Help Nana get to Grad School in London!

Hello,

My name is Nana Ampofo, and I'm reaching out to share my story and vision with you. As I prepare to graduate college with a BA in Philosophy and a minor in Museum Studies next month in June, I'm filled with excitement for the next chapter of my academic journey. In September, I'll be moving to London to pursue my Master's in Art Museum and Gallery Studies at the prestigious University of Leicester.

However, embarking on this journey comes with significant expenses. I have applied for federal loans to help cover tuition costs. But from a remaining tuition gap, flight costs to visa fees, international insurance, and shipping my belongings overseas, the financial burden is substantial. That's why I'm reaching out to you for support.

But beyond my personal aspirations, I'm driven by a larger vision of representation and inclusion within the world of design. In the wake of the Black Lives Matter Movement and the ongoing challenges posed by Covid-19, I've witnessed a growing awareness of the similarities between the American and British carceral systems. Yet, the voices of the incarcerated population are often left out of conversations about diversity and representation, both in society and within museum spaces.

My goal is to change that. I envision creating programming at museums that not only engages and educates the public but also uplifts currently incarcerated individuals. I want to provide them with a platform to showcase their art, receive fair compensation, and potentially secure employment upon release. By fostering dialogue and understanding between community members, I believe we can challenge societal myths and pave the way for better legislation to support marginalized individuals.

My passion for this work was ignited during an Inside-Out class at DePaul University, where I had the opportunity to engage with incarcerated students and explore issues of prison abolition and criminal justice reform. Through internships and projects with organizations like the Prison + Neighborhood Arts/Education Project (PNAP), I've been able to further my commitment to this cause. As the president of Students Against Incarceration (SAI) at DePaul, I've been involved in raising awareness about the injustices of the prison-industrial complex and advocating for change. From hosting a weekly book club at Cook County Jail where I was able to invite Sister Prejean to speak to the incarcerated men of our book club, I worked tirelessly to amplify marginalized voices and promote meaningful dialogue.

Now, I'm asking for your support to help me achieve my goal to pursue higher education.. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference in turning this vision into reality. Your generosity and belief in my mission mean the world to me.

Thank you for taking the time to read this message and for considering supporting my journey. Together, we can create positive change and build a more inclusive society.

With gratitude,

Nana Ampofo

To Read More About My Work https://apnews.com/article/jail-book-club-nun-activist-death-penalty-6307844935bdea8de812cd67f445745f