Stewarding Black Cultural Resilience: A Case Study

Black women have had a profound impact on social progress and movements, often as the stewards of community and social change. This case study illustrates the integral role of Black women as leaders of arts and cultural organizations, illuminating the perspectives of community stakeholders on the leadership and impact of three Black women-led arts organizations in East Oakland, California—Artist as First Responder, Black Cultural Zone, and Eastside Arts Alliance. The case study highlights the embeddedness of Black feminist approaches within conjured spaces that center intersectional experiences and creative expression. The legacy of Black women as stewards of Black cultural resilience is underlined by their actions to uplift communities, create space for cultural exchanges and hold institutional actors accountable. The case study presents community perspectives on the environment Black women led arts organizations are establishing for communities of color to build dedicated spaces for cultural advocacy and community resilience.