In Q3 of 2023, Phoenix saw a substantial 11 percent rise in the number of co-working spaces. The growing metropolitan is among the top 10 large metros with the most zip codes with co-working spaces. The 85007 zip code now has one, and it is Black-owned and also centered on underserved communities.
CultureHUB PHX – located at 735 Grand Avenue – is the brainchild of serial entrepreneur, community activator and creative Christopher Owens. He signed the lease on Aug. 11 (also the 50th anniversary of Hiphop); it was a “1,513 day journey” and “an eye-opening experience” that taught him about perseverance and teamwork.
He officially opened the doors Oct. 17 (also National Black Poetry Day) to “Legacy” members, who joined Owens’ journey when he initially was to have a CultureHUB in the Eastlake Park Community at the historic Arnold Pickle House building at 14th and Van Buren streets. After years of preparation, the lease holder decided to go in another direction.
In a post, Owens stated: (Will Smith) once said in an interview ‘when you get torched by life, only the fake things burn.’ I’m grateful for everything the re has provided: lessons; growth; headaches; disappointments…. It’s all been worth it.”
Determined not to lose sight of his current vision, Owens quickly secured another location. Its official grand opening will be the week of Dec. 11. e community is invited to book tours, secure legacy memberships and discovers ways to utilize the space. Some upcoming events will be a poetry night (of course). Other ongoing events with include networking as well as other artistic, cultural and activism offerings.
Owens – also known as Truth B Told – moved from Saginaw, Mich., to Phoenix Summer 2013. Like the mythical bird, the writer and spoken word artist had an opportunity to undergo a re- birth: He flourished on the poetry scene, started his own “One Mic Stand” events, acted on the theatrical stage, hosted/emceed several events, released a few music and book projects, com- pleted an MFA in creative writing, partnered
with a few tech companies, produced an Artists Against Cancer a basketball tournament at Footprint Center and bought out the top section of a Phoenix Mercury game (prior to Free Brittney Griner) to support women’s basketball and youth – all under the umbrella of CulturePHX, as a means to empower the community through cultural events and experiences.
And that’s just a fraction of how Owens has made his impact in the community. If that’s not enough, be became a father again to his ‘mini me.’ But he juggles it all with an ease and passion –and a purpose – that is admirable.
Arizona Informant will cover the grand opening. Go to culturehubphx.com and follow @culturehubphx.
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