Hi, my name is Juan Michael Porter II, and I am raising funds for my friend and colleague Jose Solís so that he can attend grad school at the Universidad Carlos III in Madrid.

Many people know Jose because of his work as a cheerleader for Black and Brown folks, his incredible writing, and his passion for connecting historically ignored voices to brilliant opportunities. In 2020, that passion blossomed into the BIPOC Critics Lab, a free program that trains the next generation of POC culture critics and shows them how to navigate this white-dominated field.

Jose started the lab on Zoom, so anyone with an internet connection could participate. He did all of this initially with zero funding and support from a cohort of volunteers. But because the lab was so fantastic, it began to draw in sponsors, including The Public Theatre, the Goodman Theatre, and the Kennedy Center. In appreciation of Jose's work, the Kennedy Center's named him as one of its Next 50 cultural leaders. These leaders are individuals who have moved the world―and who are guiding us into the future.

Now Jose is expanding his vision for the BIPOC Critics Lab so that he can teach and create new locations worldwide. That is why he is studying to attain his Masters in Cultural Criticism at Universidad Carlos III.

All of this is amazing, but because of an administrative mishap over funding for international students, his scholarship was rescinded. Rather than give up, Jose has gotten to work to raise enough funds to cover the balance. Thus far, he has raised $5,000 for his relocation and housing costs, but he is still short of the $13,000 that he will need to get him through the year.

That is why I am reaching out to anyone who can participate for help. This $13,000 will pay for Jose's full tuition, insurance, and supplies and allow him to survive without having to scrounge for an under-the-table survival job.

Jose left his native Honduras in 2012 with no money and built a life devoted to supporting others. So many of us have been touched by his advocacy, generosity, and spirit. If you can, I hope you will join me in supporting him so he can continue helping others with his beautiful vision.