Najee Omar is black, queer, and making magic somewhere in Brooklyn. A multidisciplinary poet, rapper, and educator, Najee’s art cultivates spaces of healing and community building. Named a New York Times ‘2018 Visionary’ for his passion for youth activism, Najee is the Founder, Executive Director of Spark House: an arts education organization that champions black and brown teen voices by bringing poetry and performance programs to New York City public schools. Najee was commissioned by The Shed to co-develop DIS OBEY: a space for New York City youth to explore creative action through writing, story telling, and visual arts. In 2020, his commitment to art and home led him to become the Founding Curator for The Neighborhood Project: an initiative designed to propel emerging black artists further in their careers with the support of their neighbors. He has received fellowships from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, The Public Theater, Lincoln Center and elsewhere. Najee is the first ever Artist-in-Residence for BRIC and University Settlement’s Intergenerational Community Arts Council. And recently, he was named a Fort Greene Community Hero for his deep engagement work with artists and residents in neighborhoods across Brooklyn. Keep up with Najee at @najeeomar.

Curriculum Vitae