Museum of Presence

By Shabazz Larkin & Museum of Presence

Art. Mindfulness. Conversation. Shabazz Larkin goes live from Music City Nashville to the world, with true stories of black artists, buddhists, yogis, therapists and peculiar BIPOC folk that unfold li... more

· Arts

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FAQs about Museum of Presence:

How many episodes does Museum of Presence have?

The podcast currently has 16 episodes available.

Museum of Presence episodes:

August 12, 2025 Grass Dancer—Trenton Wheeler
Grass dancers prepare the ground for ceremony and celebration. Trenton Wheeler shares stories of indigenous resilience and the ongoing fight for space and community.Step into their world and listen to the full episode.
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57min
August 12, 2025 When We Fight, We Win—Brenda Morrow
The Edgehill community holds a historic, yet often embattled, place in Music City’s culture. Over the years, neighborhood solidarity has persevered—preserving the spirit of the community piece by piece. In our conversation with neighborhood matriarch Brenda Morrow, learn how these neighbors honor local hero and sculptor William Edmondson—and each other.

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33min
August 12, 2025 16 For the City: Chuck Indigo
Chuck Indigo lit up the Museum of Presence studio with his bars. Get ready for a high-energy session in 16 For the City. Don’t miss a beat and catch the full session in our podcast .

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46min
August 12, 2025 Farming While Black—Dr. Womack + Tonya Lewis
The Black Belt isn’t just land—it’s a source of strength. Tonya Lewis and Dr. Veronica Womack share their thoughts on the region and empowerment.Discover the full conversation by tuning into our podcast.
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42min
August 12, 2025 The Artist Must Make Revolution Irresistible—Jamel Campbell-Gooch
One person can move mountains, but a community can move the whole earth. We talk with Jamel Campbell-Gooch about collective action and educating the next generation of activists. Join the conversation and listen to the full episode now.
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41min
August 12, 2025 Nothing Funny About Reparations— Isaac Kirk
What happens when a hilarious actor comes face to face with his family's ancestral trauma and victories? Be sure to find out in our conversation with improvisor Isaac Kirk.
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31min
January 27, 2025 Maria Magdalena Campos Pons - The Artist Is Born Brave
This episode of the Museum of Presence is an uncut masterclass that inspires bravery in the work, with renowned artist and educator Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons, also known as Magda. Join host Shavar, creative director LeXander Bryant, and Magda as they delve into the courage and inspiration behind her diverse body of work. Magda discusses the influence of African and European art, spirituality versus religion, and the significance of cultural heritage. The conversation spans her experiences, performances, and the role of art in shaping culture and fostering understanding. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and immerse yourself in this enriching dialogue.
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1h 9min
July 30, 2023 Shabazz Larkin, Tonya Lewis, Evan Brown, Kamilah Sander, Exhibition One: May I be Brave Enough To Speak My Truth
Join us for the inaugural episode of Museum of Presence, "May I Be Brave Enough To Speak My Truth". Setting the tone for our series, hosts Shabazz Larkin, Tonya Lewis, and Evan Brown guide listeners on a virtual walk through our unique art exhibition, featured in our QR code filled newspaper.
In this episode, we delve into the necessity of black art in public spaces, exploring themes of Black Identity, Black Mindfulness, and the cultural impact of icons like Little Richard and Thich Nhat Hanh. We passionately discuss the significance of black people telling black stories, aiming to inspire builders and developers moving into Nashville to engage black artists in sharing our narratives.
Our featured exhibition, "May I Be Brave Enough to Speak My Truth," is a bold testament to sharing uncomfortable truths with vulnerability and aesthetic grace. This session is filled with laughter, community, and love amongst all the hosts, making for a light-hearted yet profound experience.
In the spirit of bravery and truth, we invite you to be part of our journey. Share this episode, subscribe to the Museum of Presence podcast, and follow us on Instagram @museumofpresence. Help us weave a tapestry of black stories, told by black voices, as we illuminate the richness of the BIPOC community in Nashville through art, mindfulness, and history.
If you are interested in being a part of the True Voice community: Join True Voice Here
View the Exhibition and all art mentioned here at Museumofpresence.com
You are now entering the Museum of Presence.
00:00 Museum of Presence x Exhibition Walkthrough
00:00 Introduction
01:02 Welcome to The Museum of Presence
02:10 Meet Tonya Lewis
03:01 Meet Kamilah Sander
03:49 Meet Evan Brown
05:01 missing Black galleries in Nashville
06:09 a Different Kind of Museum Experience
08:26 Meet Shabazz Larkin
09:28 Karen taught me to trust the process
12:20 Exhibition: May I be Brave Enough to Speak My Truth
12:58 The Cover
14:32 Enter the exhibition: Two Pillars
18:02 Little Richard & Malcom X - Two Sides of the same coin
21:45 Exhibition: Screaming, Singing or using Loud Voices?
23:53 Exhibition: Fear Has no home here
25:59 Exhibition: Masking Neurodivergence
29:26 Exhibition: Redifining Sanctuary
31:15 Exhibition: Fragile Black Man Series
33:26 Exhibition: Black Liberation & A Black Buddha
35:31 Exhibition: Heavens to Marcy
36:31 Acknowledgments
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39min
July 23, 2023 Omari Booker on Finding Freedom through art, incarceration & the beauty of North Nashville Community
In this deeply moving episode of "The Museum of Presence," we journey into the heart of Nashville, exploring the intersection of art, mindfulness, and the Black experience. Join host Shabazz as he converses with local artist and visionary, Omari Booker, who has carved out an extraordinary path for himself amidst the trials and tribulations of his past.
From the confines of a prison cell to a thriving career in Nashville’s art scene, Omari narrates his inspiring journey that spans 15 years. He shares, “... all the pieces are about that 15 years. And in large part, they're about the people that helped get me through that 15 years.”
Guiding us through his exhibition at the Elephant Gallery, Omari depicts the profound impact of his experiences, personified through abstract images of his time in prison. “People would have the experience, of sitting in my cell with me...” he shares. His signature piece - a life-sized self-portrait - is a captivating reflection of his strength and vulnerability during his incarceration.
The narrative takes a profound turn as we explore the heart of North Nashville. Known for its rich cultural heritage and dynamic Black music scene, the district’s struggles with over-policing and high incarceration rates shed light on the resilience and spirit of the community. It’s within these challenges that Omari finds the honesty and authenticity to create his art.
Toward the end, Omari’s heartfelt recitation of his poem "This Black Bird" signifies the power of hope and the quest for freedom, even within the walls of a prison. The bird is not just a motif in his paintings; it's a symbol of his dreams taking flight. As he shares, “This bird, showing up in my room every day...It brings me hope. It feeds my dreams. They're only bars, they're only screens. It's only tears, it's only screams...”
Join us for this intimate conversation, shedding light on the transformative power of art, the shared narratives of our communities, and the promise of presence in every moment. This episode of "The Museum of Presence" is an invitation to contemplate the silence between the words, delve into the beauty of the struggle, and celebrate the enduring spirit of the Black community in Nashville.
You are now Entering the Museum of Presence

