Jean Luc Dushime became a Cafe maestro at New Moon in the summer of 2008. As we got to know Jean Luc, we got to hear more and more of his story - an incredible account of escaping the genocide in Rwanda and courageously journeying as a refugee until resettling here in Burlington. (Read a detailed interview with Jean here.)
We are proud to display is first photography exhibition entitled "Un Voyage." Quite simply, it's a visual narrative of his recent cross-country road trip, something that lots of Americans take for granted but Jean found to be truly profound and life changing. As he puts it, this was the first time he ever traveled by choice; as a refugee, he was forced and pressured to move from place to place. This trip was real freedom.
Jean Luc also has a deep desire to impact African people who have come to the US as refugees; he wants them to know that there is hope to achieve great things, to see big dreams come to fruition. "Inspiration is the key to change," he says. If one of his friends here in Burlington or elsewhere can see these photos and get inspired to change their life for the better, then Jean feels his mission is accomplished.
Come by the Cafe and enjoy this exhibition. And maybe buy a print with your latte.
See Jean Luc's photography at http://dushime.zenfolio.com.
