Black Transmission

The history and significance of Black media are explored in a partnership between A Vibe Called Tech and WePresent by showcasing creatives in an ongoing series. The collaboration honours and celebrates a Black creative community inspired by tales preserved throughout generations, upholding their value and impact on identity, self-expression, and emerging political consciousness.

In the first iteration of the ongoing series, the founders and editors of Plantain Papers, an independent journal published annually, advocate for the preservation of Black folk tales. Choosing Anansi the spider as a mythological symbol of resistance, they have gathered seven Black ‘storytellers ranging from ages 6 to 70, in Bermuda, Brooklyn, Accra, and Toronto’ to discuss memories of folklore passed down from elders and its influence on their conceptions of morality and identity. Presenting newly commissioned portraits and illustrations, Plantain Papers situate Black folklore in a legacy of an oral literary tradition and its influence on contemporary interpretations. For Plantain Papers, ‘African folklore is the foundation for the reclamation of our stories and owning of our narratives.’

Full story here.

Also commissioned is filmmaker Darryl Daley’s Black Transmission (2021), a silent film weaving text, choreographed movements, and archival footage of ceremonial dance. Six performers are captured in a series of close-ups and expressive poses, supported by an original score by musician Melo-Zed. The short film is inspired by the earliest instances of an oral tradition centred around a drum beat, the foundation of Black communication and kinship.

Full story here.