A Gatherin’ Place: Curating Black Spaces for us, by us.

Abstract

Gathering spaces, whether big or small, are social environments that people gravitate to based on their interests. Theoretical, these spaces have been referred to as a public sphere. Habermas (1962), suggests that a public sphere is a space where the public can congregate and discuss issues the specific group is having with the society. The act of coming together unites and uplifts all involved. Hidden within these public spheres are people with similar affairs, each chasing after the never-ending desire for belonging and inclusion. Habermas suggests based on how you identify and what group you are a member of, the public sphere you are apart of will look completely different and have different concerns when compared to other groups who identify differently from you. To support and have the support of others is vital. How do these relationships come about? Why are these relationships so important to the human experience? Life, though nuanced and rarely comes to a complete resolve, is more fulfilling when shared with people you have a connection to, or bonds with. The idea of black people having to create their own spaces in order to enjoy life is a phenomenon that deserves further investigation. This investigation has been taken on by Elsa Barkley Brown (2005) where she has defined the unique experiences of Blacks in America as a Black public sphere. This feeling of Blacks needing to create their own spaces in order to enjoy life comes from the need to feel validated. Black people are rarely in white spaces that validate their experience, to give them a place where they can be themselves. Instead, they are constantly in a state of fear, hyper aware of how their words and actions are perceived. It is an endless mental game consisting of countless self-checking that leaves no room to simply be. While learning about Critical Pedagogy and developing programming within my own artistic practice, I realized how significant leading with the understanding of learning is. My feel That Funk Project, an annual community-based initiative founded in 2018 has become my playground to dream and provide a safe space for black people, partaking in their own Black public sphere. A fusion of art, dance, music and people come together in the best way possible to celebrate the beauty of being black-despite the challenges we face in our everyday lives. In this space, we can leave all of our problems at the door and enjoy the company of like-minded people.