Abstract

Blackwomen are subject to a gratuitous level of violence that can disturb our documentation of personal and collective memories. My experimental autoethnography researches spatial-temporal cartography as a method to better understand and respond to the devestation of sexual violence both in my personal life as well as the lives of other Blackwomen. I conducted field research while living in Brighton, United Kingdom from February to March of 2026 during which I mapped my life as the sole research-participant. By combining more traditional geographic cartography with visual media documentation, I was able to collect valuable data to create heat maps and time recording. The study discovers a connection between space, power, trauma and temporalities. Engaging with practices of cartography invites opportunities for Blackwomen to negotiate how to know and be known in ways that create sanctuary and show care.

TW// Sexual violence, other forms of violence, racial violence, and PTSD