"B(l)ackspace is about rewriting the narrative of culture and engagement at SCI-Arc while also creating a safe space for Black representation." - B(l)ackspace creator, Babatunde Adejare (B. Arch ‘23). Each event offers a different spatial layout with drinks, delicious food, good music, and even better conversations.
B(l)ackspace
February 2, 2024
Episode 4: Identity, Representation, and Authenticity
Picking up where January’s Career Week and Open Studio leave off, B(l)ackspace: Episode 4 delves into the intersection of identity, representation, and authenticity within creative entrepreneurship. Special guests include Tobi Ashiru, co-founder of Poche Design Studio and Silas Munro, co-founder of Polymode. This episode is hosted by La’keem Timothy (M.Arch 1 ‘24).
November 10, 2023
Episode 3: Celebrating Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary
As expansive as hip hop itself, Episode 3 touches on hip hop’s evolution, appropriation versus appreciation, monetization, classism, regional diversity within the artform, and more. Guest speakers include faculty Natou Fall (M.Arch 1’19) and William Virgil (M.Arch 2 ‘16), and USC faculty Kevin Sherrod. This episode is hosted by La’keem Timothy (M.Arch 1 ‘24).
For more on this episode, read the event article.
February 17, 2023
Episode 2: Allyship & Integration
Architecture requires collaboration and sharing power between individuals. But what happens when that process – or its aftermath – highlights privilege and struggle? Joined by SCI-Arc faculty John Cooper and William Virgil, Episode 2 takes on topics of Black struggle and coalition building by highlighting Virgil’s work on Intentionally Opaque and Spring Show ‘22 and Cooper’s History and Theory seminar on LA historian Mike Davis, co-taught with Thabisile Griffin, PhD. This episode is hosted by Babatunde Adejare (B.Arch ‘23).
For more on this episode, read the event article.
November 11, 2022
Episode 1: Black Futures
The inaugural episode provides a first look into the personal works of SCI-Arc's visual artists and filmmakers, Kordae Jatafa Henry (MS Fiction and Entertainment ‘18) and Jeremy Kamal (MS Fiction and Entertainment ‘19). Special guest Thabisile Griffin, History + Theory faculty at SCI-Arc, offers historical and cultural commentary. This episode is hosted by Babatunde Adejare (B.Arch ‘23).
*To respect the intellectual property of our guests, there is no recording of Episode 1.
