What I wish

I wish the world could look at images of beauty and resilience and feel compelled to act.

I wish people would see photographs by Nuru photographers, photos that capture the spirit and challenges of the life of the poor in the developing world, and share these photos, these stories, more than 70 million times. Not out of pity, but out of joy.

I wish that, at my local Starbucks at 6:30 on Saturday morning, instead of seeing Kony2012 posters in the window I’d see one of these beautiful photographs from Lagos, Nigeria; from Nairobi, Kenya; from Chennai or from Bhopal in India.

The Nuru project curates breathtaking images from around the world, shares them with the public and uses the proceeds to help nonprofits.  Their first partnership was with Acumen Fund, and together with +acumen chapters, they have helped us raise more than $150,000.

The pictures tell a different story – one of connectedness, one of shared possibility, one of dignity.

I know this blog post and the Nuru site won’t get seen hundreds of millions of times.  But if you love photography, maybe you will check out the site and buy a print for a dear friend.  Maybe you will email the one photography buff you know and let them know about it.  Maybe you’ll spread the word on Facebook and on Twitter about this “this gr8 stuff u hve 2 see NOW!!!”

Let’s start spreading a different story.

Act now, only 40 tickets left!

Lots of people talk about wanting to help.  Taking the time and the energy to create something of beauty that makes a difference…rare indeed.

I’m beside myself in thanks to the amazing volunteers who have put together a benefit photo auction for Acumen Fund, this Thursday (tomorrow!). The Nuru Project is putting on the show (and what a show it will be) with photos by Steve McCurry, Susan Meiselas, James Whitlow Delano, and many more.  Come early to the VIP preview to hear more about the photos from JB Reed.

The details: Thursday, 7:30pm, Tribeca Cinemas Gallery, 54 Varick Street. You can still buy tickets.

(open bar, great DJ, food from the likes of Jimmy’s No 43 and Smoke Joint, awesome raffle prizes, and I’ll also be saying a few words together with my colleague Yasmina Zaidman).

And if you can’t join us, you can spread the word.  Why not lift these 88 characters and throw them up on Facebook or Twitter?

Photo Auction+ Acumen + Cool People = “Dignity” a July 30th NYC Benefit http://bit.ly/2E5Ff

Varanasi. The City of Light

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