Alannah Johnson's Mission to Preserve and Empower Black Narratives

What happens when a childhood love for reading intertwines with the vibrant culture of Toronto's Little Jamaica? Alannah Johnson, our guest, takes us through her journey as a writer, Black archivist, and EDI professional. From the poignant influence of Sharon Blake's "The Skin I'm In" to the therapeutic power of journaling, Alana reveals how storytelling has been a guiding light in her exploration of Black identities. As she shares her personal experiences, you'll discover the intricate ways in which her work addresses mental health challenges and cultural stigmas while fostering community and connection.Alannah's story is one of resilience and passion, particularly in the challenging field of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Her experiences at Queen's University, marked by systemic racism, fueled her commitment to creating inclusive spaces and addressing structural inequities.  Alannah's dedication is further exemplified by her co-founding of Building a Black Archive (BABA), a project that empowers youth to uncover and preserve erased histories. Through this work, she highlights the importance of storytelling as a form of resistance and preservation, ensuring that the rich histories of Black communities are passed down to future generations.The episode also illuminates Alannah's impactful role as an impact producer on the CBC project "Black Lives Untold Stories," a docuseries that amplifies marginalized voices and ties past movements to current ones like Black Lives Matter. By organizing a national screening tour,  Alannah has helped foster a sense of community and connection, likening the experience to a family reunion. Through her insights, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the cyclical nature of Black history and the vital role of media in shaping and sharing these narratives. You are welcome to connect to Alannah via her LinkedIn account: linkedin.com/in/alannah-johnson-32894b263Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show