00:00 Omari Booker: You can't sleep your time away - the transformational power of an art practice against a 15 year prison sentence
00:00 Intro
02:20 Exhibition Walk Through
03:45 North Nashville Highway Dilemma
06:20 Responsibility of The Artist
09:20 Glimpses of a life
12:18 This Black Bird Poem
18:39 The Prison inside. The Freedom inside
25:31 The Process of Painting is the joy
30:04 Community
31:48 Brotherhood & Joy live everywhere
33:45 Cultivating joy
42:18 Blackbird Poem Reprise
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43min
July 16, 2023 Mike Floss - 16 For the City Freestyle, talks Black Nashville Assembly and The Creative Process
In this captivating episode of 'Museum of Presence,' join host Shabazz Larkin as he engages in an empowering conversation with renowned artist and activist, Mike Floss. With a deep passion for organizing, politics, and activism, Floss is an integral part of the Black Nashville Assembly—a community-driven initiative that brings people together to discuss and advocate for the issues impacting the Black community.
Together, Larkin and Floss delve into thought-provoking topics, exploring the power of organizing, the significance of political engagement, and the transformative impact of activism. The conversation touches upon pivotal issues, highlighting the essential role of community advocacy in shaping a more equitable society.
A particularly poignant moment arises when Floss declares, 'queerness is inherently Black,' sparking a profound exploration of the intersectionality within the Black experience and the importance of inclusivity within the community.
Support the 'Museum of Presence' by sharing this episode and spreading the message of empowerment and activism. Follow us on Instagram @museumofpresence and subscribe to our podcast to join our vibrant artistic community. Together, let's take action to amplify the voices of Black artists, activists, and change-makers.
Join us as we celebrate the transformative power of art, activism, and community engagement, fostering a future where equality and justice prevail."
If you like this work - Share this episode, follow Museum of Presence on Instagram @museumofpresence, subscribe to the podcast, and join the movement to amplify the voices of Black artists and activists.
You are now entering the Museum of Presence.
00:00 Museum of Presence x Mike Floss
00:25 16 For The City Freestyle
02:13 Introduction: Mike Floss
03:49 Black Nashville Assembly
04:42 Pan-Africanism
05:01 Black Queer Identity
05:22 Abolition of Prison Industial Complex
06:22 Representation
07:55 Jamel Cambel Gooch
11:29 The People Are The Anchor
12:53 One of the best rappers alive
15:12 Dancing on Jefferson - a painting
19:55 Maya Angelou
22:13 Creative Process of Writing Raps
24:40 The Four Pillars of The Black Nashville Assembly
25:07 Blackness is Inherintly Queer
28:48 Evolving Culture vs Cancel Culture
32:59 Southern Movement Committee
34:50 Block Meetings
39:07 Mike Floss shares his Top 5
43:13 Acknowledgments
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45min

FAQs about Museum of Presence:

How many episodes does Museum of Presence have?

The podcast currently has 16 episodes available.