Black Urbanism

Quoted in Bloomberg CityLab’s “The Accidental Occupation of Seattle” Article

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In a Bloomberg CityLab article for their Justice column, I was quoted discussing the historical context and implications of the Capitol Hill Occupied Protest (CHOP) zone in Seattle. The journalist connected the protest zone to historical precedents, and I offered a comparison to Resurrection City, the 1968 encampment on the National Mall that was part of Martin Luther King Jr.’s Poor People’s Campaign. I noted that, “Like the Resurrection City tradition, CHOP City radically gestured toward a more communal way of life in direct protest to the surrendered police state upon which it is being constructed.”

I highlighted the innovative approach of the CHOP/CHAZ organizers, who employed a “more tactical, temporary, & transgressive ‘placetaking’ method” compared to historical movements. However, from my research perspective, which focuses on Black urbanism, I observed that the Capitol Hill protest, despite beginning as a protest for Black lives, falls short of the criteria for Black urbanism. I pointed out that “Black urbanism requires three elements — civics, stories, and space — to produce Black belongingness,” and I expressed concern about “whose spatial imaginary is being listened to” in the context of the Capitol Hill protests.

Read here: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-06-18/what-s-next-for-seattle-s-police-free-protest-zone

Profiled by University of Washington Newspaper “The Art of Black Urbanism” Show

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In an article by The Daily UW titled “The Art of Black Urbanism: Creating Space to Be Seen,” I was featured as part of a discussion on the concept of Black urbanism during an event hosted by the University of Washington’s Department of Urban Design & Planning in honor of Black History Month. The event explored the intersection of visibility, Blackness, and space, particularly how these themes are reflected in our work as photographers.

During the discussion, I shared my perspective on Black urbanism, stating, “What I hope to provide with Black urbanism is a counterweight that allows us to see that Blackness is beautiful and celebratory and poetic. Those principles are weaved into the art.” The event highlighted the importance of creating pro-Black spaces and acknowledged the contributions of Black urban planners, artists, and designers.

I also discussed my background, growing up in a family of creators, and how that influenced my journey into the arts. My pursuit of digital anthropology at the University of Southern California shaped my approach to photography, which I see as a blend of anthropology and documentary work. “That program taught me to think like an anthropologist and act like a documentarian. A lot of the projects in that exhibit have that documentary impulse. I started to tell stories from where I could,” I explained. This process led me to develop the concept of Black urbanism, which guides much of my work today.

The article also touched on the experiences of other participants, such as Rycheal, who shared her story as a Black queer woman and art director, and how photography serves as a medium for visibility and expression of Blackness.

READ: https://www.dailyuw.com/news/the-art-of-black-urbanism-creating-space-to-be-seen/article_e84a5500-2b57-11e9-8daa-d382ba8b47d6.html

Philadelphia Tribune Profile: “Black scholar makes his mark in urban planning”

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Philadelphia Tribune Profile: “Black scholar makes his mark in urban planning”

I was recently profiled by The Philadelphia Tribune, where the article highlights various aspects of my academic and professional journey, as well as personal reflections shared by my family, friends, and colleagues.

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