The Black HerStory Initiative envisions a campus sanctuary for community and memory based within and around The Griot Museum of Black History, a renowned hub of Black history and storytelling in North St. Louis founded by Ms. Lois D. Conley. During the Re:Generation project, the Black HerStory Initiative team focused on developing and enacting community-engaged public research initiatives, co-curated public programming, and engaged in design and planning review with neighborhood and cultural partners.
As was often true for Re:Generation teams, the process of engaging in co-creation shaped different outcomes than had originally been imagined. Adapting to the conditions and concerns of the ongoing pandemic, the project team responded, and the project concept evolved to meet community requests for safe outdoor spaces to gather, mourn the loss of community elders, and a desire to honor those still living while they are able to celebrate with us.
The emerging design concept for Black HerStory Initiative continues to develop as part of the Griot Museum Campus and as part of a new monumental landscape in North St. Louis, one that includes a lasting monumental installation by renowned architect David Adjaye as part of the Counterpublic triennial and one centered on the Griot Museum as a space that celebrates Black women, and perhaps more importantly a place which holds them in safety, in beauty, and in grace.
Team members include: Lois D. Conley, Eric Ellingsen, Precious Musa, Erika D. Neal, De Nichols, Andrew Olden, Darian Wigfall, Tracy Williams, and Alana Marie Woodson.
Local Partner Organization: Diaspora Connections Unlimited
Keep exploring! Visit The Griot Museum, the anchor institution of The Black HerStory Initiative project: here