How to Be a Better Human How to find belonging (w/ Hanif Abdurraqib)
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Nov 17, 2025 Join Hanif Abdurraqib, a celebrated poet and cultural critic from Columbus, as he explores the essence of belonging. Hanif shares his deep love for his hometown, highlighting the power of community through shared experiences like neighborhood gatherings and small acts of care. He delves into how local artists shape cultural identity and the importance of reciprocal connections. Through personal stories, he reflects on the complexities of pride, the challenges of leaving home, and the transformative impact of small gestures in building lasting relationships.
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Neighbors Gather When Power Fails
- Hanif describes a neighborhood power outage that turned into a spontaneous gathering at a gazebo where neighbors checked on kids and elders.
- The scene shows how small, shared spaces create immediate communal care during disruptions.
Familiarity Trumps Fame
- Hanif values living where people recognize him because interactions feel familiar rather than hierarchical.
- That mutual familiarity flattens celebrity or status into neighborly conversation.
Share Your Interests To Build Reciprocity
- Offer yourself freely to others so people can learn your tastes and hold things for you to enjoy later.
- Cultivate those exchanges to deepen community and discover new delights through trusted recommendations.
