Vol. 1 - In A California State of Queen Califia
New Pathways to Creative, Cultural, and Intellectual Black Life
Purpose & Assembly Overview
"Vol. 1 - In A California State of Queen Califia: New Pathways to Creative, Cultural, and Intellectual Black Life" is a full-day opening assembly featuring a multimedia immersive exhibition taking place at LMU's Playa Vista Campus. The event convenes artists, advocates, filmmakers, scholars, and policymakers to chart actionable pathways for creative, cultural, and intellectual Black life across California.
Through immersive soundscapes, a statewide docuseries on reparations, policy panels, and collaborative working labs, the gathering explores themes of cultural and narrative repair, geographic belonging, and cultural preservation.
"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."
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," delivered after her commentary on the 1992 LA Rebellion as an Afrikan woman in America speaking truth to power in solidarity with Black people on the West Coast. Coming from the East Coast, I saw a through line in her speech—how we confront the battles over Black memory, cultural power, and geographic belonging.
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, often through cultural extraction without replenishment. This drive for dominance stems from colonial sins of the transatlantic enslavement of Black people, forcing us into battles not of our own making. But 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, 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.
Key Program Highlights
Multimedia Anthology & Soundscapes
A curated series of live soundscapes featuring Grammy-nominated artist Georgia Anne Muldrow, zine guides, and art installations highlighting Black history across California (Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Allensworth, San Francisco, and Palm Springs).
Policy & Public Narrative Salons
Panel discussions with legislators, culture bearers, and advocates examining how state reparative frameworks translate into creative placemaking and community impact.
Collaborative Breakout Labs ("Susus")
Working sessions where attendees collaborate on actionable projects across 5 tracks: Cultural Preservation, Narrative & Media Repair, Black Cultural Districts, Music & Sound, and Global Efforts.
Docuseries Screenings & Q&As
Featured screenings of the 400+ Years Reparations docuseries with director D. Channsin Berry, producer Dr. Cheryl Grills, and guest moderator Darnell Moore (author & former Netflix executive).
Multimedia Playlist for the Anthology
In A California State of Queen Califia
Mixed Media 6x9 on Paper by Chelle Barbour (Self-Titled).
In the Midst of the Imagined
Honoring the California Reparations Task Force pilot volume exhibition curated by Auttrianna Ward.
Introduction: The Sonics of Queen Califia
A Live Soundscape by Georgia Anne Muldrow and Kristopher Young. Initial concept development with Algin Ford and Frederick A. McNeil Jr.
Too Much Like Right
An Art Experimental Film and Public Exhibition supporting the San Francisco African American Advisory Committee by Auttrianna Ward. Drone Videography by Algin Ford, edited by Christopher Hayes.
A Processional for Black Santa Monica
A Live Archival Short Series supporting the Santa Monica Restorative Justice Public Commission by April Banks and Ms. Robbie Jones.
Visiting Differently: Practices for Arrival to Elsewhere
A Guide as a Zine honoring the historical Black town of Allensworth, CA by Ariana Allensworth.
Riot to Repair Community Archives on Media and Narrative Power
Curated by Diamond Hardiman (Media 2070) with USC Charlotta Bass Journalism & Justice Lab Students. Exploring themes of joy, accountability, power, solidarity, grief, and care.
Repossessions
A Soundscape Interview by Dr. Bridget Cooks featuring Kenyatta A.C. Hinkle (Olomidara Yaya) and Chelle Barbour for the exhibition at CAAM in Los Angeles. Produced by Deon Derwin Brown.
Palm Springs
A Video Interview featuring Xaivera Simmons, Bernard Hoyes, and Areva Martin with Auttrianna Ward. Edited by Christopher Hayes, published by Sugarcane Magazine.
400+ Years Reparations Docuseries
Docuseries (30-min episodes) based on the California Reparations Task Force Final Report by Dr. Cheryl Grills & D. Channsin Berry: (1) Pathologizing the Black Family, (2) History and Legacy of Enslavement, (3) Mental and Physical Health, (4) Stolen Labor and Education.
At-A-Glance Schedule
Morning Session: Grounding & Context
Check-in & continental breakfast, opening soundscape ceremony, gallery walk, and a case study on Black Cultural Districts.
Mid-Day Session: Media & Policy
400+ Years Reparations (Ep. 1) screening, Reparative Policy Salon, networking lunch, and a fireside chat.
Afternoon Session: Working Labs
Collaborative Breakout "Susus" across 5 tracks (Art, Media, Land/Districts, Music, Global) and project framework syntheses.
Evening Session: Reception & Screenings
Community reception (small bites & beverages), screening of Docuseries Episodes 2–4, filmmaker Q&A, special remarks, and closing words.
Key Leadership
- Executive Producer:nii.a.k (Allen Kwabena Frimpong), ZEAL
- Impact Producer:Anshantia Oso, ZEAL & Media 2070
- Partner and Advisor:Dr. Cheryl Grills, Loyola Marymount University & ARRT (Invited)
Travel & Accommodations
For confirmed speakers coming in from out of town, we provide an honorarium with a travel stipend and two nights hotel accommodations near LAX (located ~10 minutes from LMU Playa Vista Campus).
Supporting Foundations & Partners
Open Society Foundations • Black Freedom Fund • Borealis Black-led Movement Fund • Stupski Foundation • Sunderland Family Fund • Corporate Accountability • San Francisco Foundation • City of Santa Monica