We caught up with the brilliant and insightful shady Radical a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. shady, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I have always been very interested in school and very high achieving academically. When I first went away to college, I had major culture shock and performed very poorly. In my third year I was offered the opportunity to study art and architecture in Brazil. It was the best experience I had, i earned all A’s and learned so much about myself, and how place affects my understanding of material and immaterial culture. I was hooked. Now I am most happy when I am traveling, learning new cultures and all the many ways people remember who they are.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Dr. shady Radical and I am a memory worker, performance archivist, professor, a mother, and the founder and lead archivist of The Radical Archive of Preservation.

The Radical Archive of Preservation or t.r.a.p. was founded in Atlanta. It was initially part of my research project on preserving Black Cultural production, the work of Tyler Perry Studios, and Black feminist performance practices.

t.r.a.p. offers archival services; produces archival performances; and creates educational resources and presentations. This spring/summer we will host our 2nd Rooted in Memory Virtual Workshop Series in collaboration with Bwagamoyo Africulture. A Summer Abroad trip around performance and preservation to Tanzania is also organized by t.r.a.p.

Dr. Radical currently preserves the work of Ballethnic Dance Company in East Point, Georgia; Derron Cherry, Atlanta, Georgia; and Bwagamoyo Africulture, Bagamoyo Tanzania

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

the work of Saidiya Hartman

– Scenes of Subjection
– Lose Your Mother
– Wayward Lives, Beautiful Experiments

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

To preserve our stories, our people, our culture, our memories. We have so much to contribute to the historical record about life, people, and community that it is important, meaningful, and extremely pleasing to my spirit to care about myself and others in this way. As a mother, I believe it is my duty to teach my daughter how to care, show up, and be accountable to others in her community. This is one way she can contribute while pursuing her other passions.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.theradicalarchive.co
• Instagram: @theradicalarchive

Image Credits
1. Colbie Fray, photographer 2. Dani Cummings, photographer 3. Bwagamoyo Africulture, photographer 4. Waverly Lucas, photographer 5. Jessica (unknown last name), photographer 6. Jessica (unknown last name), photographer 7. Unknown photographer, with Windy Oya Radical (daughter)