My Black Space

Balancing Community and Neighborhood Development – with Alexa Bush

In this conversation, Paul Bauknight speaks with Alexa Bush, the former 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.

From Infrastructure to Joy: How Cultural Spaces Transform Neighborhoods

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.

Landscape Architecture Can Lead the Way in Environmental Justice and Community Power

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.

How a Black-Owned Theater in Utah Became a Beacon for Community Resilience

Discover the powerful intersection of community, art, and politics with Alicia Washington, founder of Utah's only Black-owned theater (Good Company Theater [https://goodcotheatre.com/]) 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.

How Community Ownership Transformed a Neighborhood

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 [https://marketcreekplaza.com/] 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.