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Terresa Hardaway-Blackbird Revolt, Black Garnet Books-Putting Black Liberation Into Daily Practice
Terresa Hardaway discusses how she uses Blackbird Revolt and Black Garnet Books to turn Black liberation from a theory into daily practice.
Terresa Hardaway’s favorite part of being a business owner is the chance to intentionally build community. She has built two.
In this On the Radar episode, host Damenica Ellis sits down with Hardaway to talk about co-founding Blackbird Revolt in 2017, acquiring Black Garnet Books in 2024, and how she uses both to move Black liberation from theory into practice every day.
Blackbird Revolt is a Twin Cities design studio focused on social justice, anti-racism and abolition. The studio works with government agencies, nonprofits and grassroots organizations on branding, animation, video and audio production, fabrication and other creative work. At Black Garnet Books, Hardaway curates Black and Brown authors whose stories do not always receive the amplification they deserve and hosts community events designed to make the bookstore a safe third space.
“We find ourselves in a time where we really need third spaces, places where our neighbors feel safe, and so being able to build that, to create events that center Black and Brown voices.”
Hardaway is also an associate professor of graphic design and director of design justice at the University of Minnesota’s College of Design, where her research centers on abolition, design and Black liberation. Running two businesses allows her to put those ideas into daily practice rather than keeping them in the classroom.
She talks honestly about what it took to keep Black Garnet Books a safe community space during Operation Metro Surge, the federal immigration enforcement operation in the Twin Cities. Her approach was to adapt and center what the community was actually asking for rather than following the model others expected.
“I own this model and actually don’t have to do it the way that other people do. I actually want to center community.”
Hardaway credits her network with giving her the confidence to become an entrepreneur, and she is direct about the fact that she does not do it all alone. Her advice for anyone looking to work across multiple fields is to find where they overlap. Her advice for anyone starting a business is to have a plan, know who you are and surround yourself with people who will remind you of that when you forget.
“Know who you are and surround yourself around people who, when you forget, because you will forget who you are, they will remind you.”
Full story at msr.media.
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L I V E | Scott Colom Speaks for the First Time as Mississippi’s Senator-Elect | Tougaloo College
Senator-elect Scott Colom makes his historic first public address at Tougaloo College. Watch the full speech as he outlines his vision for Mississippi.
L I V E | Scott Colom Speaks for the First Time as Mississippi’s Senator-Elect | Tougaloo College
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How a Local Plant Partnership Brightened Our Creative Space #shorts
See how a local partnership transformed our workspace into a lush, green community hub. Discover how you can bring a piece of this vibrant jungle home today!
A local shop partners with a plant studio to brighten its space, support a small business, and let the community help care for plants that are also available to buy. #PlantShop #SmallBusiness #CommunitySupport #IndoorPlants
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Sports Coverage Through a Fan’s Eyes: Bringing Community to the Game #shorts
Experience the energy of the game through the lens of those who live for it. Discover how fan stories transform sports into a true community celebration.
A community-centered look at sports puts fans in the story—from favorite players and team stats to the stadium experience and the diversity in the stands. #SportsCulture #FanPerspective #CommunitySports #StadiumExperience
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Memphis 1980 We Spread the Peanut Butter Too Thin
Step back into 1980s Memphis with this archival footage exploring the city’s economic challenges and the poignant struggle of spreading resources too thin.
This archival video from the Tri-State Defender provides a compelling look back at Memphis in 1980. The footage offers viewers a firsthand perspective of the local social and economic climate during that era, capturing the essence of the city as it navigated the challenges of the late twentieth century. Through historical documentation, the video highlights key discussions and community sentiments that defined the period.
The title, We Spread the Peanut Butter Too Thin, serves as a focal point for the narrative, reflecting on resource allocation and the broader struggles faced by the Memphis community at the time. By preserving this piece of local history, the Tri-State Defender invites audiences to reflect on how past civic issues continue to resonate today. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Memphis history and urban development.
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I Bought 700 Homes When Nobody Wanted Them John Hope Bryant
John Hope Bryant reveals how he turned 700 neglected properties into a powerful strategy for building generational wealth and revitalizing underserved communities.
In this interview with the Tri-State Defender, entrepreneur and philanthropist John Hope Bryant shares his journey of acquiring 700 homes during a time when housing market demand was at an all-time low. Bryant explains the strategic vision behind this massive real estate investment and discusses the importance of asset accumulation in building generational wealth within underserved communities.
The conversation delves into the economic principles Bryant used to transform these properties into opportunities for financial empowerment. By focusing on homeownership as a pathway to stability, Bryant highlights how his approach helped revitalize neighborhoods and provide long-term benefits for residents. This video offers an insightful look at the intersection of social impact and business acumen, providing viewers with a practical perspective on property investment and economic development.
Featured
Build a Million Dollar Business with AI John Hope Bryant
Entrepreneur John Hope Bryant reveals how to scale your business to the million-dollar mark by leveraging AI for efficiency, innovation, and sustainable growth.
In this insightful video from the Tri-State Defender, entrepreneur and philanthropist John Hope Bryant shares his expertise on leveraging artificial intelligence to scale businesses toward the million-dollar mark. Bryant breaks down how modern technology serves as a powerful catalyst for growth, offering practical advice for founders looking to integrate AI into their operational strategies. By focusing on efficiency and innovation, he explains how business owners can navigate the evolving digital landscape to build sustainable and profitable enterprises in today’s competitive economy.
This discussion highlights the intersection of traditional business principles and cutting-edge digital tools. Bryant explores how AI can streamline workflows, enhance decision-making, and create new opportunities for financial success. Whether you are a startup founder or an established professional, this conversation provides essential insights into using smart technology to achieve significant business growth.
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