Tarik's Louisville (06/17/2022)

You know those “______’s Louisville” banners on the sides of buildings throughout the city? Ali and Jennifer Lawrence and Diane Sawyer and more “notable” names. We think the blank should be for all of us. (Who do you think Louisville Magazine should interview about our city? You can tell us here.)

Here are Tarik Nally’s answers. Published Friday, June 17, 2022.

Who or what should be on a future cover of Louisville Magazine?

“Four-day workweek (Louisville has the chance to be the first city to embrace it with legislation and private-sector embrace), universal basic income, private leaders who have influence in Louisville’s future but aren’t elected leaders or nonprofit CEOs.”

Since March 2020, what’s something you’ve lost?

“Friends to Covid, proper rest and sleep, time to recharge.”

Since March 2020, what’s something you’ve gained?

“Focus on mental health (mine and others’), new and lasting relations through our shared need to ‘be there’ for each other during the pandemic, increased perspectives on what matters to myself and others.”

Since March 2020, what’s something Louisville has lost?

“Big vision, focus on what Matters, Breonna Taylor.”

Since March 2020, what’s something Louisville has gained?

“Connection, reminders of our strength when working together, inspired future leaders ready to serve.”

Here’s a magic wand. Wave it and you can change one thing in your neighborhood. What do you change?

“Housing affordability and safety/opportunity for our unhoused.”

What Louisville dish have you eaten more than any other?

“Arroz Imperial at La Bodeguita de Mima.”

Where are you a regular?

“Quills Coffee cortado, Lueberry smoothies.”

What closed Louisville business do you miss most?

“Butchertown Grocery.”

What should be Louisville’s theme song?

“James Lindsey, ‘8-Ball.’”

Favorite Louisville building?

“21c, Sweet Peaches.”

Favorite Louisville street?

“A more racially and economically diverse East Market Street. The future!”

Most memorable show/concert you’ve been to in Louisville? When and where? What was so great about it?

“Jecorey Arthur’s album release at the Kentucky Center in 2017, Charles Booker’s Election Week celebration at Paristown Pointe in 2020 [he ended up losing the U.S. Senate primary to Amy McGrath], Bon Iver at the Palace.”

What’s a Louisville law/ordinance/rule/etc. that needs to change?

“Free TARC passes for all incomes under the median.”

What does Louisville have that it should be known for but isn’t?

“Espresso capital of America.”

What’s something unexpected that you love in Louisville?

“Coffee scene here is unmatched nationally.”

What’s one thing Louisville is missing?

“Inclusive housing and opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs and artists to thrive.”

Favorite Louisville smell?

“Not Butchertown.”

What’s something from Louisville’s past that you wish people today could experience?

“The Galleria mall on Fourth Street downtown.”

Fill in the blank: “_______’s Louisville” should be the next banner on the side of a building.

“Breonna.”

In one word, what’s your biggest hope for Louisville?

“Resiliency.”

In one word, what’s your biggest fear for Louisville?

“Inequity.”

In one sentence, how do you spend the majority of your weekdays?

“I am the creative principal at Kale & Flax, an active community member and a father of four, and I spend most of my time meeting for coffees and working on ideas to transform our city one small community at a time.”

Earliest childhood memory?

“My grandmother taking me to open sewer caps in search of real-life Ninja Turtles on Saturdays.”

Most noticeable quirk?

“If music is playing, I cannot stop playing air piano. (Don’t put me near a real one.)”

Your drink?

“Hot, lavender-infused espresso.”

Go-to karaoke song?

“‘Juicy,’ by Biggie Smalls.”

What would you name a Derby horse?

“White Castles With a Big Red.”

Who would you shadow for a day?

“Angela Davis.”

Which possession of yours do you consider priceless?

“An 80-year-old Moroccan rug made by a 13-year-old that was considered a ‘failure’ but is so vibrant and beautiful.”

Favorite thing hanging on the walls at home?

“Picture of Celine Dion in denim overalls.”

What book have you given away the most?

“Writing that book now, but I love From Good to Great and The Autobiography of Malcolm X.”

What TV character is most like you?

“Michael Scott from The Office.”

Who would play you in a movie about your life?

“Clooney.”

What’s your secret talent?

“ADHD.”

If you could write it yourself, what would your headstone say?

“Nothing to see here.”

The first thing on your bucket list?

“Play basketball with Hakeem Olajuwon.”

What makes somebody a Louisvillian?

“They say they’re moving here temporarily and then never leave?”