Black in Design 2025: Black Roots | Keynote: The Spider, The Rabbit and The Preacher Man

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The value of the information lies in its synthesis of folklore, history, and critical theory to offer a nuanced perspective on Black identity and design. Daye effectively uses the Anansi story as a narrative device to illustrate themes of trickery, survival, and transformation. His argumentation is solid, drawing on established academic concepts like Afropessimism and historical documents like the Dred Scott case. He presents a coherent thesis that Black design is rooted in a unique cultural and historical experience, shaped by displacement and resilience. The interactive format enhances engagement but may dilute the depth of the argument for some viewers.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The keynote demonstrates scientific rigor through its use of historical and theoretical sources. Daye references the Dred Scott case, quotes Nicole Hannah-Jones, and engages with Afropessimist thought, providing a foundation for his arguments. The quality of sources is high, though the presentation is more creative than strictly academic. The title accurately captures the content, using the spider and rabbit as central metaphors. The discussion with Curry Hackett adds depth, exploring the implications of Daye’s ideas for design practice. No comments were provided for analysis.

The title accurately reflects the content: the keynote uses the spider (Anansi) and rabbit as central metaphors to explore Black roots, culture, and design, with the 'preacher man' alluding to the spiritual and narrative dimensions.

8/10

The keynote is a scholarly and creative presentation by an academic (assistant professor of architecture) drawing on folklore, etymology, and critical theory (Afropessimism). It references specific sources (e.g., Dred Scott case, Nicole Hannah-Jones) and engages in interdisciplinary analysis. The content is well-structured and grounded in academic discourse, though it is a keynote address rather than a peer-reviewed study.

• 00:00Welcome from Dean Sarah Whiting
• 07:48Keynote Introduction
• 11:50Keynote Address by Kevin Bernard Moultrie Daye
• 1:18:31Discussion with Curry Hackett
• 1:34:30Day 1 Wrap-Up and Intro to Drum Performance
• 1:37:34Drum Performance

• Dred Scott v. Sandford — Daye reads from the Supreme Court decision to illustrate the legal foundation of Black social death.
• Nicole Hannah-Jones — Daye quotes Hannah-Jones on the Middle Passage and the creation of a new Black identity.
• Afropessimism — Daye introduces Afropessimism as a theoretical framework for understanding Blackness as social death.

• The Black Atlantic: Modernity and Double Consciousness — Paul Gilroy's concept of the Black Atlantic aligns with Daye's discussion of diaspora and cultural exchange.