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 buildings to create systems of care, ownership, and voice.

Jamil shares real stories from two of his most powerful projects:

• A mixed-use development in North Minneapolis designed to address affordable housing and food access in historically disinvested areas
• The Hennepin County Social Services Center, where deep community engagement shaped every design decision despite major site constraints

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 national examples, the trio dives into the political trade-offs behind stadium construction, the broken promises of economic benefit, and the cultural disconnect between pro venues and the communities that surround them. They also confront the inequities between HBCU stadiums and high school arenas in wealthier districts—offering a powerful lens on race, representation, and what equity in design really means.

This episode isn’t just about sports—it’s about space, power, and the stories our cities choose to tell.

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 community, spatial justice, and the role of art in racial healing. Sarah and Paul explore the challenges and opportunities of maintaining cultural sanctuaries in a rapidly changing world, highlighting the need for spaces where Black people can express their authentic selves.

Connect with Penumbra:

• Instagram: @penumbratheatre