WGRL NYC

Whew – it’s been rough out there in the world so we thought we would slow down a bit and do some serious self care. Our friend the amazing healer, yogi and performer Shelley Nicole stopped by to lead us in a soothing meditation and then we tried our hand at writing and recording our own guided meditation. InJoy the vibes – we wish everyone an easeful, peaceful 2024!  

Joseph Capehart is a poet and educator pushing the needle when they can and flipping the table when they must. Black, queer, and concerned with freedom, they are the founder of The Garden, an abolitionist bookstore and community well in Brooklyn. This conversation is part of a collaboration with our mentor, artist and instigator  jackie sumell and MoMA PS1 which resulted in an exhibition at PS1 entitled “Freedom to Grow“. In the Summer of 2021 the Growing Abolition class produced a series of four podcasts delving into Abolitionist Worldview as part of the course work. In the wider project we explored: What can plants teach us about prison abolition, healing, and expanding our horizons of possibility? What would a world look like in which we all have what we need, with networks of safety and support created by and for our communities? How can we put abolition into daily practice, as a process of creating and nurturing alternatives to the structures that harm us?

Sophia Dawson is a Brooklyn based visual artist who has dedicated her life’s work to exposing the stories and experiences of individuals who are striving to overcome the injustices they face. This conversation is part of a collaboration with our mentor, artist and instigator  jackie sumell and MoMA PS1 which resulted in an exhibition at PS1 entitled “Freedom to Grow“. In the Summer of 2021 the Growing Abolition class produced a series of four podcasts delving into Abolitionist Worldview as part of the course work. In the wider project we explored: What can plants teach us about prison abolition, healing, and expanding our horizons of possibility? What would a world look like in which we all have what we need, with networks of safety and support created by and for our communities? How can we put abolition into daily practice, as a process of creating and nurturing alternatives to the structures that harm us?

Timothy James Young is a poet, writer, abolitionist and wrongfully convicted man who is currently incarcerated on Death Row in San Quentin State Prison. He has not seen a tree in 24 years due to his incarceration but the students at UC Santa Cruz cultivate a garden with Tim in partnership with Solitary Gardens. Join the movement for Tim’s freedom here.  This conversation is part of a collaboration with our mentor, artist and instigator  jackie sumell and MoMA PS1 which resulted in an exhibition at PS1 entitled “Freedom to Grow“. In the Summer of 2021 the Growing Abolition class produced a series of four podcasts delving into Abolitionist Worldview as part of the course work. In the wider project we explored: What can plants teach us about prison abolition, healing, and expanding our horizons of possibility? What would a world look like in which we all have what we need, with networks of safety and support created by and for our communities? How can we put abolition into daily practice, as a process of creating and nurturing alternatives to the structures that harm us?

Mariame Kaba is an abolitionist thinker, writer, curator, and organizer based in New York City. Her clarity, passion and love for liberation work resonated deeply with us. We are grateful for this generous conversation in which we take on everything from a discussion of the children’s book “Noodlephant” to the constant “Law & Order” marathon on TV! This conversation is part of a collaboration with our mentor, artist and instigator  jackie sumell and MoMA PS1 which resulted in an exhibition at PS1 entitled “Freedom to Grow“. In the Summer of 2021 the Growing Abolition class produced a series of four podcasts delving into Abolitionist Worldview as part of the course work. In the wider project we explored: What can plants teach us about prison abolition, healing, and expanding our horizons of possibility? What would a world look like in which we all have what we need, with networks of safety and support created by and for our communities? How can we put abolition into daily practice, as a process of creating and nurturing alternatives to the structures that harm us?

WGRL caught up with neighborhood legend Mikey, of Mikey Likes It ice cream for a sweet and  inspiring conversation on following your dreams!  Thank you Mikey for being a power of example to pretty much everyone! When you’re in NYC don’t forget to make Mikey’s a stop for a sweet treat and support your local black business!

And just like that we are BACK! This episode is packed with an exclusive interview w musician Michael Love Micheal, a review of episode 1 of Colin in Black and White, field pieces and a BRAND NEW theme song executive produced by Dai Burger. As always, teen made content for the world. Podcast Production Crew & Talent: Aaliyah, Amerique, Elsabet, Jamyra, Jibeh, Mako, Mirette Instruction: Kelly Webb & Emma Camell Post Production Support: Chantell Harrison

Venus X is a Ecuadorian/Dominican DJ, Producer, Fashion Designer, Gardener and Activist by way of Washington Heights. In this inspired conversation with Aminata Sall, one of our WGRL/Nessa program interns, Venus X talks on the power of community building and staying true to self and to the people. An inspiring and uplifting listen for all!

We are all ready for some positive vibes! DJ Eli of the Girls Club Avenue DJ Squad sets the tone with this perfect mix to set the summer off.

These times are extremely challenging and sometimes we just need to get away from it all. DJ KK to the rescue! Slip a pair of your favorite headphones on and tune in to this latest hip hop hits mix.

Topeka K. Sam, has been fighting for the dignity, decriminalization and decarceration of women and girls of color since her release from federal prison in 2015. In this episode, we were blessed to have this great lady share eye opening information on incarceration as it pertains to young women. Take a listen to learn more about Topekas tireless advocacy and why it is so vital. You can support Topeka’s work by visiting The LOHM.  This interview is part of the Girls Club x  Nessa radio journalism internship program, where high school girls learn the basics of journalism, discuss important social justice issues, and book and record an interview with a guest of their choice. In 2020 instead of cancelling our in person classes, Nessa and her crew graciously transitioned our sessions online. Every week our little team met virtually in the midst of the fear of COVID-19, isolation, and amplified racial terrorism of 2020.  In addition to a space of learning from seasoned professionals, our virtual classroom became a safe haven to connect, listen deeply and support each other during this traumatic time. This episode of “The QuaranTeen Sessions” was conducted by Kaitlyn Ruiz, as always under the guidance and mentorship of our number one big Sister and advocate, Emmy award nominated Nessa!  

Part of what makes NYC special is the proliferation of small independent businesses, each unique and special to us and reflecting the incredible diversity of the city. Small businesses are in extreme distress right now, and with months of no income combined with little to no federal help we are in danger of losing these important community gathering spaces. Restaurants and shops where you can actually share a conversation with the owner, and the taxes they pay actually stay in the community they serve. We are extremely sad to see our neighbors and supporters Bonsai Kakigori close up shop and are sharing this WGRL intimate in-store experience so you can get an idea of how magical this small (and delicious) space was. Follow @bonsai for info on summer pop-ups.

During these extremely stressful times we thought we’d post some comforting content from our WGRL archives. Tune into our Skype interview with the Queen of ASMR, the wonderful Gibi! She inspired us so much we incorporated ASMR as part of our classroom experience. Thanks Gibi for all you do to make this world sound and feel better!

Our Artist-in-Residence, Courtney Alexander, focuses her work on representation in tarot cards. For the past few months, she has been working with us to create a tarot card deck and altar for The Girls Club’s Art on Paper display. Through this, she hopes girls will get a chance to honor and learn more about themselves. We sat down with Courtney in the studio for an intimate chat on her work, the hustle of being an independent artist and why representation is important. We learned a lot from this thoughtful, talented artist!  

Girls Club member DJ KK is a founding member of our Avenue DJ squad and has gigged at Lincoln Center, ENVSN Fest< Nike HQ and Museum of the City of New York among many other places. Our Avenue DJ’s are available to get your party started – check out this Afrobeat Exclusive Mix for WGRL!