Welcome to Vol. 1: In a California State of Queen Califia. Rooted in Sister Souljah's iconic 1994 framework and honoring Queen Califia—California's mythological namesake—this volume maps a living multimedia playlist and assembly to build new pathways to creative, cultural, and intellectual Black life in California.
Artwork: In A California State of Queen Califia (2026) by Chelle Barbour Medium & Dimensions: Mixed Media 6x9 on Paper
"I want you to know the mythological roots that keep your maternal ancestors tethered to the land of Angeles and the beautiful state of California."
— Arianne Edmonds, archivist and author (We Now Belong to Ourselves)
Welcome to Vol. 1: In a California State of Queen Califia, a title that riffs on Sister Souljah's 1994 speech "In A State of War" after the 1992 LA Rebellion as an Afrikan woman speaking truth to power. Mirroring Sister Souljah, Queen Califia—California's mythological namesake and fierce Black warrior—symbolizes a state of powerful illusions that attracts local and global extractors alike.
Society normalizes the exploitation of Black labor through cultural extraction without replenishment. In this anthology we ask: What does charting a new course of solidarity look like for us in a state of Black creativity? Through an assemblage of immersive soundscapes, public art, archival zines, and a docuseries, this anthology maps a living playlist to dream, scheme, and build new pathways to creative, cultural, and intellectual Black life in California.
Credits: Executive Producer: nii.a.k (Allen Kwabena Frimpong), ZEAL | Impact Producer: Anshantia Oso, ZEAL & Media 2070
Creators: Georgia Anne Muldrow and Kristopher Young / Grandfather
Live Soundscape Produced Oct 1, 2026 at the multimedia anthology’s release and its statewide assembly in Los Angeles- Loyola Marymount University’s School of Television and Film
Credits: Concept development by Algin Ford & Frē.
Creators: Auttrianna Ward (Edited by Christopher Hayes)
Art Experimental Film & Public Exhibition supporting San Francisco African American Advisory Committee. (Trailer) Drone Footage of Ephemeral Public Art with the Film in San Francisco. To request a screening please e-mail info@auttriannaprojects.com
Creators: April Banks & Ms. Robbie Jones
Archival Short Series supporting Santa Monica Restorative Justice Public Commission.
Creators: Ariana Faye Allensworth
Zine honoring the historical Black town of Allensworth, CA.
Creators: Curator: Diamond Hardiman (Media 2070) with USC Charlotta Bass Journalism & Justice Lab Students
Visual Soundscape Exhibition honoring history of rebellion in Los Angeles.
Creators: Dr. Bridget Cooks featuring Kenyatta A.C. Hinkle & Chelle Barbour (Produced by Deon Derwin Brown)
Soundscape Interview for California African American Museum exhibition.
Creators: Featured: Xaviera Simmons, Bernard Hoyes, Areva Martin (Curated by Auttrianna Ward, Edited by Christopher Hayes)
Video Interview with Sugarcane Magazine.
Creators: Dr. Cheryl Grills, Dr. Charles Swanson, D. Channisin Berry
4-Part Docuseries (1. Pathologizing the Black Family; 2. History & Legacy of Enslavement; 3. Mental & Physical Health; 4. Stolen Labor & Education). To request a screening please e-mail Cheryl.Grills@lmu.edu