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Chakaia Booker’s Musings in Conceptual Art: Identity, Afro-Futurism, Spirituality and Environmentalism

Abstract: The artist's sculptures are a manifestation of her own abstract thoughts about identity, culture, spirituality, gender, afro-futurism, and eco-conservation.  Her ideas are a cultivation of works developed from artistic and philosophic influences, cultural genre movements and impacts of the U.S. political economy.  With her contemporary works of art using discarded rubber tires, she attempts to reconcile the existing post-modernity and social environment with the possibility of a futuristic positivity. 

Under-Privileged, African American Women in Atlanta as Low-End Commodities    Under Neoliberalism and HIV-Related Policy Deliverables

Abstract: Low-income African American women in Atlanta are currently depicted as “at-risk” individuals due to increasing HIV infected rates in this population. In my direct participation within a HIV, STD and substance abuse prevention program that catered to this particular population, I took note of the silence in the discussions on how the US political economy contributes to these social conditions of HIV/STD and substance abuse risks. Within the same space, I observed the intricacies of how the market politically and economically benefits from the racial and gender inequities of these women through HIV programs, welfare reform and other neoliberal policies.   

Cultural Preservation of Blackness Through Art and Activism in Costa Chica, Mexico

Abstract: The anthropological research discusses how Afro-Mexicans in Costa Chica are advocating for their Blackness, material culture, cultural preservation and ethnic solidarity through the social advocacy of art and activism.  Such advocacy is also inspired by the Reconocimiento del Afro-Mexicano political campaign.