This project is a direct response to the academic suppression and political violence I experienced at NYU last year, amid the ongoing genocide.
My biggest hope is that by sharing this story, resources and information, others can find ways to resist! (or even further this work) I would not be here sharing this story with you if it wasn’t for my community, support system and comrades. It is of utmost importance for me to celebrate them and acknowledge them as part of this journey and work. I am so thankful for each and every single person that has been part of this. I will spend the rest of my life showing that gratitude by remaining committed and devoted to using music and technology as a tool for inclusivity, resistance, and societal reflection.
I want to start by thanking Mason Mann, Karl Scholz and David Rios.
We spent countless hours debugging and fixing codes. These incredible educators encouraged me and made me believe I could do this work even when my mind and body told me I couldn’t. It was through their constant help and guidance why I am able to share this work with you today.
I want to thank my friend, sister, roommate and soulmate, Nneka.
I’ll never forget the countless of times I would come back home from school exhausted and in tears wanting to give up. You saw me in my lowest and nursed me, metaphorically and physically speaking, back to life. I am not sure if I would even be alive to tell this story if it weren’t for you. Thank you for you loving me.
I want to thank my comrades in my department
Olive, Sahal, Mashi, Sackona, Oliver, Armon, Isaiah, Sim, Dre, Benji, Anna, Jo, and Cindy all kept me safe and continuously inspired me to resist. It was because of their mobilization, care and support why I was even able to see my graduate program through.
I want to thank my closest friends and family who held me together.
I want to thank everyone who checked in on me, who never questioned my integrity, who supported, helped, and believed in me.
I want to thank all the people who signed my petition to keep me in school.
The list is long (close to 800 signatures) but from the bottom of my heart, thank you to each and every single person who advocated for me to stay in school when I was fighting against suspension.
I want to thank everyone who donated to my gofundme.
The donations helped me fund this project, pay for therapy, keep me safe and stay afloat.
I want to thank Sam Lavigne.
The first person to offer me invaluable advice, actionable steps and resources on digital safety and privacy.
I want to thank NYU-FSJP and the Graduate Student Organizing Committee - UAW for not only protecting me and countless other students, but also for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding students' rights and standing in full solidarity.
I would like to thank my lawyer, Jonathan Wallace, who took me on as a client and tirelessly fought tooth and nail for me to stay in school.
I would like to thank Omar Ahmad who helped bring this instrument to life by recording the sounds on this machine. It is an honor of a lifetime to have created something so special with you
I would like to especially thank the following collaborators listed below.
Through conversation, feedback and guidance their contribution helped shape and transform this project. Thank you for listening to my vision and for helping me make the impossible, possible.
I encourage you all to explore the work of these insanely talented artists and educators.
☆ Academic Collaborators + Mentors :
Ali Santana - https://www.alisantana.com/
David Rios - https://riosriosrios.com/
Karl Scholz - https://www.instagram.com/karlalamusic/?hl=en
Mason Mann - https://masonmann.online/
R. Luke DuBois - https://www.lukedubois.com/
Sharon De La Cruz - https://www.sharonleedelacruz.com/
Steven Litt - https://crudlabs.org/
Tanika Williams - https://www.tanikawilliams.net/
☆ Fabrication :
Phil Caridi - https://philcaridi.com/
Steve Dehong Sun - https://www.instagram.com/steve_in_the_shop
Mark Rogalus - https://www.instagram.com/mrog95/
Mat Olson -https://www.instagram.com/mat.a.olson/
☆ Feedback :
Ari Melenciano - https://ariciano.earth/
Darcy Neal - https://darcyneal.com/
Jason Snell - https://jasonjsnell.com/
Maan Algarzae - https://www.instagram.com/maanalgarzae/
Sawad Brooks - https://www.thing.net/~sawad/
☆ Research (In conversation) :
Deforrest Brown Jr - https://www.instagram.com/clinicalpoetics
GENG PTP - https://www.instagram.com/genggrizzly/
Saul Williams - https://saulwilliams.com/
Steve Goodman (Kode9) - https://www.instagram.com/kode9/?hl=en
Zubeyda Muzeyyen - https://www.instagram.com/djharam/?hl=en
☆ Thesis Advisment :
Simone Salvo - https://simonesalvo.com/
☆ Sound Design :
Omar Ahmad - https://omarahmadmusic.com/
and lastely,
I would like to thank the Palestine for modeling steadfast persivereance and resistance.