.

She’s a strategist. A dreamer. A doer.
And she’s building something beautiful.

#AriaJohnson #BuilderOfCulture #CreativeLeadership #TheAssemblyRoom #WhoWeAre #WomenWhoBuild #CommunityPower #BlackWomenLead

Jeannine Gaskin is one of the visionaries behind The Assembly Room, a creative force with a deep belief in the power of art to elevate stories that often go untold.

An experienced performer, educator, and cultural strategist, Jeannine has spent years building spaces where Black and Brown voices are not just heard, but celebrated. From stage to classroom to community, her work invites others to remember, reimagine, and rise.

Her magic lies in her ability to blend history, artistry, and heart; always centering love, truth, and liberation.

Jeannine is not just co-founder.
She’s the spark.

#JeannineGaskin #CreativeCurator #CulturalLeadership #TheAssemblyRoom #WhoWeAre #BlackWomenInTheArts #StorytellingForChange

WHO WE ARE: The Assembly Room

We are a creative studio, a cultural incubator, and a gathering place for bold ideas. Founded with love and purpose, The Assembly Room exists to tell stories that matter, and to build bridges between communities through art, history, and shared experience.

We believe in the power of performance to heal, teach, and transform. Whether we’re producing immersive theater, designing powerful spaces, or hosting cross-cultural events, we do it all in the spirit of connection and creative justice.

Our values keep us grounded:
Creativity as resistance
Collaboration as community
History as truth
Expression as freedom

This is The Assembly Room.
And we’re just getting started.

#TheAssemblyRoom #WhoWeAre #CreativeJustice #ArtsAndCulture #ClevelandCreators #CulturalConnection #CommunityDriven

🎉 ¡Bienvenido oficialmente, DJ Fercho Garcia! 🎉

After turning up the heat and taking the crown at our Salsa DJ Competition, DJ Fercho—Latin music connoisseur, radio host, MC, and beat magician—is now the official DJ for Salsa Across Borders at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on August 10!

Fercho’s musical journey began at 17, and since then, he’s brought salsa fire to dance floors across Detroit, Toledo, and beyond. Now, Cleveland gets to experience his legendary energy and sabor live on stage!

We also want to send a special thank you to Blue Palm Latin Restaurant & Lounge for graciously hosting our DJ competition. Your space, energy, and support helped make this celebration of rhythm and talent possible!

Mark your calendars:
Sunday, August 10
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, OH
DJ Fercho Garcia is bringing the heat—don’t miss it!

Join us for an unforgettable night of music, culture, and connection.

⸻

@djfercho22_ @bluepalmcleveland • #DJFerchoSalsa #SalsaAcrossBorders #RockHallCleveland #ClevelandSalsa #LatinMusic #SalsaNight #BluePalmCLE

🌍💃🏽 ¡Salsa Across Borders is almost here! 🎶🕺🏽

Join us for a FREE, family-friendly celebration of rhythm, culture, and connection on August 10th at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame!

Salsa workshops for all levels – from “two left feet” beginners to advanced dancers ready to shine!
Live performances • Kid activities • Cultural storytelling • Local vendors
It’s a whole vibe — no passport required!

10:00 AM–6:00 PM | Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Bring the whole familia – we’ll see you on the dance floor!
🎟️ Totally FREE!

To register: https://rockhall.com/event/salsa-across-borders/

#SalsaAcrossBorders #ClevelandEvents #FamilyFunCLE #DanceUnites #RockHallRhythm

Who’s got the beats to move the streets?

As we gear up for Salsa Across Borders: Festival & Competition at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, we’re looking for THE DJ to set the vibe and move the crowd at our main event! 💃🏽🕺🏾

So what did we do?
🎶 We’re throwing a Salsa DJ Competition & Dance Social at The Blue Palm and you’re invited to bring the heat!

🗓 Sunday, July 13th, 2025
🕔 5:00PM–9:00PM
📍 5517 Memphis Ave, Cleveland, OH

💰 Winner gets paid and performs LIVE at our August 10th finale!

🔥 Happy Hour specials, dope vibes, and salsa magic all night long.

🎚 DJs, think you’ve got what it takes?
REGISTER NOW + get more details:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfSl-PUdeGIExpMKD4NY6s45lJu-anejqvGs3gGfBV7TfZcBw/viewform

Let the rhythm decide. 🏆
#SalsaAcrossBorders #SalsaDJBattle #ClevelandEvents #TheBluePalm #SalsaVibes #rockhall #salsa #salsadancing #cleveland

@cle_latindancestudio @esperanzainc @neohced @latinustheater @jeanninegaskin @centrovilla25 @vivadancecle @arrrr_eee_ahhh

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