Remembering Jibrail Nor

NIA mourns the loss of Jibrail Nor. A beloved educator and musician, Jibrail was someone who brought thoughtful dedication, compassion, and humor to his work with youth. In his 10 years working with NIA, Jibrail impacted the lives of hundreds of students across Brooklyn. He began his career with NIA as a music instructor in 2011, teaching after-school, summer, and in-school enrichment classes. As an instructor, he not only taught new skills, he helped children build self-confidence and find self-expression through music.

In 2013, Jibrail was promoted to Program Director, establishing NIA’s after school program at the new Citizen’s of the World Charter School in Crown Heights. At CWC, Jibrail quickly became a key leader in the school community. Going beyond his role as after-school program director, he helped in infinite ways throughout the school day. If a child needed extra encouragement, individualized support, or a caring adult to listen, Jibrail was there.

Jibrail went on to become Program Director for NIA at IS 239, Mark Twain School for the Gifted & Talented. Again at Mark Twain, Jibrial became an integral part of the school community. His good-natured, patient and thoughtful demeanor made him well loved and respected by students and teachers alike. As a program director, Jibrail not only worked tirelessly to create unique academic and creative opportunities for youth, he also continued teaching drums and connecting with students on an individual level. Even throughout his struggle with cancer, Jibrail never stopped sharing his love of music and giving his all to the young people in his program.

Prior to his work with NIA, Jibrail worked for the NYC Parks Department and throughout his life was also a talented musician, songwriter, and performer. Jibrail, who inherited his love of music from his family, began playing drums at the age of 4. Over the years, Jibrail shared his talents, not only with his students but with audiences across the country. For nearly 20 years, he played drums with BR & Timebomb, Sweet Little Bloodhound, and Youngbloods Jazz Quartet, and was a frequent guest performer with many other bands. He was also kind enough to volunteer his talents to perform at numerous NIA events over the years. Through music, as through his youth work, Jibrail brought joy and inspiration to many.

As a student, Jibrail attended Midwood High School, followed by Oberlin College, where he majored in Politics and also studied small jazz ensemble performance, steel pan, and West African hand percussion. Raised in Brooklyn, Jibrail was deeply invested in giving back to the city that was his home. In 2017, he contributed a photograph to the Prospect Park Alliance 150 Connective Project Gallery, saying “Prospect Park symbolizes home for me. It’s been a big part of my life since my family moved back to Brooklyn when I was 6 years old. I have played, worked, skated, ran, performed and enjoyed music, celebrated birthdays in the park for most of my life.”

Jibrail's thoughtful, calm, caring style of leadership has helped countless young people over the years. He dedicated his career to positively impacting the world around him. During his time with NIA, Jibrail distinguished himself as a humble, creative, and compassionate leader, who was always willing to give of himself to help the community. Through the lives he touched as a great teacher, educational leader, musician, and friend, Jibrail’s impact will not be forgotten. This spring, IS 239 will present a new annual graduation award in Jibrail's name, accompanied by a permanent plaque in the school lobby. Jibrail will be greatly missed by all at NIA, remembered always in our hearts, and honored with lasting recognition for the kind and giving man he was in life.