I’ll be interviewing folks in the chair and behind it, then in Toronto, and returning to Edmonton’s Black salon scene on 118 avenue, the epicenter for Black-owned barbershops and beauty salons engaging directly with the Black stylists of our city. It’s the traveling of the strands, an education and an invitation to the magic and versatility of the Afro and Afro wearers. I’m excited to work alongside Shima Robinson, and a few local artists/hairstylist who will be crafting this story together.” – Kijo Gatama

"Led a Sunflower Teaching Workshop at Grant MacEwan, guiding participants through planting and cultivation while exploring cultural and environmental connections. The session blended hands-on learning with discussions on sustainability and community growth."

"I photographed the cover and wrote 'A Note on Longevity' featuring Lloyd Reid for BEJ Magazine Vol. 3. The article explored his journey, resilience, and insights on longevity in his field, capturing his impact through both words and imagery."

"I wrote and photographed the cover and entrepreneurial spotlight for BEJ Magazine Vol. 2, featuring Seble, the owner of Tiramisu. The piece highlighted her journey, the impact of her business, and her role in the community as a Black woman entrepreneur."

"A deep dive into Black hair history, this presentation explores cultural, social, and political significance from Africa to today. Covering traditions, resistance, discrimination, and innovation, it highlights the resilience and beauty of Black hair."

Live reading and performance of Harriet #1 and #2 for the Roots and Rhythm children’s festival with Seeka Sings and other local Edmonton Children’s Arts performers.

Black Hair Care Panel and Workshop sponsored by the University of Alberta Black Students Union.

Panel participant for the U of A program for Black Youth. From the program website: The Experiential Learning in Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (ELITE) Program for Black Youth has been designed as a practical solution to enable Black Youth to develop hands-on skills that will be immediately transferable to disruptive technologies, including robotics, automation, advanced manufacturing, and tissue engineering.

"And the second one, Harriet's Tremendous Day, is actually the exact opposite."

In the book, Harriet gets her hair done but has to deal with her friends wanting to touch and pull it — a story NiLo's heard many times from children she's worked with who feel uncomfortable in those situations.

"I thought it was time to be able to help them start that conversation."

From CKUA: “One of the organizers of the We Lit Afro Indie Book Fair is hair care specialist turned children’s author, NiLo.

Her latest book Harriet’s Tremendous Day centres on a young girl going to school with a new hairstyle. 
Soon, Harriet finds herself having to ask teachers and classmates to keep their hands to themselves.

The book is the second in NiLo’s Harriet series. She spoke with CKUA’s Tony King about the book, as well as, what inspired her to organize the We Lit Afro-Indie Book Fair.”

Alberta Music Roundtable for Equity. We discuss equity and availability of grants, support, and knowledge as it relates to media and Black artists.

Beyond Curls & Kinks is a 2021 documentary directed by Osas Eweka-Smith that explores the experiences of Black women embracing their natural Afro-textured hair. The film delves into themes of self-esteem, confidence, and identity, highlighting how societal beauty standards have influenced perceptions of coily, kinky, and curly hair. Through personal narratives, it showcases the journey of women challenging these norms and empowering themselves and future generations to celebrate their natural hair.

imdb.com

In the documentary, I contributed by sharing my personal experiences and insights on embracing natural hair. I discussed the challenges faced in a society that often marginalizes Afro-textured hair and emphasized the importance of representation and self-love. My participation aimed to inspire others to appreciate their natural beauty and to foster a broader conversation about inclusivity and acceptance in beauty standards.

In this episode of "LadiesCorner with Tee" the host engages in a conversation with the owner of Afrodisiac Natural Shop. They discuss the shop's mission to provide natural hair and skincare products tailored for the Black community. The discussion covers the importance of representation in the beauty industry, the challenges of sourcing natural ingredients, and the journey of establishing a business that celebrates Black beauty and culture.

I joined Sandra - the coowner of Aili Kids on CBC Radio to discuss the importance of representation in children’s media. As creators dedicated to telling authentic Black stories, they highlighted how diverse characters and narratives empower young readers, foster self-confidence, and challenge mainstream media’s lack of inclusivity. The conversation emphasized the need for books and media that reflect the lived experiences of Black children, ensuring they see themselves positively in the stories they read.