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Community Profile - Jamila Dphrepaulezz
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 Jamila Dphrepaulezz has been a volunteer with Friends of the High Line since 2004, and has volunteered at countless FHL events, from the Summer Benefit to free family block parties. Jamila is a longtime resident of the West Village.
FHL: What first interested you in the High Line project and why did you become involved?
JD: Open House New York was my first opportunity to be involved in the High Line. I pride myself in knowing everything about New York, and at the time, the High Line was something I knew nothing about. I did line control at the venue at Gansevoort and Washington Streets. It was so thoroughly enjoyable to see all those people, you just come out of experiences like that with a high. It's an opportunity to take part in something that is absolutely going to benefit everybody in the city.
FHL: You've lived in the West Village for quite a while. What's special about this area?
JD: I've lived on Sheridan Square for about ten years, and I also lived on Horatio Street in the 80's. The West Village is such a vibrant neighborhood. There's so much to see and do on every block. It just has such a different vibe from anywhere else, very warm and welcoming. For me, what is the most meaningful about supporting the High Line is that it is a really local project. I like to support local merchants, and this is really no different. We need to do all we can to support our neighborhood infrastructure, from hardware stores to parks. My parents were local merchants in the West Village. They owned a little restaurant on Cornelia Street for 20 years, and they always appreciated neighborhood people coming in. My dad emigrated from Somalia, and it was a little Middle Eastern and North African restaurant, which was really weird for the Village at the time. But the neighborhood was so supportive and good about embracing these new things.
FHL: What's been your favorite High Line event to volunteer for?
JD: I love going to the summer benefit. It's so exciting to get dressed up, and to see celebrities hobnobbing with the regular High Line supporters. You never know who you're going to see at the benefit. It makes you realize, the word is out there, and a lot of people know about the High Line. But it's still not enough, so I always try to talk it up. I'm always trying to get my friends to volunteer for the High Line, too.
FHL: For people who are just learning about the High Line, why is it worth donating your time and money to this project?
JD: I think it will become the Central Park for downtown. Cities always need more outdoor spaces. With FHL, a group that actually came together to create a new one, that's really rare. I don't think the need for great outdoor spaces will ever go away. And this one's really unique -- an outdoor space that's elevated! I'd encourage everybody, if they're thinking about becoming a supporter, to donate your time first, to see what it's all about, and then the money follows. It's just so wonderful -- the High Line speaks for itself!
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Do Not Trespass
The High Line is currently owned by the City of New York. It is not open to the public. Please do not trespass. |
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