Black — Still: Reflections

Join us for a day of reflection at Black — Still. This thematic program consists of two individual programs, afternoon tea led by artist April Banks, and engaging conversations with Zoë Toledo and Materials and Applications (M&A), a Los Angeles-based non-profit cultural organization dedicated to building a public culture of experimental architecture. With a focus on architectural ideas and processes, M&A curates critical exhibitions and commissions new work by under-recognized architects, designers, and artists.

Tea Afar with April Banks: 12 – 1:30 pm

At 12pm, visitors to Black—Still are invited to share in afternoon tea and collective storytelling, part of “Tea Afar,” lead by artist April Banks. Tea is the medium for hospitality and is shared globally through many rich cultural traditions. For this event, we will drink sweet tea in the southern Black tradition and create spaces of leisure through a collective storytelling experience. Like a lazy day on a front porch, we will spin a tale that no one person could imagine alone! No storytelling experience is required.

“Tea Afar” will be limited to 20 adults and is intended to be an intimate experience. 

When we are lost, the land anchors us with M&A: 2 – 3:30 pm 

Join us for a community conversation on architecture, archives, land, and kinship! Led by Navajo designer Zoë Toledo, we will hear stories from the archive about the federal government’s “Urban Indian Relocation” program as well as pause and reflect on the Indigenous narratives that settlers and guests have been taught and know. We will ask ourselves how we can expand our understanding of urban place to include Indigenous communities, their stories, resilience, and ties to the land.

These events are free and open to the public. Advanced RSVP is required. These programs have limited capacity, we advise participants to arrive early to secure a spot. Participants can register for one or both programs.

Note: For these programs, we expect exceptionally high outdoor temperatures and will be providing umbrellas, sunscreen, and may move indoors if needed.

In addition, M&A has recently relaunched Heat Aid, a call for material support for SELAH and Water Drop LA , two mutual aid organizations in our community that redistribute basic resources to our unhoused neighbors. If you are able to donate tents, tarps, clothing, hats, sunscreen, electrolytes, and other new or lightly used items, please bring them to this event so we can help support others in need. 

For more information, click here.