Black History Month | Live from the 3.5

Black Canadians Sharing Their Stories in a Digital Age

The featured image for my Black History Month series, Live from the 3.5, featuring stories from Black Canadian creators! (from left to right, top to bottom: Ryan Robinson, Chad G. Cranston, Casey Palmer, Kevin Kelly, Bee Quammie, Stephanie Konu, Rachel Lambo, Brenda Chuinkam, J.D. Amin, Zetta Elliott, Heather Greenwood Davis, Jon Crowley, Sandra Dawes, Alicia Bell, Natalie Preddie)
Many of the Canadians featured in my Black History Month series, Live from the 3.5! (from left to right, top to bottom: Ryan Robinson, Chad G. Cranston, Casey Palmer, Kevin Kelly, Bee Quammie, Stephanie Konu, Rachel Lambo, Brenda Chuinkam, J.D. Amin, Zetta Elliott, Heather Greenwood Davis, Jon Crowley, Sandra Dawes, Alicia Bell, Natalie Preddie)

Last updated on February 22nd, 2022 at 12:23 am

Live from the 3.5—The Black Canadians Sharing Their Stories in a Digital Age is a project to showcase my fellow Black content creators across the nation in a month that should encourage us to really examine what it means to be Black in Canada and everything we can learn from our experiences. With 3.5% of the Canadian population made up of Black people, it’s meant to highlight the diversity of creators we have in our community!

The project’s been featured on CBC’s Metro Morning, Fresh Air, on Radio Canada International and the CBC 2017 project; in the Metro Toronto newspaper; and even noticed by two-time Governor General’s Literary Award winner Christopher Moore! It’s even been discussed on accessible media channels and in French!

If you’re interested in submitting your story to Live from the 3.5, please check out the list of topics and contact Casey Palmer at casey@caseypalmer.com!

Live from the 3.5 2020

Live from the 3.5, 2020 — Back to Black. (Featured Image)

Live from the 3.5, 2020—INTRO: Back to Black.

You didn't think we'd hit February without some Black Canadian content, did you? Well we're here and we're READY. Live from the 3.5, 2020 — let's GET IT!
Live from the 3.5, 2020 2 — Do We Even NEED a Black History Month (Featured Image)

Do We NEED a Black History Month?

We hear the same question each February: "Do we NEED a Black History Month?" Here, we explore the reasons behind why we do or DON'T.
Live from the 3.5 2020, #3 — Examining Blackness. (Featured Image)

Examining Blackness.

In "Examining Blackness", we take a look at Blackness and what it's meant over the centuries. Get ready, get set, get WOKE.
Live from the 3.5 2020 #4 — Canada’s Dance with Diversity (A Toronto Does Not a Canada MAKE.) (Featured Image v2)

Canada’s Dance with Diversity

In 2020's fourth Black History Month post, we look at Canada's belief in its diversity and how WOEFULLY limited it is. Come learn something!
Live from the 3.5, 2020 5 The Trouble with Tokenism — No, I'm NOT What You Expected (Featured Image)

The Trouble with Tokenism

In Live from the 3.5 #5, I take my experiences growing up in a VERY non-Black world to describe Blackness from ANOTHER lens.

Live from the 3.5 2019: The Podcast Series

Live from the 3.5, 2019 — Intro — Being Black in Canada (Featured Image)

Being Black in Canada

Live from the 3.5 is BACK for Black History Month, and we start it with a reflection on being Black in Canada!
Live from the 3.5, 2019 — Chapter 1: What Exactly IS Blackness_ (Featured Image)

Asante Haughton | What IS Blackness, Exactly?

As my first guest for 2019's Live from the 3.5, I chatted with Asante Haughton about what Blackness IS and who we are as Black Canadians!
Live from the 3.5, 2019 — Chapter 2_ Being Black in the Great White North (Featured Image)

Being Black in the Great White North

In 2019's second Live from the 3.5, we examine what it was like for me growing up Black in Canada and why it can be so DIFFERENT.
Live from the 3.5, 2019, Chapter 3_ _Where You From_ — Why 'Black Canadian' isn't JUST ONE THING (Featured Image)

Sherley Joseph | “Where You From?”

