Museum of Presence

Shabazz Larkin, Tonya Lewis, Evan Brown, Kamilah Sander, Exhibition One: May I be Brave Enough To Speak My Truth

Join us for the inaugural episode of Museum of Presence, "May I Be Brave Enough To Speak My Truth". Setting the tone for our series, hosts Shabazz Larkin, Tonya Lewis, and Evan Brown guide listeners on a virtual walk through our unique art exhibition, featured in our QR code filled newspaper. In this episode, we delve into the necessity of black art in public spaces, exploring themes of Black Identity, Black Mindfulness, and the cultural impact of icons like Little Richard and Thich Nhat Hanh. We passionately discuss the significance of black people telling black stories, aiming to inspire builders and developers moving into Nashville to engage black artists in sharing our narratives. Our featured exhibition, "May I Be Brave Enough to Speak My Truth," is a bold testament to sharing uncomfortable truths with vulnerability and aesthetic grace. This session is filled with laughter, community, and love amongst all the hosts, making for a light-hearted yet profound experience. In the spirit of bravery and truth, we invite you to be part of our journey. Share this episode, subscribe to the Museum of Presence podcast, and follow us on Instagram @museumofpresence. Help us weave a tapestry of black stories, told by black voices, as we illuminate the richness of the BIPOC community in Nashville through art, mindfulness, and history. If you are interested in being a part of the True Voice community: Join True Voice Here [www.truevoiceapp.com/museumofpresence] View the Exhibition and all art mentioned here at Museumofpresence.com [www.museumofpresence.com] You are now entering the Museum of Presence. 00:00 Museum of Presence x Exhibition Walkthrough 00:00 Introduction 01:02 Welcome to The Museum of Presence 02:10 Meet Tonya Lewis 03:01 Meet Kamilah Sander 03:49 Meet Evan Brown 05:01 missing Black galleries in Nashville 06:09 a Different Kind of Museum Experience 08:26 Meet Shabazz Larkin 09:28 Karen taught me to trust the process 12:20 Exhibition: May I be Brave Enough to Speak My Truth 12:58 The Cover 14:32 Enter the exhibition: Two Pillars 18:02 Little Richard & Malcom X - Two Sides of the same coin 21:45 Exhibition: Screaming, Singing or using Loud Voices? 23:53 Exhibition: Fear Has no home here 25:59 Exhibition: Masking Neurodivergence 29:26 Exhibition: Redifining Sanctuary 31:15 Exhibition: Fragile Black Man Series 33:26 Exhibition: Black Liberation & A Black Buddha 35:31 Exhibition: Heavens to Marcy 36:31 Acknowledgments This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit museumofpresence.substack.com [https://museumofpresence.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Omari Booker on Finding Freedom through art, incarceration & the beauty of North Nashville Community

In this deeply moving episode of "The Museum of Presence," we journey into the heart of Nashville, exploring the intersection of art, mindfulness, and the Black experience. Join host Shabazz as he converses with local artist and visionary, Omari Booker, who has carved out an extraordinary path for himself amidst the trials and tribulations of his past. From the confines of a prison cell to a thriving career in Nashville’s art scene, Omari narrates his inspiring journey that spans 15 years. He shares, “... all the pieces are about that 15 years. And in large part, they're about the people that helped get me through that 15 years.” Guiding us through his exhibition at the Elephant Galler [https://www.elephantgallery.com/fifteen]y, Omari depicts the profound impact of his experiences, personified through abstract images of his time in prison. “People would have the experience, of sitting in my cell with me...” he shares. His signature piece - a life-sized self-portrait - is a captivating reflection of his strength and vulnerability during his incarceration. The narrative takes a profound turn as we explore the heart of North Nashville. Known for its rich cultural heritage and dynamic Black music scene, the district’s struggles with over-policing and high incarceration rates shed light on the resilience and spirit of the community. It’s within these challenges that Omari finds the honesty and authenticity to create his art. Toward the end, Omari’s heartfelt recitation of his poem "This Black Bird" signifies the power of hope and the quest for freedom, even within the walls of a prison. The bird is not just a motif in his paintings; it's a symbol of his dreams taking flight. As he shares, “This bird, showing up in my room every day...It brings me hope. It feeds my dreams. They're only bars, they're only screens. It's only tears, it's only screams...” Join us for this intimate conversation, shedding light on the transformative power of art, the shared narratives of our communities, and the promise of presence in every moment. This episode of "The Museum of Presence" is an invitation to contemplate the silence between the words, delve into the beauty of the struggle, and celebrate the enduring spirit of the Black community in Nashville. You are now Entering the Museum of Presence [www.museumofpresence.com] 00:00 Omari Booker: You can't sleep your time away - the transformational power of an art practice against a 15 year prison sentence 00:00 Intro 02:20 Exhibition Walk Through 03:45 North Nashville Highway Dilemma 06:20 Responsibility of The Artist 09:20 Glimpses of a life 12:18 This Black Bird Poem 18:39 The Prison inside. The Freedom inside 25:31 The Process of Painting is the joy 30:04 Community 31:48 Brotherhood & Joy live everywhere 33:45 Cultivating joy 42:18 Blackbird Poem Reprise This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit museumofpresence.substack.com [https://museumofpresence.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Mike Floss - 16 For the City Freestyle, talks Black Nashville Assembly and The Creative Process

