The Black and Brown Punk Show Collective is a Chicago-based group that exists as a way for people of color, queer and trans punx to network and keep the punk scene diverse and safe. Since 2010, they have been booking shows, dance parties, readings, festivals, fundraisers and more. "We envision a successful integrated punk scene that thrives on its diversity, autonomy and unique communities," the collective writes on their website. "We believe that both black and brown communities have a shared sense of struggle within the city, and we work to educate and unify both demographics." Monika is one member of the collective, who tomorrow will be helping lead a workshop at Smash it Dead Fest titled "Deconstructing Anti-Blackness". We spoke with Monika about the workshop, the importance of these discussions at punk festivals, and more.

Can you introduce yourself and explain how you got involved with Smash it Dead?

My name is Monika. I'm a founding member of the Black and Brown Punk Show Collective started here in Chicago in 2010 as an offshoot of Anarchist People of Color. We throw shows that promote safe spaces for queer and trans folks of color within the Chicago cultural space, that can range from punk to dance and more. We raise funds through a festival we have every year for grassroots organizations. We're coming out for the festival, one of the collective's co-founders Dante and I. We were asked to do the workshop because we did the same workshop at Fed Up Fest last year and it was well received. . . .