Over a million dollars has been raised by Instagram photo-activist Brandon Staton (@humansofny) for Ghanaian entrepreneur Paul Ninson. The donations were raised over the course of two days after @humansofnyc made a post about Paul Ninson on their page.
The donations will go towards the construction of the Dikan Centre, the largest library in Africa dedicated to photography and film.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTUzAoSLXX6/?utm_medium=copy_link
Paul Ninson, himself a photographer, spent a year collecting a whopping 30,000 photography books for the library project! Paul Ninson’s altruist history inspired a groundswell of commentary on Instagram and Twitter. This would in turn lead to the monumental support for the building of the Dikan CenterLibrary.
The Dikan Center is a non-profit organisation founded by Paul Ninson. The Centre aims to advance the African experience in visual mediums of photography, film and media. The Dikan Centres call for photobooks inspired hundreds of collector-item donations.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CR9gKQ5JV_5/?utm_medium=copy_link
Paul Ninson’s story and the need for the preservation and promotion of African visual art went viral over the course of the fundraising.
Here are 15 Twitter reactions to over $1 raised for the construction of the Dikan Centre.
1. Everyone needs to.
Everyone needs to read the new Humans of NY on Paul Ninson.
— Carlos Idun-Tawiah (@carlosidun) September 2, 2021
2. In 2 days!
Humans of New York has almost reached the $1,000,000 target for Paul Ninson's library in two days. Wow!!
— Ancelotti's Left Eyebrow (@Amegaxi) September 2, 2021
3. Indeed.
Paul Ninson story is fascinating ?. Congratulations to him and we all hope his dream would be achieved with this 1m.
— Sung??? (@ndeme_sung) September 3, 2021
4. Givers never lack.
It's Paul Ninson's desire to give back for me. Love it so much.
— ibukunoluwa (@AmaTuffet) September 2, 2021
5. Outstanding.
Congratulations to @humansofny & @p_ninson for raising over $1 Million towards the @DikanCenter Photo-library project to be built in Ghana. This is unprecedented and outstanding. #DikanCenter #HONY #PaulNinson pic.twitter.com/RclCATkS8f
— Mac-Jordan ???? (@MacJordaN) September 3, 2021
6. All over.
Paul Ninson’s story on @humansofny gave me goosebumps
— Kanor (@kanorcarboo) September 2, 2021
7. To the world.
Paul Ninson to the world https://t.co/y17okKvSq3
— Consigliori (@cobimensah) September 2, 2021
8. Way ahead of you.
This is huge.
Time to find Paul Ninson and follow.
I love success stories. ? https://t.co/0uIm1HOjEl— Chaos (@Nii099_) September 2, 2021
9. Definitely.
So proud of Paul Ninson and what he’s achieved over the years.
I’m glad I had the opportunity to listen and talk to him during my days at Ninety3 Studios with @iamdanielampofo.
Ninson at @dex_ghana this year? Make it happen @iamdanielampofo https://t.co/J6NWhnptQG
— Kojo Bruce® (@_kwansa) September 2, 2021
10. Absolutely brilliant.
Paul Ninson epitomizes the best of humanity. That story was brilliant.
— Josh (@jampadu) September 2, 2021
11. So inspiring.
This story really had me in tears. So so inspiring!!! I can’t wait to one day meet Paul Ninson https://t.co/yXfFv7UBGg
— Tenneh (@fufukween) September 2, 2021
12. Take the lead.
Inspiring and quite emotional…… Good luck Paul "DIKAN" Ninson. https://t.co/pIXQxCS7aB
— Oladoyinsola (@TheOladoyin) September 2, 2021
13. Can’t wait.
This won't be the end of you. You have so much more to write, Paul Ninson. Can't wait to see the amazing fruits Dikan will bear. https://t.co/3ogeEyLNvL
— Okanda (@okandaogbonda) September 2, 2021
14. Truly.
Paul really made us proud after all this turmoil…a true blessing in disguise @p_ninson
— LawraNaa (@tgtdaguy) September 1, 2021
15. A good mother’s love knows no bounds.
So many things to unpack from Paul Ninson’s story but of course what stands out for me is the love and support of his mother! His mother!
See eh mothers are not even celebrated enough! They’re not !
Supportive mothers deserve everything! Every single thing ! 1/
— Abena Yalley (@ABYalley) September 2, 2021