Museum of Presence

Grass dancers prepare the ground for ceremony and celebration. Trenton Wheeler shares stories of indigenous resilience and the ongoing fight for space and community.Step into their world and listen to the full episode.

The Edgehill community holds a historic, yet often embattled, place in Music City’s culture. Over the years, neighborhood solidarity has persevered—preserving the spirit of the community piece by piece. In our conversation with neighborhood matriarch Brenda Morrow, learn how these neighbors honor local hero and sculptor William Edmondson—and each other.

Chuck Indigo lit up the Museum of Presence studio with his bars. Get ready for a high-energy session in 16 For the City. Don’t miss a beat and catch the full session in our podcast .

The Black Belt isn’t just land—it’s a source of strength. Tonya Lewis and Dr. Veronica Womack share their thoughts on the region and empowerment.Discover the full conversation by tuning into our podcast.

One person can move mountains, but a community can move the whole earth. We talk with Jamel Campbell-Gooch about collective action and educating the next generation of activists. Join the conversation and listen to the full episode now.

What happens when a hilarious actor comes face to face with his family's ancestral trauma and victories? Be sure to find out in our conversation with improvisor Isaac Kirk.

This episode of the Museum of Presence is an uncut masterclass that inspires bravery in the work, with renowned artist and educator Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons, also known as Magda. Join host Shavar, creative director LeXander Bryant, and Magda as they delve into the courage and inspiration behind her diverse body of work. Magda discusses the influence of African and European art, spirituality versus religion, and the significance of cultural heritage. The conversation spans her experiences, performances, and the role of art in shaping culture and fostering understanding. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and immerse yourself in this enriching dialogue.

Join us for the inaugural episode of Museum of Presence, "May I Be Brave Enough To Speak My Truth". Setting the tone for our series, hosts Shabazz Larkin, Tonya Lewis, and Evan Brown guide listeners on a virtual walk through our unique art exhibition, featured in our QR code filled newspaper. In this episode, we delve into the necessity of black art in public spaces, exploring themes of Black Identity, Black Mindfulness, and the cultural impact of icons like Little Richard and Thich Nhat Hanh. We passionately discuss the significance of black people telling black stories, aiming to inspire builders and developers moving into Nashville to engage black artists in sharing our narratives. Our featured exhibition, "May I Be Brave Enough to Speak My Truth," is a bold testament to sharing uncomfortable truths with vulnerability and aesthetic grace. This session is filled with laughter, community, and love amongst all the hosts, making for a light-hearted yet profound experience. In the spirit of bravery and truth, we invite you to be part of our journey. Share this episode, subscribe to the Museum of Presence podcast, and follow us on Instagram @museumofpresence. Help us weave a tapestry of black stories, told by black voices, as we illuminate the richness of the BIPOC community in Nashville through art, mindfulness, and history. If you are interested in being a part of the True Voice community: Join True Voice Here View the Exhibition and all art mentioned here at Museumofpresence.com You are now entering the Museum of Presence. 00:00 Museum of Presence x Exhibition Walkthrough 00:00 Introduction 01:02 Welcome to The Museum of Presence 02:10 Meet Tonya Lewis 03:01 Meet Kamilah Sander 03:49 Meet Evan Brown 05:01 missing Black galleries in Nashville 06:09 a Different Kind of Museum Experience 08:26 Meet Shabazz Larkin 09:28 Karen taught me to trust the process 12:20 Exhibition: May I be Brave Enough to Speak My Truth 12:58 The Cover 14:32 Enter the exhibition: Two Pillars 18:02 Little Richard & Malcom X - Two Sides of the same coin 21:45 Exhibition: Screaming, Singing or using Loud Voices? 23:53 Exhibition: Fear Has no home here 25:59 Exhibition: Masking Neurodivergence 29:26 Exhibition: Redifining Sanctuary 31:15 Exhibition: Fragile Black Man Series 33:26 Exhibition: Black Liberation & A Black Buddha 35:31 Exhibition: Heavens to Marcy 36:31 Acknowledgments

