Help On The Road To SOAS, Univ of London
Donation protected
Hello, my name is afua!
I am a chanteuse (singer), wryter (with a “y”), and performer who has been accepted to SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies), University of London to earn my MMus (Master of Music) in Vocal Performance. During my studies, I intend to work towards “Bridging The Gaps” between West Afrikan and Afrikan American music including Jazz & The Blues.
This educational journey of a lifetime has gradually been forming since March 2007 when I moved back to my hometown of Fremont, California from New York City to care for my mother after she nearly died of AIDS. This was a huge transition, just learning that she was HIV Positive at that critical moment, and getting her back to health. While I usually refrain from disclosing this due to lingering stigma, I have worked with HIV Positive clients as a Social Worker and led 5 AIDS Walk Teams between San Francisco and Oakland over these years, and refuse to continue endorsing the shame my mom feels every day with my silence.
After 7 years of supporting my mother both financially and emotionally—entirely on my own—I know the time is NOW to fulfill my dreams.
While I shall receive Financial Aid (Read: Loans) once school begins in September, I AM ASKING FOR YOUR HELP along “The Road to SOAS” in terms of International Moving Expenses—including plane ticket to London (approx. $1,000-$1,500), Student Visa (approx. $520)—and Living Expenses for the next 3 months of Summer—including Rent ($1500), Car Insurance ($180), Utilities (approx. $400), and “Food in the Fridge” (approx. $600).
I must say I feel extremely uncomfortable asking ANYONE for money—even family and friends—let alone the world (wide web). Luckily, reading www.GoFundMe.com campaigns like Alexandra Balinda’s “Making it Through the Summer” and meeting fellow artists who have done the same have inspired me to let it go and take this leap of faith.
For the kindhearted generosity of those who can and do DONATE ANY AMOUNT —and even for those who cannot—
I'M THROWING A PARTY!!!
Being the vocalist that I am, the party is naturally going to be a Musical Showcase called SANGIN' with afua & friends (Yes, it’s “SANGIN’” as opposed to just singing).
SANGIN’ with afua & friends, taking place Saturday, July 26th, 2014 from 7-10 PM at Café Leila in Berkeley, California, will serve as a FABULOUS farewell and heartfelt THANK YOU to ALL.
Now I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I LIVE TO PERFORM and that it is MY LIFE MISSION TO BRIDGE GAPS in the process. For more than a decade, I have been “Bridging The Gaps” between culture, gender, race, mental health, and developmental disabilities. With your SUPPORT, I shall be able to continue doing so, at long last, MUSICALLY.
Many melodious thanks,
<3 afua
I am a chanteuse (singer), wryter (with a “y”), and performer who has been accepted to SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies), University of London to earn my MMus (Master of Music) in Vocal Performance. During my studies, I intend to work towards “Bridging The Gaps” between West Afrikan and Afrikan American music including Jazz & The Blues.
This educational journey of a lifetime has gradually been forming since March 2007 when I moved back to my hometown of Fremont, California from New York City to care for my mother after she nearly died of AIDS. This was a huge transition, just learning that she was HIV Positive at that critical moment, and getting her back to health. While I usually refrain from disclosing this due to lingering stigma, I have worked with HIV Positive clients as a Social Worker and led 5 AIDS Walk Teams between San Francisco and Oakland over these years, and refuse to continue endorsing the shame my mom feels every day with my silence.
After 7 years of supporting my mother both financially and emotionally—entirely on my own—I know the time is NOW to fulfill my dreams.
While I shall receive Financial Aid (Read: Loans) once school begins in September, I AM ASKING FOR YOUR HELP along “The Road to SOAS” in terms of International Moving Expenses—including plane ticket to London (approx. $1,000-$1,500), Student Visa (approx. $520)—and Living Expenses for the next 3 months of Summer—including Rent ($1500), Car Insurance ($180), Utilities (approx. $400), and “Food in the Fridge” (approx. $600).
I must say I feel extremely uncomfortable asking ANYONE for money—even family and friends—let alone the world (wide web). Luckily, reading www.GoFundMe.com campaigns like Alexandra Balinda’s “Making it Through the Summer” and meeting fellow artists who have done the same have inspired me to let it go and take this leap of faith.
For the kindhearted generosity of those who can and do DONATE ANY AMOUNT —and even for those who cannot—
I'M THROWING A PARTY!!!
Being the vocalist that I am, the party is naturally going to be a Musical Showcase called SANGIN' with afua & friends (Yes, it’s “SANGIN’” as opposed to just singing).
SANGIN’ with afua & friends, taking place Saturday, July 26th, 2014 from 7-10 PM at Café Leila in Berkeley, California, will serve as a FABULOUS farewell and heartfelt THANK YOU to ALL.
Now I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I LIVE TO PERFORM and that it is MY LIFE MISSION TO BRIDGE GAPS in the process. For more than a decade, I have been “Bridging The Gaps” between culture, gender, race, mental health, and developmental disabilities. With your SUPPORT, I shall be able to continue doing so, at long last, MUSICALLY.
Many melodious thanks,
<3 afua
Organizer
Afua Danso
Organizer
Fremont, CA
