See what went down at the launch party!
Watch the recap video of our event here!
At the Launch Party, we celebrated the release of Nikole Lim’s new book, Liberation is Here. This book features Nikole’s journey of learning to live, love and lead in a violent world challenged by the audacious dreams of survivors of sexual violence. At the party, we learned about the formation of Liberation is Here, engaged with Freely in Hope’s international staff, and celebrated with special guests! We discussed the juxtaposing themes of the book including: Suffering and Love, Despair and Hope, Brokenness and Beauty, and Despair and Hope. This was an unforgettable experience showcasing the power of storytelling through art, music, and poetry.
HIGHLIGHTS
Melissa Polinar
Filipina singer and songwriter, Melissa Polinar, shared on the theme of suffering and love. She performed her original song, “Never Change.” During her interview, she shared how love is the commitment to relieving the suffering of others—which is exactly what Freely in Hope seeks to do.
JeAN NANGWALA
Jean Nangwala is a Freely in Hope Alumni, survivor-advocate, singer, and speaker. She recently graduated with a BA in psychology and currently has an internship in New York where she works with the United Nations. She sang her original song, “Just Fine” and discussed the theme of pain and joy. Her greatest joy is in seeing other survivors rise up in leadership as she has.
KEVIN OLUSA from pentatonix
Not only did Kevin Olusola perform a special original piece on “Julie-O” live for us on the cello, but we also were able to speak on the theme of despair and hope. What drew him to Freely in Hope’s work is seeing the empathy built in cross cultural context.
PROPAGANDA
Hip hop artist, poet, father, and activist, Propaganda took up the theme of brokenness and beauty. He performed his poem, “Beautiful Pain,” and shared his insight on raising daughters, being a safe space for girls, and undoing the harms that patriarchy have caused to both men and women.
Private Lounges with our International Staff
Attendees got the opportunity to enter private lounges with Freely in Hope’s global staff! Our staff shared their perspective on a variety of topics and answered questions. Some lounge topics included: From scholar to staff member, how stories heal, how to empower survivors to lead, healing that sustains, and a survivors vision for liberation.
Janai’s Live Painting
As we were celebrating with spoken word, new original songs, and interviews, Janai Marshall painted a beautiful piece live! At the end of the night, her painting was auctioned for $1,100 which will support Freely in Hope’s pandemic efforts in Kenya and Zambia.
“My book launch party was such a beautiful success! Thanks to all who joined in online to celebrate with me—we raised $26,141 and more members are joining Hope Circle daily! I am so grateful that you have so many cheerleaders, mentors, supporters and friends who have been my collective village in this 10 year journey of building Freely in Hope. I am so grateful to share in the release of Liberation is Here with you.”
Nikole Lim
Author, Liberation is Here
Founder & International Director, Freely in Hope
WHAT'S NEXT
Join the Book Club for Liberation is Here!
October 24, noon pst
We’ll be joined by Freely in Hope staff and alumni to discuss the themes of the book, ways to incorporate learnings, and a discussion guide to utilize to start your own Book Club! We’ll also engage in meaningful conversations with staff and alumni from Kenya and Zambia. We hope that this Book Club can provide tools to equip you to support survivors in your context. Included in your registration is a link to view a recording of the Book Launch Party!
