BURN is a multimedia project created by Quaran Ahmad that encompasses a documentary series, an event series, and a youth program. The project is dedicated to forging meaningful community partnerships and cultivating empathy through the power of art.
The documentary series and event series were designed as a trilogy, running from 2023 to 2024. The documentary explored the social behaviors and evolution of Howard University students over the course of a year, while the event series actively engaged the Washington DC-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) community by showcasing and supporting local Black and Brown artists. The events consistently drew high attendance, with the third and final installment attracting over 200 attendees, significantly enhancing the visibility of both emerging and established creatives. Through fashion shows, live performances, art installations, and interactive experiences, each event fostered a dynamic environment that encouraged community engagement and artistic expression.
BURN has received recognition from major media outlets, including being featured on Fox5 News and The Hilltop Newspaper of Howard University. The project's impact has also been reinforced by financial support, having secured grants from Tour De Force and The Long Run Foundation, as well as crowdfunding efforts that have fueled its growth.
Currently, BURN is expanding its reach with the development of its youth program, set to launch in summer 2025. This initiative will empower high school students by teaching them how to create documentaries that spotlight grassroots organizations in their communities, providing them with both storytelling and technical filmmaking skills. BURN has already begun working with schools across the DMV area, further embedding itself within the community and inspiring the next generation of creatives.