My Black Space

In Portland’s Albina neighborhood, a community-led project is turning the legacy of displacement into a path toward Black homeownership and generational wealth.  Azalea Renfield and Ta'Neshia Renae` of Williams Russell CDC reveal how a 1.7-acre site in Portland's Albina neighborhood is being transformed into homes, apartments, a business hub, and a culturally specific daycare – all desig...

In this episode of My Black Space, Place, Power, and Justice , Paul Bauknight speaks with Rep. Esther Agbaje, Minnesota State Representative for District 59B, about the Blue Line Extension project, housing, and how policy shapes the built environment. The conversation centers on transit, anti-displacement planning, and the connection between infrastructure investment and community well-being. Rep....

Mayor Hollies Winston makes the case that the Blue Line Extension is not just a transit project, but a generational opportunity to close gaps in wealth, mobility, and access across the northwest suburbs. He explains why transportation is freedom, why “landlocked” communities keep paying the price, and how this line could help unlock thousands of jobs, new housing, and a biotech district that chang...

Heritage Park is a housing crisis and a warning about what happens when communities are promised “better” and still end up fighting mold, failing windows, water intrusion, and displacement.  Minneapolis Councilmember Pearl Warren joins Paul Bauknight for a conversation about public safety, racialized housing policy, and why fixing the buildings is only the beginning. Warren, who represents North M...

In this engaging interview, Heather Wilson , EVP and CEO of AIA Oregon , shares her journey from urban planning to leading the architectural profession's advocacy for equity, justice, and community engagement. They explore the political nature of architecture, spatial justice, the impact of current politics on the profession, and how architects can be more active in shaping societal change.

In this insightful interview, Liz Ogbu , a designer, urbanist, and spatial justice activist, shares her journey from architecture to transforming unjust urban environments. She discusses the importance of racial and spatial justice, healing communities, and disrupting the status quo to create equitable, thriving spaces.

In this episode, Paul Bauknight welcomes Tsedey Betru , the director of Just Communities . They discuss Tsedey's journey from Ethiopia to Memphis, her experiences with race, and her career in urban planning. The conversation delves into the evolution of Just Communities, focusing on racial equity and climate resilience.  They also explore challenges in community planning, the impact of politi...

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 i...

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. Th...

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...

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&...

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 Move...

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...

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...

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, displa...

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 th...

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 wor...

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 crea...