In this episode, I got together with Sherley Joseph who's Haitian-Canadian, familiar with podcasting, and has some things to say!

Tales from the 2.9, 2017 (Volume 2)

Tales from the 2.9 — The Black Canadians Sharing their Stories in a Digital Age — Vol. 2 #1 — Dwayne Morgan, Poet, Speaker, Social Entrepreneur (Featured Image)

Dwayne Morgan, Poet | Tales from the 2.9, Vol. 2 #1

Welcome back to Tales from the 2.9! The first is from Dwayne Morgan, a poet, speaker and social entrepreneur from Toronto with things to say!
Tales from the 2.9 — The Black Canadians Sharing their Stories in a Digital Age — Vol. 2 #2, Chattrisse Dolabaille, Writer, Performer & Producer (Featured Image)

Chattrisse Dolabaille | Tales from the 2.9, Vol. 2 #2

2017's Tales from the 2.9's second entry is from Chattrisse Dolabaille, a writer, performer and producer who thrives with her adaptability!
Tales from the 2.9 — The Black Canadians Sharing their Stories in a Digital Age — Vol. 2 #3, Chad G. Cranston, Co-founder, TCHAD Quarterly & Social Interactive CA (Featured Image)

Chad G. Cranston | Tales from the 2.9, Vol. 2 #3

Tales from the 2.9 #3 is from Chad G. Cranston, co-founder of the Toronto-based coffee table book, TCHAD Quarterly!
Tales from the 2.9 — The Black Canadians Sharing their Stories in a Digital Age — Vol. 2 #4, Nicole Bedeau, MarketingPublic Relations Agent, Black Leopard Public Relations (Featured Image)

Nicole Bedeau | Tales from the 2.9, Vol. 2 #4

2017's Tales from the 2.9 #4 is from Nicole Bedeau, who shares her story from the perspective of one with a foot in two worlds.
Tales from the 2.9 — The Black Canadians Sharing their Stories in a Digital Age — Vol. 2 #5 — Ryan Elcock, Co-founder, The Habari Network (Featured Image)

Ryan Elcock | Tales from the 2.9, Vol. 2 #5

In 2017's fifth Tales from the 2.9, we chat with Ryan Elcock of the Habari Network about his views on Black Canadian culture!
Tales from the 2.9 — The Black Canadians Sharing their Stories in a Digital Age — Vol. 2 #6, Samantha Kemp-Jackson, Writer, Public Speaker, Media Spokesperson, Multiple Mayhem Mamma (Featured Image)

Samantha Kemp-Jackson | Tales from the 2.9, Vol 2. #6

For 2017's sixth Tales from the 2.9, we connect with Samantha Kemp-Jackson, aka the Multiple Mayhem Mamma, and her views as a Woman of Colour!
Tales from the 2.9 — The Black Canadians Sharing their Stories in a Digital Age — Vol. 2 #7, Kevin David, BloggerIT Specialist, The IT Nerd (Featured Image)

Kevin David, The IT Nerd | Tales from the 2.9, Vol. 2 #7

The fifth Tales from the 2.9 is from Kevin David The IT Nerd who shares on the perils of buying into the idea of "not Black enough."
Tales from the 2.9 — The Black Canadians Sharing their Stories in a Digital Age — Vol. 2 #8, Makini Smith, Entrepreneur, Speaker, Mentor and Author of the -A Walk in My Stilettos- Series (Featured Image)

Makini Smith | Tales from the 2.9, Vol. 2 #8

2017's Tales from the 2.9 #8 is with Makini Smith who shares her AMAZING life story through her A Walk in My Stilettos brand!
Tales from the 2.9 — The Black Canadians Sharing their Stories in a Digital Age — Vol. 2 #9, Paul Okoye, Founder, MeBookz (Featured Image)

Paul Okoye, MeBookz | Tales from the 2.9, Vol. 2 #9

2017's ninth Tales from the 2.9 is Paul Okoye, the founder of MeBookz who create children's books GUARANTEED to reflect your child!
Shelley Jarrett | Tales from the 2.9, Vol. 2 #10

