Have you ever walked into a space and immediately felt at home? That invisible but palpable sense of belonging isn't accidental—it's what we call "kinfolk energy," and it's at the heart of creating communities that nurture us in ways that transcend blood relations.
In this intimate conversation, we unpack our 21-year journey of building sacred spaces across multiple cities. From our first home off Bankhead in Atlanta to our Brooklyn apartment and art studio in Red Hook, to our current Maroon House in Athens, we've cultivated environments where people literally don't want to leave. But what makes these spaces so magnetic?
The roots of kinfolk energy run deep in Black American history. We trace this concept from Maroon societies—communities of escaped enslaved people who created self-sufficient havens—to the Great Migration networks where someone you'd never met would become "cousin" for life after helping you find housing and work in a new city. These weren't just survival tactics; they were profound expressions of community care that continue to influence how we build our worlds today.
Creating kinfolk energy requires both openness and boundaries. Not everyone deserves access to your sacred spaces, and learning this distinction is part of maturing as a community builder. We share practical wisdom about finding your different "tribes," being intentionally hospitable, and bringing your authentic self wherever you go. From the simple act of providing clean socks for guests in our shoeless home to hosting regular gatherings that feel effortless after decades of practice, we reveal how attention to detail communicates care in powerful ways.
As we navigate increasingly disconnected times, rekindling kinfolk energy might be our most radical act. Step back into freedom, pursue interests that naturally connect you with like-minded souls, and remember that community isn't something you find—it's something you create, one sacred space at a time.
You've been tuned in to Graphite Radio, where creativity meets culture. Part of the Kaffeine Audio Network and proudly distributed by Pepper Labs. Thanks for joining us on this journey of ideas, art, and innovation. Be sure to subscribe and stay connected for more stories that shape the world we create. Until next time, keep sketching your vision into reality.
Welcome to The Maroon Life, a podcast celebrating the art of creative living — where freedom, personal style, community, and Black joy intersect.
In our pilot episode, we explore what it means to live boldly, create with intention, and make space for the stories that define us. This is for the builders, the dreamers, the doers — and those who choose to live life on their own terms.