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Liban Kano

2024 Champions   |   Saint Paul, Minnesota

Liban Kano is an Ethiopian-American, Social Artist, Entrepreneur, Air Force Veteran

Age 20: Enlists in the U.S. Air Force
Age 21: Moves to Utah
Age 22: Makes life long friends
Age 23: Moves to England
Age 24: Lives his best life
Age 25: Continues to live his best life
Age 26: Moves to South Korea
Age 27: Moves to Japan
Age 28: Begins to question his life
Age 29: Moves to Ohio
Age 30: Begins his new life as a civilian
Age 31: Mistake after mistake
Age 32: Creates Strangers Meeting Strangers (SMS)
Age 33: He begins to really try

Strangers Meeting Strangers

Strangers Meeting Strangers (SMS) revitalizes urban spaces by transforming them into vibrant forums for storytelling and dialogue. By organizing citywide events, SMS activates public areas—parks, squares, and streets—turning them into stages for community interaction. At these gatherings, diverse residents share personal narratives, fostering a collective understanding and empathy that transcends social barriers.

The project will consist of live, curated storytelling sessions where participants from various backgrounds can narrate their experiences. These events not only animate underutilized public spaces but also attract local businesses and audiences, stimulating economic activity.