Paul Ninson - Photographer

27/10/2025

Dear New York… We did it!

Seven months ago, Brandon called me with a wild idea — Grand Central takes over with Dear New York. I knew he is a risk-taker, always telling me to bet on myself, but this one felt really big. This is the kind of thing big brands and museums with deep pockets do. But that’s Brandon for you — all in or nothing. One negotiation after another, one battle after the next.

We were told it had never been done — that in 112 years of Grand Central, it couldn’t be done. In every department, though, we found a HONY fan. We heard one “no” after another until, finally, a “yes.” Brandon kept reminding me, “This is a love letter to the city.” Nothing commercial. No agenda. Not about book sales — just an art installation and exhibition for New Yorkers. It was so big that we had to bring more than 400 people on board. What I loved most about this project was getting to work with some of my dearest friends — Michael (the best filmmaker), Julien (Picto), Andrea (Partner at Pentagram), and of course, Brandon. Together, we made the impossible happen — for New Yorkers and for the city we all love.

Thank you to everyone who worked on and supported this project — the photographers, the students who shared their art, and the entire HONY community. You made this moment special.

One of the best & most fulfilled projects I’ve ever managed — as project manager, curator, and “chief of staff 😆”. Unto the next!

06/09/2025

The Dikan Center first launched as a photo library in 2022. Now, its founder, Paul Ninson, has expanded his vision to building systems that collect, restore, and preserve archival materials.

Read here: https://bit.ly/467Yoey

13/06/2025

In the early days of Dikan, I struggled to find my identity as a leader—who I was and the kind of leader I wanted to become. I made a lot & alot of mistakes!!. A lot of lessons!! But one thing was always clear: I needed to find people who cared deeply and shared the vision of Dikan Center. Over time with help, my understanding evolved. I had a shift in mindset. As the leader of Dikan, I see myself as a conductor of an orchestra—a nurturer and a builder.

One of my proudest initiatives is , born out of the belief that we must cultivate a pool of talent fresh graduate equipped with the tools, skills, and mindset to lead in education and heritage. Today, many of these remarkable colleagues form the foundation of . This week, this well-trained and tightly-knit team completed one of the most challenging & largest archival projects we’ve ever undertaken. Now led by Beatrice & supported by Yaw Baah, we’re on track to digitize 15,000 archival items per day over the next two months. Yes!

Today, we visited an exhibition at the National Archives to learn and discuss upcoming projects. I’m deeply grateful for this team—their hard work, their dedication, and their unwavering commitment.

We’ve opened applications for the next new intake of fresh graduates (NSS). —— https://dikancenter.org/artpath

08/06/2025

For the past three years, I’ve poured everything into building Dikan—with a small team and a big dream. Together, we’ve laid a strong foundation for an institution rooted in African stories—one dedicated to supporting a new generation of storytellers, educators, researchers, and creative leaders from our continent.

But Dikan was never meant to revolve around me. It must outgrow me. That’s the goal.

As we step into this next chapter, I need help. I’m looking for an Operations Manager—someone experienced, people-focused, and capable of building strong systems. This senior leader will oversee finance, operations, and human resources, providing essential support for Dikan’s long-term vision. The ideal candidate is someone who believes deeply in our mission.

If you’re this person—or if you know someone who fits—please apply or share widely.

Application deadline: June 30, 2025
https://dikancenter.org/career

24/04/2025

24/12/2024

To dream is to envision the impossible; bringing those dreams to life and making a real impact is the greatest fulfillment of my purpose.

For the past two years, I’ve been deeply committed to building the foundation of the Dikan Ecosystem—a vision that began with a library. As someone who dreams big and works hard, I’ve always focused on getting things done. But I’ve also come to understand the importance of sharing the story behind the work to inspire others. A heartfelt thank you to Maxwell and the NPR team for telling my story and to everyone who has supported this journey. Your belief in this vision means everything. Together, we will continue to educate, inspire, and empower the youth of Africa.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Thank you my dearest friend, Brandon () for continuously supporting me & the vision.

Link in bio-

21/04/2024

Presenting on Archives, Collections and Curating - New model of Africa centered education at Black Portraiture ( Venice Biennale).

25/01/2024

God is faithful!!

Today, I am excited to share that I have accepted a prestigious appointment as a scholar at the University of Pennsylvania. This incredible opportunity will enable me to continue my research and contribute to the realm of knowledge while harnessing the rich resources and collections that Penn has to offer.

My passion for teaching, curatorial practices, collaboration, and engaging in special projects finds a perfect home here & in Dikan. I am affiliated with Penn Museum, formerly known as The University of Pennsylvania's Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, under the esteemed leadership of Professor Christopher Woods, Director of Penn Museum, and Laura Hortz Stanton, Director of Collections.

As we embrace the new year, I am filled with gratitude and optimism. The past is behind me, and I embark on a fresh start with God's grace. In this season of renewal, everything becomes new, and I am eager to embark on this exciting journey."

10/12/2023

“There will never be another Paul Ninson. Who has to leave home, and feel this way just to learn how to tell stories. Everyone will be welcome at Dikan. There will never be someone standing at the gate. No person will be too poor or too inexperienced to learn how to photograph. Even young kids will be welcome. There will be a room just for them. Where they can learn to photograph.” – Paul Ninson – HONY 2021

Today marks a significant milestone, not only for our graduates but for the Dikan Center as a whole. We celebrate the first cohort of Dikan’s full-time program- Photojournalism and Documentary Practice program. As well as students from the Dikan Academy. Today’s creative leaders to transform Africa. This is a seed!

I am truly fulfilled on this journey of service and making an impact. This is my chosen path! This is my cross, and I will continue to embrace it with grace and gratitude against all odds.

God is faithful!!