Book Talk with Omari Souza

Join us on October 16th, 2025 at 11:00 AM for an inspiring book talk from author Omari Souza as he discusses his newest book Design Against Racism: Creating Work That Transforms Communities which focuses on using design to combat racism. Let's come together to explore how creativity can drive positive change in our communities.

Omari Souza is a designer, author, and community builder whose work explores the intersections of culture, equity, and design. He is the founder of the State of Black Design Conference, a national platform dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and building pathways for the next generation of creative professionals. He is the author of An Anthology of Blackness: The State of Black Design (MIT Press, 2023) and Design Against Racism: Creating Work That Transforms Communities (Princeton Architectural Press, 2025), which he will be signing at the end of the event.

This event takes place at the Morgan State University Murphy Fine Arts Center in the recital hall.

About Baltimore Design Week
Celebrate the power of creativity, inclusivity, and community during AIGA BMORE Design Week this October 10th to 17th, where every story, voice, and vision comes together to shape the future of design within Baltimore and beyond. Keep an eye on our Eventbrite and Instagram (@aigabaltimore) for more announcements about design week programming!

Accessibility
If you need specific accommodations to fully access the event, please get in touch with us by October 10th at [email protected].

About the Venue

The Murphy Fine Arts Center is a premier performing arts venue featuring the 2,000-seat Gilliam Concert Hall, the Turpin-Lamb Theater, and a Recital Hall, along with the James E. Lewis Museum of Art. It also houses studios, classrooms, and labs for Morgan State University's Department of Fine and Performing Arts.

Directions to the Murphy Fine Arts Center

1. Head north on I-95 N

2. Take exit 53 for I-395 N toward Downtown/Inner Harbor

3. Use the right two lanes to turn right onto W Conway St

4. Turn left onto Light St

5. Turn right onto E Pratt St

6. Turn left onto S Gay St

7. Continue on that road and turn left onto Hillen Ave.

8. Turn right onto Argonne Dr.

9. Parking: Turn right onto McCallum Drive. Travel straight through 1st STOP sign, to reach the rear of the Murphy Fine Arts Center. Bear to right at 2nd STOP sign. See parking lot Y entrance on left

At the Murphy Fine Arts Center, parking is free in the "Y" lot. Access the "Y" lot from Argonne Drive. Turn onto McCallum Drive. Travel straight through 1st STOP sign, to reach the rear of the Murphy Fine Arts Center. Bear to right at 2nd STOP sign. See parking lot entrance on left.

Overflow Parking can be accessed in the University parking garage in the center of campus, adjacent to the stadium.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Morgan State University - Murphy Fine Arts Center, 2201 Argonne Drive, Baltimore, United States