Humble Renegade Podcast

Episode 7 | Place: Honoring the Stories in the Soil

Bookie + Kesha Gates Season 1 Episode 7

In this heartfelt and nostalgic episode, Kesha and Bookie explore the vital role of place in shaping community identity, connection, and engagement. More than just physical locations, the spaces we frequent, from barbershops and parks to corner stores and community centers, hold the memories, mentorship, and meaning that define who we are and where we belong.

This episode digs into how built environments affect our sense of safety and belonging, the importance of cultural preservation in rapidly changing neighborhoods, and why designing with dignity matters. They reflect on their own upbringings in Seattle’s Central District and South End, and the full-circle moments of watching the next generation occupy those same cherished spaces.

In this episode, you'll learn:

  • Why “community doesn’t just happen, it’s shaped by where we gather”
  • The emotional, spiritual, and cultural power of place
  • How to activate underutilized spaces for connection and healing
  • What it means to walk your block and read the stories it tells

Reflection Questions:

  • What places shaped who you are?
  • What does your ideal community feel like, not just look like?
  • Can people be considered a place?

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