SOLEL International's story is one of resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment to community empowerment. Our journey began with the experiences of our founder, Danny Asberry El, whose path from military service to community leadership shaped the vision of what SOLEL would become.

After seven years of dedicated military service, Danny returned to his hometown in Texas, only to face unexpected challenges. The landscape had changed – not just physically in the wake of Hurricane Ike, but culturally and socially as well. He encountered a community grappling with racism, a lack of understanding about Moorish American history, and the harsh realities of a housing crisis. These challenges, rather than deterring him, ignited a passion for change.

Driven by a desire to make a difference, Danny joined AmeriCorps, where he honed his skills in community building. This experience proved invaluable as he worked tirelessly to help rebuild and unite communities in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. But Danny's vision extended beyond physical reconstruction – he saw an opportunity to heal and unite through the power of art and culture.

This vision materialized in the creation of A-Fest, a vibrant celebration of Houston's diverse ethnic tapestry. A-Fest became more than just an event; it was a platform where every culture in Houston could share its story through art. The festival resonated deeply with the community, who called for its continuation, recognizing its power to heal and unite.

The success of A-Fest laid the foundation for what would become SOLEL International. As the organization grew, so did its impact. We expanded our programs to include showcases for high schools and middle schools, addressing issues of non-inclusiveness both in the United States and internationally. Our commitment to community support was put to the test during Hurricane Harvey, where we mobilized to assist low-income Houston neighborhoods with food, maintenance, and crucial resources.

Through the years, SOLEL International has faced and overcome numerous challenges – from natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey and the Texas Winter Storm to global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and even cyber-attacks. Yet, with each obstacle, we have emerged stronger, more resilient, and more committed to our mission.

Our journey has been marked by significant milestones that showcase our innovative approach to community revival:

• We created Houston's first Augmented Reality Mural on the city's first Whole Foods 365 Store, merging technology with art to transform public spaces.

• The Renaissance Center mural became Houston's second Augmented Reality Mural, further cementing our role in the city's artistic landscape.

• In Galveston, we pioneered the city's first augmented reality historical markers and mural, bringing history to life through technology.

• Our community revitalization efforts extended to projects like the Bordersville murals and the Settegast Barbershop restoration, preserving local heritage while creating beauty.

• Internationally, we've established arts education initiatives in Brazil and forged collaborations with esteemed partners like Shaikha Abeer Al Khalifa in Bahrain and the Al-Bayan Bilingual School in Kuwait.

Our work has not gone unnoticed. We've been featured on ABC News, Gulf Daily News, and Bahrain International. Our innovative approaches have been showcased in TED Talks, and we've received recognition from both the Houston City Council and federal government.

As we look to the future, SOLEL International remains committed to its founding vision – reviving communities through arts and culture. We continue to evolve, innovate, and expand our reach, always with the goal of empowering individuals to shape their own futures and create a more just and equitable world.