Save Our Feminist: MFA for Phumi
Donation protected
We, the fellow graduate students of SUNY Purchase College, were lucky enough to meet Phumi Tshabalala in the fall of 2014, and he immediately impressed us with his extraordinary dedication, insight, and thoughtfulness that he put forth in both his life and work. Hailing from South Africa, he was given the opportunity to come to this country and pursue a higher education alongside American and other international artists.
Sadly, the resources that allowed him to cover the cost of his education have been taken away, and Phumi is in the difficult position of having to find the money however he can. As a group, we are hoping that by sharing his amazing work and giving some insight into his background and strength of character that you will see fit to help him in some way.
Being able to study in America is an incredible opportunity for anyone, but even more so for Phumi who has come all the way from South Africa. He and his wife came to our country not only to avail themselves of this opportunity, but to give back in their efforts to a truly global community.
The term 'artist' may be one which carries with it an undercurrent of self-interest or desire for fame. As far as Phumi is concerned, this couldn't be further from the truth. He is a culturally engaged, politically earnest artist and educator. His native land of South Africa is a nation still struggling with the catastrophic impacts of widespread poverty and Apartheid. One only needs to read the news in brief to discover the obstacles that its populace must face. By pursuing his graduate degree in the west, Phumi has put his faith in us as a people and a nation - that we might guide him on a path addressing concerns that are truly universal.
It is our hope that you take the time to look at the work and listen to the words of a man we feel lucky to know, and to help us support him in completing his education. Such a degree provides a voice, one that - if given the opportunity - might speak truth to power. Phumi's truth is one of kindness, equality, and laboring for that which matters.
Sadly, the resources that allowed him to cover the cost of his education have been taken away, and Phumi is in the difficult position of having to find the money however he can. As a group, we are hoping that by sharing his amazing work and giving some insight into his background and strength of character that you will see fit to help him in some way.
Being able to study in America is an incredible opportunity for anyone, but even more so for Phumi who has come all the way from South Africa. He and his wife came to our country not only to avail themselves of this opportunity, but to give back in their efforts to a truly global community.
The term 'artist' may be one which carries with it an undercurrent of self-interest or desire for fame. As far as Phumi is concerned, this couldn't be further from the truth. He is a culturally engaged, politically earnest artist and educator. His native land of South Africa is a nation still struggling with the catastrophic impacts of widespread poverty and Apartheid. One only needs to read the news in brief to discover the obstacles that its populace must face. By pursuing his graduate degree in the west, Phumi has put his faith in us as a people and a nation - that we might guide him on a path addressing concerns that are truly universal.
It is our hope that you take the time to look at the work and listen to the words of a man we feel lucky to know, and to help us support him in completing his education. Such a degree provides a voice, one that - if given the opportunity - might speak truth to power. Phumi's truth is one of kindness, equality, and laboring for that which matters.
Organizer and beneficiary
Ashley Frato
Organizer
New York, NY
Phumelele Tshabalala
Beneficiary