Copy of Celebrate Resilience and Community this January

Dear Friends,

In tough times, stories of resilience inspire us. They remind us of the strength found in art, connection, and community.

Join us on Wednesday, January 15, for an evening of storytelling and connection. Discover how art and community have been used to fight violence, defend civil rights, and inspire resilience.

This gathering will also be an opportunity to meet neighbors, enjoy light refreshments, and reflect on the beauty of art in a welcoming, relaxed setting.

Do you have your own story of resilience? We’d love for you to share it during this special evening.

Start the week with mindfulness: Before the storytelling event, join us on Monday, January 13, for a meditative experience guided by zen guru Oscar Lowe, who offers a unique and insightful approach to the practice. It’s a wonderful opportunity to find quiet and calm, together.

Meet Our Featured Storytellers:

Azeez O. Alimi a Nigerian native raised in Brooklyn, is a Social Worker who concentrated on Leadership, Management, and Entrepreneurship (LME) while pursuing his Master's degree at Columbia University. His passion for LME lies in applying his social justice perspective to assist business leaders, policymakers, and the public in navigating the complexities of our evolving world.

Azeez became the Community and Outreach Liaison at KAVI in 2022 while finishing his undergraduate studies at CUNY. Since joining KAVI, Azeez has strengthened the organization's relationships with community members, elected officials, and organizations.

Azeez is also the Program Coordinator for the Urban Male Leadership Academy (UMLA) at the Borough of Manhattan Community College. He guides students toward academic excellence, personal development, and leadership opportunities. His work has been instrumental in fostering connections between community college students and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Azeez's dedication to education, mentorship, and community development exemplifies his steadfast conviction that young people can effect significant transformation.

Luisa de Miranda was born and raised in New?York City. She is an art historian, film set decorator, book editor, visual artist, and creative technologist. Despite her busy schedule, she organizes with her community group, Worth Fighting For NYC, to support others during these turbulent times. Her passion for art and advocacy reminds us why resilience is worth the fight.

Nahed Elrayes With a Master of International Relations (with Distinction) from the University of Melbourne, a Bachelor's degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from the Australian National University, and a Bachelor of Music from the ANU School of Music, Nahed's education is as diverse as his skillset. An award-winning writer, artist, and human rights advocate, Nahed has raised over $30 million for Palestinian refugees as Development Manager for UNRWA USA. His creativity and social justice passion shine in his musical tribute A Lover from Palestine and his writing for publications like The New Arab and Palestine Chronicle. Nahed is now exploring how AI can make nonprofit development smarter and more impactful.

Jennifer Chen blends her passion for performing and visual arts with her work in education, creative nonfiction, and community building. She founded Brooklyn FAM: Festival of Arts and Music Inc., a nonprofit bringing people together through the arts. As a leader at UNRWA USA, Jennifer has optimized fundraising and expanded support for their mission. Fluent in multiple languages and skilled in project management, Jennifer uses her talents to bridge divides and empower communities.

We hope you’ll join us for these meaningful events. Together, let’s reflect on resilience, celebrate community, and find strength in our shared stories.

Key Details:

• Meditation with Oscar Lowe: Monday, January 13
• Storytelling Evening: Wednesday, January 15

Let’s connect, reflect, and celebrate the power of resilience—together.

Warmly,

Gallery Particulier

P.S. We’re so excited to share these stories with you! Save the dates and spread the word—we can’t wait to see you there.