My Black Space

In this conversation, Paul Bauknight speaks with Alexa Bush, the Planning Director for the City of Detroit, about the rich history of Detroit, the challenges and opportunities in community and neighborhood development, and the importance of equity and inclusion in urban planning. They discuss the I-375 project aimed at reconnecting communities, the Fitzgerald neighborhood as a case study in recovery, and the role of philanthropy in supporting urban development. The conversation also touches on the need for diversity in the design profession and the importance of building trust with residents to create effective and equitable urban spaces.

In this conversation, Scott Kratz, CEO of Building Bridges Across the River, discusses the 11th Street Bridge Park project, emphasizing the importance of spatial justice, community engagement, and addressing gentrification. He shares insights on building trust within the community, navigating equity in a politically charged environment, and measuring the success of community-driven initiatives. The conversation highlights the project's commitment to creating a space that fosters joy and connection among diverse residents, with construction set to begin soon.

Kofi Boone, a visionary landscape architect, joins Paul Bauknight on this episode of My Black Space to discuss the transformative power of landscape architecture in advancing social and environmental justice. Boone shares his insights on how landscape design can be a tool for equity, community wealth, and healing, particularly in marginalized Black and Indigenous communities.Major points include Boone's journey from Detroit to becoming a leader in environmental justice, the role of community-led projects in fostering resilience and economic opportunity, and innovative strategies like land back movements and Black land banks. Boone emphasizes the importance of shifting power from the elite to the community, creating spaces where marginalized peoples can thrive and reclaim their cultural heritage.Listen now if you're interested in how landscape architecture can serve as a catalyst for justice and how collective strength, cultural resilience, and land stewardship can lead the way to a more equitable and sustainable future.

Discover the powerful intersection of community, art, and politics with Alicia Washington, founder of Utah's only Black-owned theater (Good Company Theater) and a city council member. In a town with less than 2% Black residents, Alicia is redefining leadership through her commitment to community and justice. This episode explores her journey from student to leader, highlighting her theater's role in producing works by and about people of color as a catalyst for social change.Alicia shares insights into overcoming challenges like funding and representation, while addressing systemic bias and protecting immigrant communities. Her story is a blueprint for community-driven transformation, inspiring artists, activists, and leaders to leverage creativity for equitable change. Tune in to be inspired by Alicia's call to action: community, creativity, and courage are the keys to authentic progress.

In this episode of My Black Space Place, host Paul Bauknight engages with Jennifer Vanica, a transformative designer and community developer, to discuss the profound impact of community-driven economic development, particularly through the lens of the Market Creek Plaza project in San Diego. Jennifer shares her journey from Ohio to San Diego, highlighting her experiences with the Civil Rights Movement and her commitment to addressing economic injustices through philanthropy. The conversation delves into the complexities of community engagement, emphasizing the importance of resident ownership and the need for foundations to relinquish control to empower communities effectively.Jennifer elaborates on the Market Creek project, detailing how it evolved from a simple grocery store initiative to a vibrant cultural and commercial center. She emphasizes the significance of listening to community voices and the necessity of building trust through genuine engagement. The episode also touches on the challenges of maintaining momentum in community projects and the innovative strategies employed to ensure that residents not only participate but also lead the decision-making processes. Ultimately, the discussion underscores the transformative power of community ownership and the need for a shift in how philanthropic efforts are structured to foster sustainable change.

In this episode of My Black Space, Place, Power and Justice, host Paul Bauknight engages in a profound conversation with Eric Moore, a social justice evaluator, about the intersection of space, community engagement, and social justice. They discuss the importance of authentic community engagement, the power dynamics in decision-making, and the role of space in shaping experiences and outcomes. The episode delves into the challenges of creating equitable spaces and the impact of systemic oppression on communities of color.

What does it mean to design for liberation... not just aesthetics?In this episode of My Black Space, host Paul Bauknight sits down with acclaimed architect and developer Jamil Ford Sr., founder of Mobilize Design & Architecture (MDA), to explore how design intersects with equity, land, and legacy in Black communities.Together, they unpack the challenges and opportunities of community-rooted development, the role of Black architects as cultural stewards, and why design must go beyond buildings to create systems of care, ownership, and voice.Jamil shares real stories from two of his most powerful projects:A mixed-use development in North Minneapolis designed to address affordable housing and food access in historically disinvested areasThe Hennepin County Social Services Center, where deep community engagement shaped every design decision despite major site constraints

When stadiums rise, who gets left behind?In this episode of My Black Space, Paul Bauknight is joined by architect Nicole Bauknight and communications strategist Stan Alleyne to unpack the deeper story behind America’s stadiums—those gleaming arenas we cheer in, but rarely question. From Allianz Field in St. Paul to SoFi Stadium in LA, this conversation explores how stadiums reshape cities, displace communities, and often leave behind the very people they promise to uplift.Through local and national examples, the trio dives into the political trade-offs behind stadium construction, the broken promises of economic benefit, and the cultural disconnect between pro venues and the communities that surround them. They also confront the inequities between HBCU stadiums and high school arenas in wealthier districts—offering a powerful lens on race, representation, and what equity in design really means.This episode isn’t just about sports—it’s about space, power, and the stories our cities choose to tell.

In this episode of "My Black Space, Place, Power, and Justice," Paul Bauknight hosts Sarah Bellamy, the president of Penumbra Theater. The conversation delves into the history and mission of Penumbra, a theater founded by Sarah's father, Lou Bellamy, to present work by, for, and about Black people. Sarah shares her journey from growing up in the theater to leading it, emphasizing the importance of creating spaces that honor Black culture and history. The discussion touches on themes of community, spatial justice, and the role of art in racial healing. Sarah and Paul explore the challenges and opportunities of maintaining cultural sanctuaries in a rapidly changing world, highlighting the need for spaces where Black people can express their authentic selves.Connect with Penumbra:Instagram: @penumbratheatre

In this engaging conversation, interdisciplinary artist PaviElle French shares her journey from the vibrant Rondo neighborhood of St. Paul, Minnesota. Growing up in a community rich with Black culture and activism, PaviElle reflects on how her parents' dedication to social justice shaped her artistic path.The discussion delves into the profound impact of George Floyd's murder on her work, exploring the essence of Black music and its role in fostering community and justice. PaviElle emphasizes the need for healing and liberation through creative expression, while candidly addressing the challenges faced by Black artists in predominantly white spaces like Minnesota.Listeners will gain insights into the significance of collaboration between artists and architects, the role of space in art, and PaviElle's exciting upcoming projects aimed at preserving Black history and culture.Connect with PaviElle:Instagram: @pavielle_music Facebook: @PaviElleYouTube: PaviElle French LinkedIn: @PaviElle FrenchUpcoming projects: The Sovereign Residency book and a documentary series. Stay tuned on PaviElle's social media for updates!

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Omari Souza, a visionary designer, professor, and author, as we delve into the transformative power of design in shaping communities. Omari shares his inspiring journey from New York to academia, highlighting the challenges and triumphs in diversifying the design field. Discover how the State of Black Design Conference is reshaping perceptions and creating opportunities for underrepresented voices. Gain insights from Omari's upcoming book, "Design Against Racism," which addresses critical blind spots in design practices. Learn about the importance of co-design and community engagement in driving meaningful change, and explore the challenges and opportunities within academia and the design industry.Don't miss Omari's book release in October and join us at the next State of Black Design event at Prairie View. Let's continue the conversation on how design can transform communities.Connect with Omari:Instagram: @omari.souzaFacebook: @Omari Abijah Souza LinkedIn: @Omari SouzaX: @OmariSouza