Shelley Jarrett | Tales from the 2.9, Vol. 2 #10

2017's Tales from the 2.9 #10 is with Shelley Jarrett, the founder of SMJ Magazine and what she'd love to see for the Black community!
Tales from the 2.9 — The Black Canadians Sharing their Stories in a Digital Age — Vol. 2 #11, Rhonda Thompson(-Wilson), Board Treasurer, Winnipeg Black History Month Celebration (Featured Image)

Rhonda Thompson | Tales from the 2.9, Vol. 2 #11

In 2017's Tales from the 2.9 #12, Rhonda Thompson, Board Treasurer for the Winnipeg Black History Month Celebration shares her experiences!
Tales from the 2.9 — The Black Canadians Sharing their Stories in a Digital Age — Vol. 2 #12, Cassandra Chambers, Blogger, Curvaceously Ambitious (Featured Image)

Cassandra Chambers | Tales from the 2.9, Vol. 2 #12

Life is often thorny as a Black Canadian, and our 12th post in 2017's Tales from the 2.9 reminds us we've plenty to fix WITHIN our community.
Tales from the 2.9 — The Black Canadians Sharing their Stories in a Digital Age — Vol. 2 #13, Karlyn Percil, Elephant Storyteller, Success Coach & Lifestyle Speaker (Featured Image)

Karlyn Percil | Tales from the 2.9, Vol. 2 #13

In 2017's 13th Tales from the 2.9, Karlyn Percil examines why unity and support are so important in helping the Black community!
Tales from the 2.9 — The Black Canadians Sharing their Stories in a Digital Age — Vol. 2 #14, Jael Richardson, Author & Founder, Artistic Director, Festival of Literary Diversity (Featured Image)

Jael Richardson | Tales from the 2.9, Vol. 2 #14

It's the 14th Tales from the 2.9 in 2017 and we have Jael Richardson, Founder and Artistic Director for the Festival of Literary Diversity!
Tales from the 2.9 — The Black Canadians Sharing their Stories in a Digital Age — Vol. 2 #15, Lian -Reese- Wright, Blogger, Reese Speaks (Featured Image)

Lian Wright, Blogger | Tales from the 2.9, Vol. 2 #15

2017's 14th Tales from the 2.9 submission is from Lian Wright, a Black Canadian Mom Blogger from Ottawa, ON who's got a few things to say!
Tales from the 2.9 — The Black Canadians Sharing their Stories in a Digital Age — Vol. 2 #16, Jackline K, Blogger, Sincerely Miss J (Featured Image)

Jackline | Tales from the 2.9, Vol. 2 #16

The 16th Tales from the 2.9 for 2017 is from Jackline K of the fashion blog Sincerely Miss J, sharing her unique Black Canadian experience!
Tales from the 2.9 — The Black Canadians Sharing their Stories in a Digital Age — Vol. 2 #17, Tanya Hayles, Chief Creative Officer, Hayles Creative Elements (Featured Image) v2

Tanya Hayles | Tales from the 2.9, Vol. 2 #17

2017's 17th Tales from the 2.9 is Tanya Hayles, CCO of Hayles Creative Elements who brings some quick thoughts on Canadian Blackness!
Tales from the 2.9 — The Black Canadians Sharing their Stories in a Digital Age — Vol. 2 #18, Sherika Powell, Speaker, Author, Podcaster, Rogers TV Host, -Women on the Rise-

Sherika Powell | Tales from the 2.9, Vol. 2 #18

Sherika Powell, a host of Rogers TV's "Women on the Rise" who shares her thoughts on Blackness for Tales from the 2.9!
Sagine Sémajuste | Tales from the 2.9, Vol. 2 #19

Sagine Sémajuste | Tales from the 2.9, Vol. 2 #19

2017's Tales from the 2.9 #19 is with Sagine Sémajuste, a commercial and TV/film actress from Ottawa and her take on the Black experience!
Tales from the 2.9 — The Black Canadians Sharing their Stories in a Digital Age — Vol. 2 #20, Zetta Elliott, PhD, Author & Educator (Featured Image)

