In celebration of Black history and future Month KBOO is hosting a weekly series every Friday at 6pm throughout February! We’ll hear from black creators about a variety of topics ranging from arts, culture, abolition, media and more!
This week I speak with Master Artist Michael Bernard Stevenson Jr. a Black, Italian, queer, non-binary artist who practices primarily in america. Their collaborative approach results in artwork by and for the people. Michael is also one of the co-host and administrator for “Tin Can Phone Podcast”- a KBOO show created by folx who been or are currently incarcerated. The show discusses life after prison, life inside, and contemporary policies like the non-unanimous jury campaign (Still In Prison)
Stevenson’s practice has been dedicated to supporting young people ages 4 to 18 in developing the necessary skills to encourage advanced imaginative thinking and self-confident expression. In 2019 they developed the Afro Contemporary Art Class at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School which has had many forms since, including Afro Futurist February, Fred Hampton Summer Camp and most recently taking the shape of support for the effort to Save Dr. Martin Luther King School from being displaced by the expansion of Interstate 5 which has triggered the need to move Harriet Tubman Middle School. Stevenson also has a robust portfolio of artist projects centering food and gathering around it, and new work in collaboration with currently and formerly incarcerated folks. These include Tin Can Phone, a podcast all about life in and outside of prison, and Gallery Blue, a curation and exhibition project both of which are owned and operated by formerly incarcerated individuals. Stevenson pursues these professional and creative goals passionately because they believe that empowered and open-minded young people and communities are the best and most direct way toward ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
Tune into KBOO every 1st Tuesday at 10am to hear Tin Can Phone Podcast!
Tonight's Playlist
1. Queaz Otti - Hidden Files.m4a
2. The Jealous Guys - Bus stop jazz ft.Lunice.mp3
3. gvn - For Mr. Wallace.mp3
4. Redhands · LAMB$ · SKI MASK MALLY · Maxo Kre...
5. SLIGHT - nikes.mp3
- KBOO