This page provides predictions of how IHP’s work in improving its support for Black queer Southerners could go, along with a recommendation that the organization begin by listening to folks they are already in relationship with.
Knowing that IHP already has goals of supporting more collections by and about people of color, the organization is set up well to approach this additional mission. IHP’s existing practices that reflect slow-archives (Christen & Anderson, 2019) are important to continue in this work. If pursued with intention, radical care, and an openness to change, IHP can improve its existing relationships with queer Black Southerners and create new, meaningful connections. I recommend that IHP begin by consulting with board members and donors who are queer and Black to begin and build off those learnings from gathering feedback with actionable steps in solidarity with their needs and wants, especially but not limited to their goals for liberation. Continuing to approach folks without any expectations as IHP has already done will allow their work furthering support for queer Black Southerners to be genuine and properly address the needs asked of the organization.
Christen, K., & Anderson, J. (2019). Toward slow archives. Archival Science, 19(2), 87–116.