My Black Space

Paul Bauknight Jr.
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Arts

My Black Space — hosted by Paul Bauknight Jr., urbanist, designer, educator, spatial justice activist, and founder and president of the Center for Transformative Urban Design— features candid conversations about spatial justice, community empowerment, and the lived experiences of people in urban spaces. We'll delve into how design and policy intersect with race, culture, and equity.

  1. Aug 17

    Heritage Park and the Promise of Better Housing with Councilmember Pearll Warren

    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 Minneapolis’ 5th Ward, explains why she felt compelled to sound the alarm: she knows what it means to navigate Section 8, public housing, and housing insecurity as a single mother, and she refuses to let residents be treated like they’re disposable. Paul, who worked on the original Heritage Park design, brings the historical context – from the destruction of a predominantly Black and Brown neighborhood to the failed hope of urban renewal and the consent-decree era rebuild.  In this episode, you’ll hear: Why Heritage Park’s conditions feel like a public safety violation, not just deferred maintenanceHow housing instability affects children’s mental health, school readiness, and family wellnessWhy “affordable housing” often means different standards for different peopleThe hidden cost of public-private partnership models that leave maintenance underfundedWhat it actually takes to move from harm to healing: collective accountability, clear standards, and community-wide repair

  2. Jul 15

    Architectural Justice: How Architects Can Lead Social Change

    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.

  3. Jun 17

    Disrupting the Status Quo in Urban Design with Liz Ogbu

    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.

  4. May 27

    Land and Justice: A Conversation with Tsedey Betru

    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 political climates on their work, and the importance of community involvement in development projects. The episode concludes with reflections on self-determination and empowerment within communities.

  5. May 1

    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.

  6. Apr 14

    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.

  7. Apr 9

    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.

  8. Mar 19

    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) 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.

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About

My Black Space — hosted by Paul Bauknight Jr., urbanist, designer, educator, spatial justice activist, and founder and president of the Center for Transformative Urban Design— features candid conversations about spatial justice, community empowerment, and the lived experiences of people in urban spaces. We'll delve into how design and policy intersect with race, culture, and equity.

Information

  • Creator
    Paul Bauknight Jr.
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 My Black Space
  • Show Website
    My Black Space