Zetta Elliott, PhD | Tales from the 2.9, Vol. 2 #20

In the 20th Tales from the 2.9 in 2017, we welcome Dr. Zetta Elliott back to dive even deeper into the Black Canadian Experience!
Tales from the 2.9 — The Black Canadians Sharing their Stories in a Digital Age — Vol. 2 #21, Derrick Raphael, Esq., Chief Education Officer, Global Trailblazers of Today (Featured Image)

Derrick Raphael, Esq. | Tales from the 2.9, Vol. 2 #21

2017's Tales from the 2.9 #21 is Derrick Raphael, a US-trained attorney who moved to Canada with his views as a new Black Canadian!
#22, Kamshuka, International Speaker, Life Coach, Author "Becoming Warrior"

Kamshuka | Tales from the 2.9, Vol. 2 #22

For 2017's 22nd Tales from the 2.9 for Black History Month, we chat with Kamshuka, author of "Becoming Warrior" and motivational speaker!
Tales from the 2.9 — The Black Canadians Sharing their Stories in a Digital Age — Vol. 2 #23, Jem Jackson (Featured Image) v2

Jem Jackson | Tales from the 2.9, Vol. 2 #23

2017's Tales from the 2.9 #23 is a throwback from Jem Jackson! I never shared some of 2016's extra material, and Jem's is a GREAT one!
Tales from the 2.9 — The Black Canadians Sharing their Stories in a Digital Age — Vol. 2 #24, Natalie Bell, Lifestyle Blogger, PegCityLovely (Featured Image)

Natalie Bell | Tales from the 2.9, Vol. 2 #24

2017's Tales from the 2.9 #24 is from Natalie Bell, the Winnipeg lifestyle blogger behind PegCityLovely who hits us with positivity!
Tales from the 2.9 — The Black Canadians Sharing their Stories in a Digital Age — Vol. 2 #25, Lamin Martin, IllustratorConcept Designer, Lamin illustration & Design (Featured Image)

Lamin Martin | Tales from the 2.9, Vol. 2 #25

2017's 25th Tales from the 2.9 is from Lamin Martin, an illustrator, concept designer, and one of the most talented painters I've ever known!
Alicia Bell | Tales from the 2.9, Vol. 2 #26

Alicia Bell | Tales from the 2.9, Vol. 2 #26

Tales from the 2.9 #26 is from Alicia Bell, a registered Kinesiologist, Personal Trainer and Strength Coach at Train it Right!
Tales from the 2.9 — The Black Canadians Sharing their Stories in a Digital Age — Vol. 2 #27, Rachel Lambo, OwnerDesigner, Smthng New Studio (Featured Image)

Rachel Lambo | Tales from the 2.9, Vol. 2 #27

2017's Tales from the 2.9's 27th entry is from Rachel Lambo, the Owner and Designer behind Smthng New Studio!
Tales from the 2.9 — The Black Canadians Sharing their Stories in a Digital Age — Vol. 2 #28, Ardean Peters, Photographer, Photography by Ardean (Featured Image)

Ardean Peters | Tales from the 2.9, Vol. 2 #28

For the final post of 2017's Tales from the 2.9, we have Ardean Peters from Photography by Ardean on her views and thoughts!
Tales from the 2.9 — The Black Canadians Sharing their Stories in a Digital Age — Vol. 2 Wrap-Up (Featured Image)

Tales from the 2.9, Vol. 2 Wrap-Up

And so we close off Tales from the 2.9 — The Black Canadians Sharing their Stories in a Digital Age for 2017! It was a VERY successful year!

