Fostering Community and Shifting the Canon w/ Omari A Souza

Works In Process

Welcome to Works In Process / Ep 19

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Omari Souza is a first-generation American of Jamaican descent, raised in the Bronx, NY. Before working at Texas State University, Omari gained work experience with companies such as VIBE magazine, Buffalo News, CBS Radio, and Case Western Reserve University. He received his BFA in Digital Media from Cleveland Institute of Art and his MFA in Design from Kent State University. Omari’s research explores the idea of perceptions, and how visual narratives influence culture, how we view ourselves and others around us.

We discuss not only the shift in design education but also how he started the State of Black Design conference. He created a forum for black designers to discuss and share personal perspectives and is helping to forester communities that are satisfying the various needs of diversity within the industry.

Get your notes app ready during this episode, there are people mentioned that you’ll want to check out on your own.

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Mentions

• State of Black Design
• Thesis: Chasing Vertical
• Maurice Cherry
• Bekah Marcum
• Teresa Moses
• Lauren Williams
• Antionette Carrol
• Terrance Moline
• Jen White-Johnson

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Credits

• Edited by RJ Basilio
• Research and Transcription Reviewer: Or Syzflingier
• Intro / Outro Music: The System Has Failed Us - The Passion HiFi

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About the Works In Process Podcast:

A podcast series by George Garrastegui, Jr. — designer, educator, and creative catalyst. Works In Process is a collection of discussions that explore and demystify the creative process. I interview individuals to gain more insight into the ways they work and the projects they produce.

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