Amisi Nazaire-Hicks is a Cambridge, Mass. native and an arts and culture administrator dedicated to uplifting the stories, voices, and talents of historically marginalized communities. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in African American Studies and Dance from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Master’s degree in Performing Arts Administration from New York University. Amisi has worked in the cultural nonprofit sector in New York City and for dance organizations in the New England area.

What is your background?
From a young age, I have been immersed in the arts. Beginning with a love for all things visual arts and then transitioning to a serious concentration on many forms of dance. This has been coupled with an academic focus on Black history and various aspects of nonprofit management.

I was interested in working for BBF because I am eager to expand my historical knowledge of the city that I grew up in. Many of the histories I have studied have expanded my knowledge of the world, but it’s also important to me to understand what I am surrounded by everyday. With my background in arts and culture and prioritizing diverse perspectives, I felt that BBF would be a great organization to work for!

What’s your favorite building in Boston and why?
My favorite building in Boston is the Boston Public Library. Beyond the beautiful architecture, there are so many available methods of researching and you can even grab an afternoon tea - a birthday tradition of mine!

What is your favorite city to visit besides Boston?
I am an avid traveler, so it’s hard for me to choose just one! While my primary style of traveling is to go straight to the beach, my current favorite cities are London, Paris, and Mexico City! Absorbing complex histories outside of the United States has always left me with a deeper understanding and perspective on the places I frequent on a daily basis.