Essay: What sparked #TripleConsciousness
I was recently asked to write an essay for brooklynmuseum to give context on the inspiration, inception, and development of #TripleConsciousness. For more information about the program, click here:Â https://tripleconsciousness.splashthat.com/
"In 2013, I attended a Park Armory work-in-progress presentation of Ralph Lemonâs Scaffold Room, produced by MAPP International Productions. The performance addressed ideas of the archetypal Black female in America culture, and I found myself experiencing various streams of consciousness. The ideas were drawn from history, stereotypes, pop culture, and science fiction with source materials like Moms Mabley, BeyoncĂŠ, Kathy Acker and Samuel R. Delany.Â
I was left with a question: âWhat impact does the Black womanâs image in pop culture have on America?â I explored and discussed the idea for several months before approaching Shay Wafer of 651 ARTS with the idea of producing a discussion series about Black Femininity. Shay explained that 651 ARTS was producing the Geneva Project directed by Charlotte Brathwaite, which also seeks to examine black femininity through the lens of tradition and cultural remembrance.Â
We decided to expand on the concept to include artists and cultural thinkers who focus on themes of Black female identity. Ebony Noelle Golden was commissioned to curate conversations that would broaden our ideas of Black women in America. She added deeper questions that helped anchor the discussion and enlisted the participation of powerful women who rarely appear together on these types of forums. These shared efforts make Triple Consciousness a collaborative platform for exercising the democratic voice in reimagining Black female identity in America."
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Rasu Jilani
