Community

Social worker and community connector, Rajean Willis reflects on her Library talk show series, and what it means to see someone else’s perspective.

The Avenue is a small, but significant, historically Black community in Dartmouth. Writer Kate Foster looks deeper into its history.

Funmi is the Creative Director of MichNat Fashion House, based in Halifax. Her desire to fully pursue her passion in fashion was largely influenced by the need to fulfil her dreams and purpose in life. She strives to fill the existing gap for the demand for African designs mixed with western flair within the city/province.

Read more about Funmi’s entrepreneurial roots and inspiration on our blog.

Tara Taylor was Halifax Public Libraries’ first-ever Artist in Residence, during African Heritage Month 2021. Originally from East Preston, Tara has recently returned to her roots in the community—”I’ll never leave again. I love my hometown. It helps ground me, and inspires me to create when I’m home; when I’m standing on the land, in the front yard, in the grass.”

Read our interview with Tara about her creative process and her Library residency.

Teo (Mateo) is a creator, model, and advocate for Black and queer communities. In this post, he celebrates his Jamaican roots, and reflects on the meaning of ‘listening’ as it relates to Black culture and history.

Damini is a teenager with a passion for making change, using her countless talents in countlessly creative ways. Her new poem, Our Crowns, shared here, highlights and celebrates the beauty and uniqueness of Black hair.

Teyana is a creator, lifestyle blogger, fashion enthusiast, and proud mother. Here, she looks back at experiences she had growing up, and writes about creating a brighter future for her son and other Black youth.

Keonté Beals is a multi-talented writer, award winning artist, and entertainer from North Preston, Nova Scotia. He reflects on what it means to take action, be resilient, and be authentically Black.

Born in Chicago, Illinois; and raised in Gary, Indiana; Evelyn C. White has written four books, including the 10-years-in-the-making biography of Alice Walker, published in 2004. She worked for The San Francisco Chronicle for 8 years, and has interviewed the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Queen Latifah, and Whoopi Goldberg. Evelyn now lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia and continues to write. In 2019, Evelyn shared her connection to The Color Purple with us.