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.

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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