In this captivating episode of 'Museum of Presence,' join host Shabazz Larkin as he engages in an empowering conversation with renowned artist and activist, Mike Floss. With a deep passion for organizing, politics, and activism, Floss is an integral part of the Black Nashville Assembly—a community-driven initiative that brings people together to discuss and advocate for the issues impacting the Black community. Together, Larkin and Floss delve into thought-provoking topics, exploring the power of organizing, the significance of political engagement, and the transformative impact of activism. The conversation touches upon pivotal issues, highlighting the essential role of community advocacy in shaping a more equitable society. A particularly poignant moment arises when Floss declares, 'queerness is inherently Black,' sparking a profound exploration of the intersectionality within the Black experience and the importance of inclusivity within the community. Support the 'Museum of Presence' by sharing this episode and spreading the message of empowerment and activism. Follow us on Instagram @museumofpresence and subscribe to our podcast to join our vibrant artistic community. Together, let's take action to amplify the voices of Black artists, activists, and change-makers. Join us as we celebrate the transformative power of art, activism, and community engagement, fostering a future where equality and justice prevail." If you like this work - Share this episode, follow Museum of Presence on Instagram @museumofpresence, subscribe to the podcast, and join the movement to amplify the voices of Black artists and activists. You are now entering the Museum of Presence. 00:00 Museum of Presence x Mike Floss 00:25 16 For The City  Freestyle 02:13 Introduction: Mike Floss 03:49 Black Nashville Assembly 04:42 Pan-Africanism 05:01 Black Queer Identity 05:22 Abolition of Prison Industial Complex 06:22 Representation  07:55 Jamel Cambel Gooch 11:29 The People Are The Anchor 12:53 One of the best rappers alive 15:12 Dancing on Jefferson - a painting 19:55 Maya Angelou 22:13 Creative Process of Writing Raps 24:40 The Four Pillars of The Black Nashville Assembly 25:07 Blackness is Inherintly Queer 28:48 Evolving Culture vs Cancel Culture 32:59 Southern Movement Committee 34:50 Block Meetings 39:07 Mike Floss shares his Top 5 43:13 Acknowledgments This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit museumofpresence.substack.com [https://museumofpresence.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Reaux Marquez offers a 16 for the city freestyle, talks about why Hip-Hop is a religion, fatherhood, and black presence

Embark on a captivating journey with the episode 'Reaux Marquez: 16 For The City' in the immersive world of 'Museum of Presence.' Join host Shabazz Larkin as he explores the life, music, fatherhood, spirituality, and creative process of Nashville rapper Reaux Marquez. In this episode Marquez offers a freestyle. A mesmerizing showcase of his lyrical prowess. As one of the city's finest wordsmiths, Marquez weaves his experiences into a tapestry of artistry, delving into the complexities of balancing fatherhood and a musical career while offering insight into the transformative power of spirituality. Support the 'Museum of Presence' by sharing this episode and spreading the word about our mission. Follow us on Instagram @museumofpresence and subscribe to our podcast to stay connected with our vibrant artistic community. Together, let's honor the brilliance of Reaux Marquez and celebrate the undeniable influence of music and meaningful connections on our collective journey. Join us as we embark on an enchanting exploration, where the beats of life converge with artistic expression, inspiring deeper understanding and shared inspiration. You are now entering the Museum of Presence. 00:00 Museum of Presence x Reaux Marquez 00:00 How Did you Start Rapping? 00:22 16 For The City Freestyle 03:18 Reaux Marquez 03:33 Introduction 05:36 The Creative Process 06:59 Start With Drums 08:51 Dancing On Jefferson 09:27 Making Music For Me First 12:06 disruption 14:30 Telling Our Stories  16:24 Black Art in Public Spaces 16:57 Music City History 23:34 Top Five: Reaux Marquez 26:46 Fatherhood 28:34 Childhood Memories in Nashville - TSU Parade This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit museumofpresence.substack.com [https://museumofpresence.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Eric Holt on the Art of Space-Making, Legacy of the Black Church, 20 years of Lovenoise and the secret to weathering the storms, recessions and floods of Nashville

Join us in the Museum of Presence as we celebrate the 20-year journey of Eric Holt, the driving force behind Love Noise, an organization dedicated to bringing black music back to Nashville. Eric reflects on the resilience and fortitude it took to weather the storms of a pandemic, a recession, and Nashville's great flood. A defining moment in his journey came when his first event was canceled simply because it was a Black event. This challenge, however, opened a new path for Eric - a path that he discovered often opens up for Black individuals. Listen as he shares his life journey, from his early years in the church to his influential work today, emphasizing the importance of honoring our ancestors. Delving into the concept of space-making, Eric expounds on the power of creating spaces or 'containers' and why it's essential for Black individuals to create these containers for themselves. The discussion flows to his role as a collector of Nashville-produced playlists, which he curates in this edition of the newspaper. Be sure not to miss "The Selector" section where you can access all the playlists that Eric Holt has meticulously created from Nashville people, producers, and space-makers. Listen, enjoy, and share this episode with your community. Follow us on Instagram @museumofpresence for more insightful updates, and don't forget to subscribe to the Museum of Presence podcast. Your support fuels our mission of honoring and exploring the BIPOC community's experiences in Nashville through art and mindfulness. You are now entering the Museum of Presence. www.museumofpresence.com [www.museumofpresence.com] www.truevoiceapp.com/museumofpresence [www.truevoiceapp.com/museumofpresence] www.lovenoise.net [www.lovenoise.net] 00:00 Museum of Presence x Eric Holt 00:00 The First Lovenoise Event 00:26 Intro 02:19 Surviving the test of time 04:06 Origins of Eric Holt 05:28 Community 07:21 Holding Space in Nashville 13:12 Overcoming adversity 19:20 The Need for black art in public spaces 22:07 the Power of Music 25:03 Favorite Nashville Artists 27:51 The future of music for Nashville 29:02 The Selector: Playlists from the people of music city 31:43 What keeps you going? 38:21 Acknowledgements This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit museumofpresence.substack.com [https://museumofpresence.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]