No Immigrants No Spice
No Immigrants No Spice (NINS) is a Bay Area not-for-profit organization that works to shed light on the positive impact immigrants have on this country and our collective culture. For the past couple months, i’ve had the opportunity to support NINS Founder, Vibha Gupta, in producing the inaugural fundraiser, BBQ Without Borders (aka, the Oakland installment of the New Americans Festival, put on by New American Economy). Vibha truly is a powerhouse - she makes sh*t happen - and more importantly, she is a pleasure to work with.
BBQ Without Borders was a HUGE success, selling out to capacity with 480 attendees and 170 on the waitlist! Attendees enjoyed incredible food, music, storytelling, art, dance, and community — and raised $12,000 for NINS partners Pangea Legal and The National Immigrant Justice Center.
Wait, did somebody say ART? My newest co-created artwork, SPICE STAR, was the featured interactive art installation at BBQ Without Borders. More than 120 attendees added their creative light to the collaborative mosaic mural made of spices. Check it out!
“Given the current political climate, we feel that people really need a safe place to celebrate immigrants and diversity. The inaugural event will feature Indonesian, Northern Iranian and Mexican barbecue plus Indian desserts — and incredible performances by Diana Gameros, Rahill Jamalifard, Gamelan Sekar Jaya, the Cal Bhangra team, plus flamenco, street dance... as well as interactive art, a film premier, on-the-spot education, and a whole lot of community!”