In a bustling city like New York, creating genuine spaces for conversations about home, belonging, and identity is essential work. On July 31st, the "Shades of Discourse" event did exactly that. As proud partners for the evening, we were inspired to witness such a powerful and necessary dialogue unfold and are thrilled to recap the highlights. The event felt like a significant step forward from their successful February gathering. It was wonderful to see the organizers have the autonomy to shape the experience in a new venue outside of NYU. Despite heavy rain across the city, the turnout was a testament to the strong community we've built.
The event was masterfully structured in three parts:
Community Mixer: The night began with a warm and inviting mixer, creating an atmosphere where attendees could connect with one another before the main program.
Powerful Group Discussion: The centerpiece of the evening was a powerful group discussion focused on the themes of home, belonging, and myth-making. It was expertly led by Aishamanne Williams (a journalist, interdisciplinary artist, and founder of the Hoodwear Diaries zine). After a thoughtful opening presentation, she guided a moving conversation where many attendees shared personal experiences of identity and diaspora. It was a profound and vulnerable space for all involved.
Collaborative Live Art: The evening concluded with a vibrant live art session. This segment received fantastic feedback, providing a creative and collaborative way for attendees to engage with the themes of the night and end on a high note of shared creativity.
Photography By: Thomas Law
We are so proud to have been a part of an event that unfolded so beautifully. A huge congratulations to the organizers for curating such a meaningful experience. We are grateful to them, to Aishamanne Williams, and to every person who attended and contributed to the rich discussion.
Stay tuned for more information and upcoming programs from this series.