Listening as Liberation: Memory, Imagination, and the Work of Building Community

I recently had the honor of giving the spring talk for Empire State University, part of the State University of New York system and one of my alma maters.

In “Listening as Liberation: Memory, Imagination, and the Work of Building Community,” I explore what becomes possible when we listen deeply. Not simply to respond, defend, or debate, but to truly hear. To witness. To be changed.

I structured the talk like a mixtape, with each section unfolding as its own track. That feels especially meaningful to share now, at the beginning of Black Music Month, because Black music has always taught us about memory, survival, testimony, improvisation, and freedom.

I’m also thinking about this at the start of Pride Month. For those of us who are not centered in every liberatory movement, part of the work is learning how to listen across experience. To ask what people are telling us about their lives, their safety, their joy, and their right to exist fully — and then to actually hear them.

In a world that constantly pushes us to react quickly and loudly, listening can be a radical practice. A way of remembering. A way of imagining otherwise. A way of building community.

I’m grateful to Empire State University for inviting me to offer this talk, and I’m glad to finally share the video.