Today we’d like to introduce you to Niecee X.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Niecee. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am 28, an organizer, a domestic violence survivor, poet, artist, and a queer Black person. I founded a poc women’s advocacy organization called Black Women’s Defense League in 2015 after having been impacted by both the Black Lives Matter Movement and experiencing domestic violence; I knew that there was an intersection of trauma being overlooked. I believe that when we work with those most marginalized especially those dealing with multiple levels of trauma we grasp at the root of oppression and can create long-term solutions to generational problems. Since then have been traveling and working toward creating change in the world around me in police brutality, reproductive justice, environmental justice, and LGBTQIA organizing.
My most recent endeavor has been creating a space called Revolution Cafe & Bookstore. We are working toward funding and sustainability and hope to be open in a space by next year. When complete it will be the first and only WQPOC bookstore in the USA, an affordable vegan cafe and space for the entire community to commune and build in Oak Cliff.
Every first and 3rd Friday Queer AF host a QPOC Open Mic and a conversation series called The Kiki aimed at centering much-needed voices and discussions that will enhance the consciousness of marginalized communities and build our capacity to craft brighter futures ahead. These event’s proceeds go toward Revolution Cafe and Bookstore.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
By no means has it been smooth, but the culmination of experiences has been worth it. I know that with each and every one I became better equipped to deal with anything that comes my way.
The struggle right now is to have a vision, to have all the parts with the exception of funding. People roll their eyes; they don’t take you seriously. Everyone wants to be a part of a finished product but the building is truly the hardest part. To maintain your vision and be willing to pass up opportunities instead of compromising your goals that’s difficult.
Queer AF / Revolution Cafe – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are a collective of POC and QPOC artists and community organizers aiming to create spaces that facilitate cohesion and liberation of all marginalized people, through food, education, and expression.
There are no spaces that are owned and run by a fully QPOC staff and that serve marginalized communities of color. The need is immense.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My first domestic violence rescue with Black Women’s Defense League. We were able to help her and her daughter relocate, access counseling and start fresh after a situation that could have taken her life. Her boyfriend was also given access to counseling. We did this without involving police or any state personnel, just community caring for its members. It made me sure that we alone can solve our issues and are fully capable of creating a future free of systemic oppression one person at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/revolutionbookcafe/
- Phone: 828-REVOLT-0
- Email: revolutioncafebook@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_revolution_cafe/
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
