Thank you, New York, for everything, without exception. Thank you for the life lessons, the extraordinary adventures, the inspiration. Thank you for shaping the very essence of who we are today. Thank you for imbuing us with your spirit at the deepest core of our being.

What would Mermoz Sacré-Cœur be without you, New York?

To Shaolin, Staten Island: You are the genesis, Shaolin. First encounter, first connection, first attachment. Not even Harvard or Columbia’s greatest scholars could contest it: Wu Tang lives forever! Thus, to the rhythm of "Triumph" in our ears on the way to school, you taught us the art of victory, down Victory Boulevard.

To Chelsea: Dear Chelsea, art is you. Who else but you to awaken our love for art to the point of making MoMa jealous? Where else could we have discovered a creation by Zaha Hadid, incessantly contemplated Basquiat's works at the Gagosian Gallery, or witnessed the spectacle of a sunset from the rooftop of the Standard Hotel to end our day beautifully in the Meatpacking District? Remain as you are forever, Chelsea.

To SoHo: SoHo, SoHo, SoHo... How exceptional you are. Our relationship has no equal; we love you at least as much as you love us. Our lunch dates at Cafe Gitane and Fanelli's, preludes to our strolls between Crosby, Mercer, and Wooster, bear witness to your beauty and unique energy, envied by the whole world. And please believe, just like Mason Betha, we've "been around the world."

Prince and Lafayette: Our essential, our unconditional. How many hours have we shared together? How many meetings at La Colombe? How many trips to Atrium and Supreme? Your loyalty and generosity have never faltered.

To the Lower East Side, our dear LES: Your introversion is matched only by the warmth of your welcome. You taught us that true love is cultivated in patience and exploration, a truth that was revealed the day you allowed us to discover Alife Rivington Club, forever changing our lives in an instant. Alife, we are forever grateful to you; thank you for igniting in us this flame of design.

To Brooklyn: You taught us courage and never stopped showing us the true meaning of authenticity. You refuse to admit it, but you can't help but blush in our presence, for you harbor a secret: the souls of Harlem move you deeply, stirring emotions within you. From Smorgasburg and Prospect Park to the First Saturdays at the Brooklyn Museum, you are undeniably the highlight of New York summers. Brooklyn, who could resist your charm?

And finally, to the world, Harlem-World that is: Harlem, what would we be without you? Harlem, you are our world, for your teachings will follow us forever. Style, personality, originality, confidence, and strength of character—all these lessons we owe to you. Harlem, for us, you are "the world" because everything starts with you. Every trend, every cultural shift, originates from you. Thank you for your richness, your diversity, your kindness, and for our haven of peace on 116th Street when we miss our Senegal.

As we are ready to embark on our journey of conquering the world, we promise to carry you everywhere with us, at all times, because it's you, New York, it's you who made us.

Thank you, New York, from the bottom of our hearts.

Engraved in gold letters,

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