Support: Rebuilding After Unexpected Challenges

‏السلام عليكم

Dear Friends and Supporters,

My name is Bilal Ahmad Farid Johnson-Bey, and I'm reaching out to you from Baltimore, MD. As a husband, artist, independent contractor, and volunteer, I have always strived to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Today, I find myself in a challenging situation where I need your support to get back on my feet.

Life can be unpredictable, and recently, a series of setbacks have left me struggling to keep my household afloat. Like many of us, my health, car, and life's work are vital to my livelihood. Unfortunately, fate has dealt me some heavy blows. However, with your generosity and compassion, I believe we can turn the tide.

One of the most significant setbacks I've faced recently is the loss of my entire life's work. My hard drives crashed, and with them went years of photographs, videos, and documentation of projects I've poured my heart and soul into since 2014. The cost of recovering these irreplaceable memories is substantial, but the value they hold in my life is immeasurable.

In the midst of these challenges, life took another unexpected turn. Just days after attending a funeral for a dear friend and colleague, I was struck by a toothache and a crippling migraine that forced me into bed rest for five agonizing days. As I finally summoned the strength to return to work on the sixth day, I was met with another blow. My car, my lifeline for income, had been broken into, items stolen and the ignition destroyed, all because of a senseless TikTok challenge and the make of my car, a Hyundai/Kia. To make matters worse, the police response was disheartening. Despite a neighbor diligently reporting the crime in progress, their arrival was painfully delayed, and they failed to collect any evidence or footage.

Now, it has been two weeks without work, and the path to recovery stretches before me. The repairs for my car remain a pressing priority, as it is the centerpiece of how I generate income. The funds raised will cover not only the car parts and repairs but also essential preventative care, necessary storage repairs, rent payments, and the outstanding bills and IOUs that have accumulated during my time out of work.

I understand that reaching out for help is not something I usually do, but I find myself humbly asking for your support. In the meantime, I am doing what I can to cover the costs out of pocket, determined to get my car back on the road and regain my independence.

By contributing to this fundraiser, you will not only be helping me rebuild my life but also empowering me to continue making a difference in the lives of others. Your support will help restore my ability to pursue my artistic endeavors, resume volunteering, and keep providing for my family.

I am immensely grateful for any assistance you can provide, whether through a donation or by sharing my story with your networks. Your kindness and compassion will make a tangible difference in my life, and I will carry your support with me as I navigate this challenging chapter.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read my plea. Together, we can overcome these obstacles, one step at a time.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Bilal Ahmad Farid Johnson-Bey

Footage provided by Neighbor:

Post Vandalism Photos:

One of the four hardrives to repair: 5TB, 4TB, and two 1 TB

$10,000

Budget Allocation: