The Center Newsletter: Issue 01

Dear Community,

Welcome to the inaugural issue of the Center for Transformative Urban Design (CTUD) newsletter. I'm Paul Bauknight, founder and president of CTUD. Our mission is to transform cities, neighborhoods, and the public realm by empowering communities to change the unjust systems and policies that dominate urban design and community development.  

 Introducing "My Black Space" Podcast

I'm excited to announce the launch of my new podcast, My Black Space. This platform will feature candid conversations with guests about spatial justice, community empowerment, and the lived experiences of Black individuals in urban spaces. We'll delve into how design and policy intersect with race, culture, and equity. Stay tuned for our first episode, airing soon.

New Website Launch

We've revamped our website to better reflect our mission and work. Visit www.ctud.org to explore our projects, learn about our team, and stay updated on upcoming events and initiatives.

 Upcoming Events

• June: State of Black Design Conference – Join us for discussions on design, equity, and the future of Black designers. Need more info

• July: Reimagining the Civic Commons in St. Paul – Participate in conversations about transforming public spaces to be more inclusive and equitable. Need more info. 

• September: Spatial Justice Class – Cohort II – We're launching the second cohort of our spatial justice class, focusing on empowering communities through design education. Need more info

 Local Events

• Juneteenth Observance: Celebrate freedom and reflect on the journey toward equity. Need more 

• George Floyd Remembrance: Marking the 5-year anniversary of George Floyd's murder with community gatherings and reflections. Need more 

• June 25: Beyond the Tracks event with Jason Foster – Discussing transportation equity and its impact on communities.

• July: Minneapolis Black Business Week – Supporting and highlighting Black-owned businesses in our community. Would be cool to connect this with WCNO