Unbelievably, I was able to squeeze in a 3 and a half hour (!!) interview for #BlackProvincetown after the conference in Cambridge today. I had the pleasure of speaking with a *fifth* generation Black New Englander. Such a fascinating conversation complete with tea, cookies and a very friendly cat.

One of his projects and commemorative collaborations resulted in a historical marker for Black women’s performances at the A House in provincetown.. namely: Billie Holliday, Eartha Kitt and Ella Fitzgerald during the (locally) famous summer of 1955..

#BlackProvincetown

Up this AM getting ready for my panel but also reviewing the Black history pamphlets and New England heritage maps that were generously given to me by a white community member in Provincetown who has dedicated years to memorializing histories of people of color in the region.. #BlackProvincetown

I tried to leave and just couldn’t again and again. Every time I tried to go, another connection was made, another conversation, another hug, another “Have you considered..?”, another referral for another interview, another promise, another act of generosity, another kindness. #BlackProvincetown

Can’t begin to explain the magic I experienced in Ptown today. Not only was it absolutely gorgeous - a perfect October day filled with sunshine and butterlies, but I was also enveloped in beloved community and endless conversation. Last thing I heard as I left: “We love you!”

#BlackProvincetown

Interviewed an incredibly talented singer, artist and performer today. She’s Ptown royalty, works six days a week and supports herself entirely through drag shows. I asked how often she gets to go to the beach in #Provincetown.

Her response?

“I haven’t been this season..”

#BlackProvincetown

It’s pretty dope that going to a sunset sound bath led by a Black queer woman in a beachfront yoga studio is my *job*..

#BlackProvincetown

Casual conversations, breaking bread and sharing meals, chit chatting on the corner. Hanging out.. #BlackProvincetown

How do you find joy and pleasure in a place that is disappearing beneath your feet? In a world that seems to be falling apart? #BlackProvincetown

It is strange to be researching something that is disappearing. #BlackProvincetown

#BlackProvincetown

Also, hit a kind of milestone today.. 40 interviews completed for #BlackProvincetown

This morning I was fortunate enough to interview someone I've been hoping to speak with for *years*. This research unfolds slowly, takes time, requires coordination with and awareness of the seasonal calendar, relationship building, social connections and lots of luck..

#BlackProvincetown

When I’m doing this project, and I’m doing it right, I feel like the luckiest woman in the world. #BlackProvincetown

I must say, I had such a delightful visit to the archives, which was facilitated by a lesbian couple I met in Ptown many trips ago. They came with me to meet the archivist and share insights about Truro. Then we all had lunch in town and unexpectedly wound up speaking French.. #BlackProvincetown

A kismet moment was walking into the historical society (where I had an appointment with an archivist) and meeting another scholar who just by happenstance was traveling from LA to research slavery in Truro. #BlackProvincetown

I have spent literally ALL day doing nonstop fieldwork in Truro and Provincetown. Archival research, hanging with locals, back to back qualitative interviews and recording fieldnotes. Exhausted but delighted and learning so much! #BlackProvincetown

Interviewed someone today for #BlackProvincetown who shared this gem regarding their own philosophy of autonomy, temporal freedom and passion:

“What a privilege it is to be exhausted from working on a project of my own choosing”

*can relate*

I interviewed a Black gay writer recently who told me that he broke down in tears watching the sunset on the beach, so overcome he was with the beauty of this place

#BlackProvincetown
#Provincefown

Me + Happy Place = 🥰

#Provincetown

#BlackProvincetown