State of Brick and Mortar Spaces: Holding Spaces Exhibition Panel

As part of the Holding Spaces exhibition, The State of Black Brick-and-Mortar Spaces in Austin convenes Black business owners, organizers, and space-holders for an honest, grounded conversation about what it takes to operate and sustain physical spaces today.

This moderated, story-forward panel centers lived experience rather than offering prescriptions or trend analysis; the conversation prioritizes reflection, nuance, and shared insight into the challenges and possibilities facing Black brick-and-mortar spaces in Austin.

Designed to be accessible and community-facing, the program includes time for audience engagement and dialogue and is held in conjunction with the Holding Spaces photographic exhibition.

Moderator

Jenell Moffett
Jenell Moffett is an economic development and place-based strategy leader whose work focuses on strengthening downtowns through inclusive growth. She brings a systems-level perspective to conversations about space, sustainability, and community-centered development.

Panelists

Steven Gomes
Steven Gomes is an operations partner at Victory East and Busy Signal, working at the intersection of culture, business, and community activation. His work reflects the realities of sustaining creative and hospitality-driven spaces rooted in Austin’s evolving neighborhoods.

Daphne McDole
Daphne McDole is the CEO of AALI Austin, a cultural organization dedicated to preserving Black history, legacy, and place in Central Texas. Her leadership centers community stewardship, cultural preservation, and long-term sustainability for Black-led institutions.

NaKeenya Wilson
NaKeenya Wilson is the Founder and Interim Executive Director of Black Mamas Village – ATX, a collective focused on supporting Black mothers through culturally rooted care and space-making. Her work highlights the emotional, organizational, and relational labor required to hold space for community.

About the Exhibition

Holding Spaces is a photography-based exhibition documenting Black-owned brick-and-mortar spaces and the people who sustain them in Austin. The exhibition centers on themes of place, memory, labor, and community care.