about me.

social justice and societal progression is also a huge passion of mine. when i was in the middle school i read angie thomas’ “the hate u give” and it changed my perspective for the rest of my life. growing up in america, we’re taught that world is perfect and peaceful because slavery is over. it took me reading that book, and many others, for my eyes to open. as soon as i could see the bigotry present in america it became important for me to learn and educate others.

one day i hope to start a non-profit organization in greensboro, north carolina. my mission is to empower youth of color in underserved communities by providing them the opportunity to explore their interests, and creating safe spaces for discussions about social justice and mental health.

who am i?

i can’t escape the iconic howard intro, i fear, sooo… hey y’all, i’m nylen “ny” brewington al-ahmar (i have two last names). i’m a first year media, journalism, and film student at howard university from [mainly] atlanta, georgia. i plan on being an award-winning screenwriter, director, and entrepreneur. thinking about how i’m going to reach that goal is a little overwhelming, but i’m definitely confident that i will. throughout my life i have changed career goals time and time again, but i always knew art and creativity was my passion. imagining my life without art is like imagining the world without color–it’s boring. i dream of having a positive impact on the black and queer communities, and my series and films provoking conversations that will better society.

this is when i won a grant from the city of greensboro called the morningside award. it highlighted teen social justice advocates and we were featured at the annual human rights gala. i’m pictured second from the left, standing next to the mayor of greensboro, nancy vaughan.

right after my last show, the lion king, at amazing grace convservatory. this was before i moved to north carolina, so i was crying. i didn’t want to leave my friends or stop performing. but they cheered me up with a group hug and a mini photoshoot. i am in the very center of the image.

my favorite foods are mangoes, burgers, chocolate croissants, potatoes (in any form), and brownies. i hate a heavy breakfast. give me a hash brown and some fruit. maybe some yogurt. if i’m going to eat a pancake, waffle, or french toast, it needs to be past 11:30 am.

what’s your ideal breakfast?

during the summer of 2021, i rediscovered my passion for the arts. i attended the summer program at amazing grace conservatory (agc) in south central los angeles and met lots of young, talented black artists. every day i was dancing, singing, acting, and writing. i never got bored, i was never burnt out. i loved what i was doing, and i knew i could never stop. i can confidently say there is no place quite like agc.

i really value my friends and family, and the relationships i have with them. moving from place to place makes you realize how important it is to not take people for granted. i am so grateful for the people who have supported me and loved me throughout my life, new and old friendships alike.