WHO WE ARE
Nana's Living Room is a Community Based Organization that helps at risk youth, young adults and formerly incarcerated individuals heal and navigate through the traumas, pain & trust issues within the Black and Brown communities by way of various programs using art, film and experiential learning.
ARTIVISM
Using the arts to help participants develop life skills at the same time, prevent gun violence and address trauma and healing.
MEET THE FRONTLINE
DAVID HOPPER
FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
Born and raised in Harlem, New York, David Hopper is a respected community activist, filmmaker, spoken word artist, credible messenger mentor and author. David founded Nana’s Living Room Inc in 2022 as a response to the uprising in gun violence and young people arrested for crimes against the community. Being impacted by the criminal system and a gun violence survivor himself, he has experienced the hardships and obstacles that our youth are faced with on a daily basis. After graduating from The New School’s ‘ITM” Institute of Transformative Mentoring program he has been equipped to facilitate restorative justice circles and also became a restorative justice practitioner.
David uses his book "Moments, Writings, Thoughts and Letters of a 2x Felon" to create dialogue on solutions of mass incarceration, conflict resolution and the school to prison pipeline. His mission is to use art, film and experiential learning to prevent violence and empower the indiviuals he crosses paths with.
David and Nana’s Living Room Inc. organization were both highlighted as key subjects on BronxNet TV and recognized by the New York Amsterdam News for the work they do in the community. David has been featured in numerous documentaries speaking on being a Credible Messenger as well as his personal redemption story. David recently released the documentary Prison to Prosperity that has been doing well in the film festival circuit.
JILLIAN HOPPER MSW
VICE PRESIDENT
Jillian Hopper, MSW, is a dedicated professional with over 20 years of experience in the social work field. As the Vice President of Nana's Living Room and a committed youth mentor, Jillian has spent her career making a difference in the lives of at-risk youth, leveraging her expertise to guide and inspire.
In addition to her impactful work in social services, Jillian is the owner and professional photographer behind Angles and Shots Photography. Her creative eye and passion for storytelling allow her to capture moments that reflect beauty, emotion, and individuality.
Jillian’s unique ability to merge her social work background with her artistic talents underscores her commitment to empowering others and creating lasting connections.
Did you know?
Low-Income students with access to Arts Education are two times more likely to graduate from college than their peers with no arts education as well as 30% of children who are involved with art education are more likely to pursue a professional career.
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