As the Memories of Black Presence exhibition documents the artists’ individual stories of places, people, and experiences across the ever-changing city, this virtual opening event fuses their voices in dialogue to reveal connections between their creative processes and unique relationships to the land, life, and history of St. Louis.

In collaboration with Washington University Professor Adrienne Davis, Kemper Museum Academic Programs Coordinator Rochelle Caruthers, and social impact designer, De Nichols, The Griot Museum of Black History seeks to initiate Growing Griot, a community-centered design and learning framework that investigates the feasibility of reimagining its purpose, redeveloping its building and grounds, and deepening its social power in contemporary St. Louis. This initiative is part of a multi-faceted, long-term vision that builds upon previously initiated and ongoing internal capacity-building activities.  Its primary goals include three scopes of work: community engagement, Team Griot, and facility planning.