Tales from the 2.9, 2016 (Volume 1)

Tales from the 2.9 — Casey Palmer (Featured Image)

Casey Palmer, Blogger | Tales from the 2.9 #1

Tales from the 2.9 #1, where Casey Palmer, who shares his experiences of tokenism growing up in Toronto and how it's shaped him today.
Tales from the 2.9 — #2- Lisa Simone Richards (Featured Image)

Lisa Simone Richards | Tales from the 2.9 #2

Tales from the 2.9 #2 is from Lisa Simone Richards who focuses on maintaining a positive self for maximum results!
Tales from the 2.9 — #3- Heather Greenwood Davis (Featured Image)

Heather Greenwood Davis | Tales from the 2.9 #3

Tales from the 2.9 #3 with Heather Greenwood Davis, writer at Globetrottingmama.com and well-versed in the diverse world we live in!
Tales from the 2.9 — #4- Chad G. Cranston (Featured Image) v2

Chad G. Cranston | Tales from the 2.9 #4

For Tales from the 2.9 #4, we connect with Chad G. Cranston, co-founder of TCHAD Quarterly Magazine about the Canadian Black Experience!
Amanda Nunes, Heartless Girl | Tales from the 2.9 #5

Amanda Nunes, Heartless Girl | Tales from the 2.9 #5

Tales from the 2.9 #5 is with Amanda Nunes, illustrator, designer and the blogger behind Heartless Girl, a lifestyle blog in Toronto!
Tales from the 2.9 #6 - Marcel Dee (Featured Image)

Marcel Dee, Photographer | Tales from the 2.9 #6

Tales from the 2.9 #6 is with Marcel Dee, photographer at Marcel Dee Photography, and his views on growing up as a Black man in Canada!
Tales from the 2.9 — #7- Lian 'Reese' Wright

Lian “Reese” Wright, Blogger | Tales from the 2.9 #7

The seventh Tales from the 2.9 with Lian "Reese" Wright, an Ottawa blogger focusing on a rollercoaster experience being Black in Canada!
Tales from the 2.9 — #8- Brione Wishart (Featured Image)

Brione Wishart, Filmmaker | Tales from the 2.9 #8

Tales from the 2.9 #8 is with Brione Wishart of TREPFUEL, who's a Black Canadian making films to promote entrepreneurship!
Tales from the 2.9 — #9- Natalie Preddie

Natalie Preddie, Blogger | Tales from the 2.9 #9

In Tales from the 2.9 #9, we chat with Natalie Preddie, a proud Zebra Baby with PLENTY of experience on what life is like as a Black Canadian!
Tales from the 2.9 — #10- Kevin Kelly (Featured Image)

Kevin Kelly | Tales from the 2.9 #10

Tales from the 2.9 #10 is with Kevin Kelly, avid social media user and co-founder of #devto, a collective of developers here in Toronto!
Tales from the 2.9 — #11- Marcia Reid (Featured Image)

Black Sebath, BS7 | Tales from the 2.9 #11

The eleventh Tales from the 2.9 deals with classism, self-discovery and Rastafari from Marcia Reid aka Black Sebath!
Tales from the 2.9 — #12- Jon Crowley (Featured Image)

Jon Crowley, Writer | Tales from the 2.9 #12

A conversation with Jon Crowley for Tales from the 2.9 #12, where we discuss his experience being biracial and what he's learned!
Tales from the 2.9 — #13- Nadine Kennedy (Featured Image)

Nadine Kennedy, Artist | Tales from the 2.9 #13

Nadine Kennedy's Tales from the 2.9 entry is a personal journal of a Black Canadian child finding their way in a world not their own!
Tales from the 2.9 — #14- Joe Bonsu, Mark Williams & Shawn Cuffie (Featured Image)

Heroes of the World | Tales from the 2.9 #14

Tales from the 2.9 #14 is on Joe Bonsu, Mark WIlliams and Shawn Cuffie's comic creation, Heroes of the World, celebrating global diversity!
Tales from the 2.9 — #15- Alicia Bell (Featured Image)

Alicia Bell | Tales from the 2.9 #15

When we think Black Canadians, we think Toronto. Montreal. Nova Scotia. But what about areas like New Brunswick? Alicia Bell knows what's up.
Tales from the 2.9 — #16- Ryan Robinson (Featured Image)

