In a feature by USC Price, I discussed my extensive involvement with the Race, Arts, and Placemaking (RAP) initiative during my time as a doctoral student at USC. I was one of the first to get involved with RAP, contributing to the design of its logo and the launch of its website. My engagement with RAP significantly shaped my scholarship and career, and I continue to feel its influence in my current role as a postdoctoral fellow in the University of Pennsylvania School of Design’s Department of City and Regional Planning.
Reflecting on my experience, I noted that, “My involvement with it was pretty extensive, and it’s influenced me in terms of moving forward.” This influence is evident in the course I’m teaching at PennDesign, which is a variant of the RAP class, focusing on placemaking, equity, and intersectionality. Additionally, my RAP experience opened doors for me to serve as a panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts’ Our Town program, which was the first major source of funding for creative placemaking projects across the country. As I stated, “RAP has been a wellspring of opportunity and relationships,” underscoring the lasting impact of this initiative on my professional journey.
