ACLU of Texas Selects Dr. Robyn B. Adams for 2026-27 Artist Residency Focusing on Black Queer Reproductive Justice

Dr. Robyn B. Adams, a community artist, storyteller, and musician hailing from Round Rock, Texas, has been appointed the artist-in-residence for 2026-2027 by the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas. Chosen from a pool of 250 candidates, Adams will receive a stipend of $30,000 for a 10-month initiative titled 'Black Futures in Flesh and Story,' focusing on reproductive justice for Black queer and trans individuals. This residency will yield a mixtape, chapbook, and statewide performances stemming from community storytelling workshops. Adams, who identifies as a Black, transmasculine, nonbinary, lesbian artist and author, is currently a Southwestern University Scholar/Activist-in-Residence in Georgetown and teaches at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. They are also a full-spectrum doula and are working on a book titled 'Black Queer Stories: Reproductive Justice and the Politics of Erasure.' ACLU-TX Executive Director Oni K. Blair highlighted the significance of the program in light of rising state censorship regarding race and gender education, asserting that the arts can promote public discourse and advocacy. Previous residents include KB Brookins, who focused on cash bail reform, and Vincent Valdez, recognized for his portrayals of American life. The initiative began in 2022 with Houston artist Mathieu JN Baptiste, followed by street artist Kill Joy, who partnered with Kitchen Table Puppets & Press for immigrant rights tours.