Ryan Robinson | Tales from the 2.9 #16

A chat with Ryan Robinson for Tales from the 2.9 who's wants strong financial savvy not only in HIS children, but any kids willing to learn!
Tales from the 2.9 — 17- Tash Jefferies (Featured Image)

Tash Jefferies | Tales from the 2.9 #17

Tales from the 2.9 #17 is with Tash Jefferies, a Nova Scotian healthy living expert who's out to transform life one at a time!
Tales from the 2.9 — Lamin Martin (Featured Image)

Lamin Martin | Tales from the 2.9 #18

For the 18th Tales from the 2.9, we chat with Lamin Martin, a prolific concept artist who reminds us that we're more than our skin colour!
Tales from the 2.9 — Septembre Anderson (Featured Image)

Septembre Anderson | Tales from the 2.9 #19

Tales from the 2.9 #19 is from Septembre Anderson, a multimedia journalist and fervent activist to equal the racial playing field!
Tales from the 2.9 — Shaun Worrell (Featured Image)

Shaun Worrell, Blogger | Tales from the 2.9 #20

The 20th Tales from the 2.9 is from Shaun Worrell from Milk and Coco, raising biracial children with his wife Amy in Durham, ON!
Tales from the 2.9 — Bridget -Bee- Quammie (Featured Image)

Bee Quammie | Tales from the 2.9 #21

The 21st Tale from the 2.9 is with Bee Quammie, a long-time digital content creator with LOTS to say on the Black Canadian experience!
Talking Tales from the 2.9 with Gail Vaz-Oxlade! (Featured Image)

RADIO INTERVIEW ANNOUNCEMENT: Talking Tales from the 2.9 with Gail Vaz-Oxlade!!!

EXCITING NEWS: I'll be on Gail Vaz-Oxlade's radio show The Late Shift on Newstalk 1010 Monday, February 22nd, 2016 to talk about Tales from the 2.9!
Tales from the 2.9 — Mike Armstrong (Featured Image)

Mike Armstrong | Tales from the 2.9 #22

The 22nd entry in Tales from the 2.9 is from Mike Armstrong, a Dad blogger out in Hamilton, ON, looking to keep it real about parenting!
Tales from the 2.9 — Dr. Zetta Elliott (Featured Image)

Zetta Elliott, PhD | Tales from the 2.9 #23

Dr. Zetta Elliott, Writer-in-Residence, Weeksville Heritage Center speaks on the Black Canadian experience... and why she left it BEHIND.
Tales from the 2.9 — Ryan Elcock (Featured Image)

Ryan Elcock, Habari Network | Tales from the 2.9 #24

Tales from the 2.9 #24 is from Ryan Elcock, discussing the richness of Canadian Black experience and history and what it requires of us!
Tales from the 2.9 — Brenda Chuinkam (Featured Image)

Brenda Chuinkam, Blogger | Tales from the 2.9 #25

Tales from the 2.9 #25 is from fashion blogger Brenda Chuinkam, the mind behind Skinny Bish 2.0, discussing her international history!
Tales from the 2.9 — Rachel Lambo (Featured Image)

Rachel Lambo | Tales from the 2.9 #26

Tales from the 2.9 #26 comes all the way from Vienna, Austria, featuring Rachel Lambo of Smthng New Invitations & Stationery!
Tales from the 2.9 — J.D. Amin (Featured Image)

J. D. Amin, BramptonRises | Tales from the 2.9 #27

The 27th Tales from the 2.9 is with J.D. Amin, a proud Brampton resident doing everything possible to elevate his fellow Black Canadians!
Tales from the 2.9 — Sandra Dawes (Featured Image)

Sandra Dawes | Tales from the 2.9 #28

The quintessential Tales from the 2.9 for Black History Month is with Sandra Dawes, discussing a rock-solid history as a Black Canadian!
Tales from the 2.9 — Samantha Kemp-Jackson (Featured Image)

Samantha Kemp-Jackson | Tales from the 2.9 #29

The final post for Tales from the 2.9 sees Samantha Kemp-Jackson gives us knowledge on decades spent as a Black Canadian!
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