Access the recording of the session here.
Join us Thursday, November 9th at 5:30 pm for a lecture, reception, and book signing with Professor Omari Souza.
In-person event at Third Space Action Lab, 1464 E 105th Street in Cleveland, Ohio with Zoom Livestream
Please register for the in-person event, which is free and open to the public.
The event is co-hosted by the CUDC and Third Space Action Lab with support from Kent State University’s College of Architecture and Environmental Design and the Cleveland Foundation.
The lecture/book talk will begin at 5:30pm, followed by a reception and book release event for An Anthology of Blackness, The State of Black Design. The Anthology is an adventurous collection that examines how the design field has consistently failed to attract and support Black professionals—and how to create an anti-racist, pro-Black design industry instead. Third Space Reading Room will have copies of the book available for purchase.
Book cover for An Anthology of Blackness
An Anthology of Blackness examines the intersection of Black identity and practice, probing why the design field has failed to attract Black professionals, how Eurocentric hegemony impacts Black professionals, and how Black designers can create an anti-racist design industry. Contributing authors and creators demonstrate how to develop a pro-Black design practice of inclusivity, including Black representation in designed media, anti-racist pedagogy, and radical self-care. Through autoethnography, lived experience, scholarship, and applied research, these contributors share proven methods for creating an anti-racist and inclusive design practice.
In an era marked by an alarming surge of anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) bills across nearly half of the United States, the urgency of works like The Anthology of Blackness shines brighter than ever. As these bills threaten to undermine the hard-fought progress toward inclusivity, the imperative to provide a platform for historically marginalized voices becomes resoundingly clear. At a time when the design industry is engaged in a dynamic struggle to embrace multifaceted diversity, the resonance of these narratives becomes a potent tool for inspiring collective resilience and progress.
Speaker, designer, and author Omari Souza seated in a library
Omari Souza is an accomplished Assistant Professor of Communication Design at the University of North Texas. With a diverse background and wealth of experience, he has made significant contributions to various industries and academic institutions. Omari's journey as a first-generation American began in the vibrant borough of the Bronx, New York. His cultural heritage traces back to his Jamaican roots, adding a unique perspective to his work and worldview. Before his academic career, Omari held pivotal roles at esteemed organizations such as VIBE magazine, Capital One, CBS Radio, and Case Western Reserve University. These experiences gave him invaluable insights into media, broadcasting, and higher education.
Omari co-hosts the highly acclaimed podcast, The Design of Business | The Business of Design minisode. This engaging platform delves into the intricate workings of design within complex organizations, influencing decisions, products, and more. As a co-host, Omari brings together industry experts and designers from diverse fields to explore the impact of design on various aspects of business. Recognizing the importance of representation and inclusivity in design, Omari is the visionary founder of the State of Black Design conference. This groundbreaking conference aims to celebrate, promote, and amplify the voices and contributions of Black designers, fostering a more equitable and diverse design industry.
In his research pursuits, Omari focuses on methods of decolonizing design practices and conducting ethical research. His exploration of these critical areas challenges existing norms and strives to create a more inclusive and responsible design landscape. With his multifaceted background, Omari Souza brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and a commitment to positive change in communication design. His contributions and insights continue to shape the industry and inspire the next generation of designers.
One AICP Certification Maintenance credit is available for this session.
