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.
Reimagining the Future of Downtown Minneapolis with Adam Duininck
Downtown Minneapolis is at a turning point—and the decisions made now will help shape the city for years to come. Adam Duininck, president and CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Council and Downtown Improvement District, joins Paul Bauknight to explore how downtown has changed, what challenges it faces today, and what it will take to create a more vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive city center. From the effects of suburban growth and the pandemic to office vacancies and shifting patterns of publi...
7 Oct 2026
The Community-Led Blueprint for Rebuilding Black Wealth with Azalea Renfield and Ta'Neshia Renae`
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 designed to repair decades of displacement, not just build new real estate. Azalea, the CEO of Williams Rus...
22 Sept 2026
Blue Line Extension, Housing, and Spatial Justice with Rep. Esther Agbaje
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. Agbaje brings both legislative and neighborhood-level perspective from downtown Minneapolis and N...
31 Aug 2026
What the Blue Line Extension Means for Brooklyn Park with Mayor Hollies Winston
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 changes the city’s economic trajectory. If you’ve ever wondered how infrastructure shapes property val...
17 Aug 2026
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 ...
15 Jul 2026
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.
17 Jun 2026
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.
27 May 2026
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. Th...
1 May 2026
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 a...
14 Apr 2026
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 conne...
9 Apr 2026
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...
19 Mar 2026
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 in...
18 Feb 2026
How Community Ownership Transformed a Neighborhood
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 Movement and her commitment to addressing economic injustices through philanthropy. The conversation ...
27 Jan 2026
The Missing Link in Community Engagement: Accountability
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 episode delves into the challenges of creating equitable spaces and the impact of systemic oppre...
18 Dec 2025
Who Gets to Shape Neighborhoods with Jamil Ford Sr.
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 development, the role of Black architects as cultural stewards, and why design must go beyond bui...
8 Oct 2025
Stadiums and the City: Architecture, Equity, and the Culture of Sports
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, displace communities, and often leave behind the very people they promise to uplift. Through local and ...
9 Sept 2025
Art as a Portal: Racial Healing and Community at Penumbra
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 the importance of creating spaces that honor Black culture and history. The discussion touches on themes of commun...
14 Aug 2025
Navigating Black Identity Through Music with PaviElle French
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 work, exploring the essence of Black music and its role in fostering community and justice. PaviElle emphasize...
13 Aug 2025
Designing Change: Transforming Communities Through Innovation with Omari Souza
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 creating opportunities for underrepresented voices. Gain insights from Omari's upcoming book, "...
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