In the Spring of 2023 I took the class FA 595A Rehearsals in Anti-Racism. This special topics in the arts course, offered through the University of Arizona’s College of Fine Arts, was conceived by dr. gloria j. wilson + Dr. Amy Kraehe, co-founding directors of the Racial Justice Studio. Intentional with their word choice, rehearsal was explained as a framework for this class as being antiracist requires practice, it is something we do. The first iteration of the class was taught in the Fall of 2021 and was led by these scholars. When I took the course, it was co-taught by dr. wilson + PhD student, Lynn Robinson. As these co-instructors explained, this iteration of rehearsals meant creating a space for deep study + unlearning, embodying inquiry through artistic activities, + practicing again + again + being willing to try new things + smooth out challenges.

Within this emergent curriculum-designed course, we students were offered the opportunity to conduct a final project that directly related to our studies or personal interests. We were assigned to create a three-part project - an aesthetic space, an activation space, + share a reflection.

Scholars Dr. Kraehe + Dr. Acuff explain, “race has formed the unequal distribution of power, material wealth, benefits and burdens, rights and duties [and] institutionalized racism [are] the ways in which racism manifests in the day-to-day operations and outcomes of institutions […] institutions are those fairly durable organizational systems that enable society to function” (2021, p.23). These institutions include the government, law, schools, and I argue museums and galleries. Further, Dr. Ross suggests, “Anti-blackness is one way some black scholars have articulated what it means to be marked as black in an anti-black world. It’s more than just “racism against black people.” That oversimplifies and defangs it. It’s a theoretical framework that illuminates society’s inability to recognize our humanity” (New York Times, 2020). I wanted to disrupt the pervasiveness of institutionalized racism and anti-blackness rhetoric. Thus, the Rehearsals in Care project was born.

I am forever grateful for the space + learnings from dr. wilson + Lynn. Thank you for pushing + supporting me in this work.