It was an evening of warmth, reflection, and powerful connection as Nigerians in New York gathered to host award-winning storyteller Chude Jideonwo for a special conversation around his Amazon bestselling memoir, ‘How Depression Saved My Life’. Held in New York City, the gathering brought together members of the African diaspora for an intimate night of storytelling, vulnerability, and shared humanity as part of Jideonwo’s ongoing global book tour.
Guests arrived to a room already buzzing with conversation, reconnecting with friends and meeting new ones before the evening formally began. Following a warm welcome from the hosts and an introduction of the author, the event unfolded into a rich moderated conversation exploring the heart of the memoir, from the creative process behind the book to its deeper themes of depression, faith, and the disciplined practice of joy. As Jideonwo read selected excerpts from the book, the room grew still, with many listeners visibly moved by the honesty and emotional clarity of the story.
The conversation soon opened to the audience, and what followed were thoughtful questions, reflections, and personal testimonies from attendees who found pieces of their own journeys in the narrative. The evening concluded with book signings, photos, and lingering conversations, guests staying back to connect, share their stories, and thank the author for creating a space where difficult truths could be spoken with courage and hope. In a city known for its relentless pace, the New York gathering offered something rare: a pause to reflect, heal, and rediscover the quiet strength that comes from telling the truth.
