Brooklyn artists rally around performer after fire destroys her home
In just three days, they raised nearly $30,000 to help her rebuild.
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Ayana Evans lost nearly everything when her apartment went up in flames on Monday in Brooklyn.
At first, she didn’t think it was serious.
“From inside, it wasn’t that much smoke,” she said.
But when she returned, she found her roof had collapsed and her belongings, including her beloved green suit, dresses and cherished family photos, were ruined.
The apartment has since been sealed off, with her belongings still inside, and the super of the building arrested for using an illegal flamethrower believed to have started the blaze.
“Everything I have now fits in a box I can throw over my shoulder,” Evans said.
Her friends and fellow artists quickly stepped in. In just three days, they raised nearly $30,000 to help her rebuild.
“We are returning everything she has given us over the years,” said artist Jessica Laray.
"We plan to keep it going to raise $50,000, and we were not expecting this response, but it shows you how kind and generous a person she is," said organizer Elizabeth Lamb.
“I could pay her back every day of my life. It still wouldn’t be enough,” said friend Terence Edgerson.
Evans said life after the fire is filled with uncertainty. She doesn’t know where she’ll sleep or when she’ll perform again. But she’s sure of one thing: the love of her community.
“I didn’t think we’d have a bed for a year,” she said. “You finally get nice things and they’re gone. I love y’all. You know I love y’all.”
Evans hopes to dance again soon and plans to use the funds to help find housing for herself, her partner, and his brother, who all lived in the unit.
“When I dance, I feel free,” she said. “I feel invincible.”
