Brave Space
Brave Space, as a project, encompasses multiple efforts to create affinity storytelling spaces by and for people of the global majority (in other words, Black, Latinx, Asian, Indigenous, and other folks of color)
AfterDark: For The Culture
Our current Brave Space programming is “AfterDark: For the Culture”, a series presented in collaboration with HYFIN. called Each evening includes an affinity group storytelling workshop (for BIPOC folks only) plus a Slam that centers Black and Brown voices onstage. Each Slam features several pre-confirmed features as well as spots open to attendees. After each Slam, we extend the reach of stories shared through media pieces (YouTube playlist).
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Research that inspires this project
While many elements of this effort were designed in response to community feedback, our work also takes inspiration from research on Race-Based Traumatic Stress (RBTS), which refers to experiencing racial discrimination as psychological trauma. While RBTS has been linked to poor mental health outcomes, active coping strategies like problem-solving and seeking support (vs passive strategies like “accept it as a fact of life” and “keep it to yourself”) can buffer the effects of RBTS.
In response, Ex Fabula creates spaces where Black and Brown community members can speak their truths, educate others, and support their mental health – while also raising awareness of the access barriers that exist. Incidentally, we are always clear that our events may feel therapeutic but they are not therapy; we share information about 988 and local mental health resources in workshops, onstage, and on media pieces whenever appropriate.
Some of these spaces are affinity spaces for people of a shared identity to meet. BIPOC affinity spaces are especially important, as noted in this blog from two Ex Fabula storytelling coaches, because they reduce stereotype threat, a psychological barrier to vulnerable self-expression born from experiencing bigotry, specifically racism. “Stereotype threat is being at risk of confirming, as self-characteristic, a negative stereotype about one’s group” (Steele & Aronson, 1995).
Thank you Brave Space & AfterDark: for the Culture funders!
This organization is supported in part by a grant form the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.