In this deeply moving episode of "The Museum of Presence," we journey into the heart of Nashville, exploring the intersection of art, mindfulness, and the Black experience. Join host Shabazz as he converses with local artist and visionary, Omari Booker, who has carved out an extraordinary path for himself amidst the trials and tribulations of his past. From the confines of a prison cell to a thriving career in Nashville’s art scene, Omari narrates his inspiring journey that spans 15 years. He shares, “... all the pieces are about that 15 years. And in large part, they're about the people that helped get me through that 15 years.” Guiding us through his exhibition at the Elephant Gallery, Omari depicts the profound impact of his experiences, personified through abstract images of his time in prison. “People would have the experience, of sitting in my cell with me...” he shares. His signature piece - a life-sized self-portrait - is a captivating reflection of his strength and vulnerability during his incarceration. The narrative takes a profound turn as we explore the heart of North Nashville. Known for its rich cultural heritage and dynamic Black music scene, the district’s struggles with over-policing and high incarceration rates shed light on the resilience and spirit of the community. It’s within these challenges that Omari finds the honesty and authenticity to create his art. Toward the end, Omari’s heartfelt recitation of his poem "This Black Bird" signifies the power of hope and the quest for freedom, even within the walls of a prison. The bird is not just a motif in his paintings; it's a symbol of his dreams taking flight. As he shares, “This bird, showing up in my room every day...It brings me hope. It feeds my dreams. They're only bars, they're only screens. It's only tears, it's only screams...” Join us for this intimate conversation, shedding light on the transformative power of art, the shared narratives of our communities, and the promise of presence in every moment. This episode of "The Museum of Presence" is an invitation to contemplate the silence between the words, delve into the beauty of the struggle, and celebrate the enduring spirit of the Black community in Nashville. You are now Entering the Museum of Presence 00:00 Omari Booker: You can't sleep your time away - the transformational power of an art practice against a 15 year prison sentence 00:00 Intro 02:20 Exhibition Walk Through 03:45 North Nashville Highway Dilemma 06:20 Responsibility of The Artist 09:20 Glimpses of a life 12:18 This Black Bird Poem 18:39 The Prison inside. The Freedom inside 25:31 The Process of Painting is the joy 30:04 Community 31:48 Brotherhood & Joy live everywhere 33:45 Cultivating joy 42:18 Blackbird Poem Reprise

In this captivating episode of 'Museum of Presence,' join host Shabazz Larkin as he engages in an empowering conversation with renowned artist and activist, Mike Floss. With a deep passion for organizing, politics, and activism, Floss is an integral part of the Black Nashville Assembly—a community-driven initiative that brings people together to discuss and advocate for the issues impacting the Black community. Together, Larkin and Floss delve into thought-provoking topics, exploring the power of organizing, the significance of political engagement, and the transformative impact of activism. The conversation touches upon pivotal issues, highlighting the essential role of community advocacy in shaping a more equitable society. A particularly poignant moment arises when Floss declares, 'queerness is inherently Black,' sparking a profound exploration of the intersectionality within the Black experience and the importance of inclusivity within the community. Support the 'Museum of Presence' by sharing this episode and spreading the message of empowerment and activism. Follow us on Instagram @museumofpresence and subscribe to our podcast to join our vibrant artistic community. Together, let's take action to amplify the voices of Black artists, activists, and change-makers. Join us as we celebrate the transformative power of art, activism, and community engagement, fostering a future where equality and justice prevail." If you like this work - Share this episode, follow Museum of Presence on Instagram @museumofpresence, subscribe to the podcast, and join the movement to amplify the voices of Black artists and activists. You are now entering the Museum of Presence. 00:00 Museum of Presence x Mike Floss 00:25 16 For The City  Freestyle 02:13 Introduction: Mike Floss 03:49 Black Nashville Assembly 04:42 Pan-Africanism 05:01 Black Queer Identity 05:22 Abolition of Prison Industial Complex 06:22 Representation  07:55 Jamel Cambel Gooch 11:29 The People Are The Anchor 12:53 One of the best rappers alive 15:12 Dancing on Jefferson - a painting 19:55 Maya Angelou 22:13 Creative Process of Writing Raps 24:40 The Four Pillars of The Black Nashville Assembly 25:07 Blackness is Inherintly Queer 28:48 Evolving Culture vs Cancel Culture 32:59 Southern Movement Committee 34:50 Block Meetings 39:07 Mike Floss shares his Top 5 43:13 Acknowledgments