Our Team
Melissa J. Nelson
Founder, Executive Director
Melissa J. Nelson is an archivist, memory worker, educator, and community connector based in Toronto. Her work centres Black being and belonging in the Archives to support collective healing and liberation movements. Learn more about Melissa: https://melissajnelson.com/
Aaron T. Francis
Executive Board Member
Aaron T. Francis is a community archivist, curator and the founder of Vintage Black Canada™. This archive seeks to document the history of the African Diaspora in Canada, with specific references to Aaron’s hometown of Kitchener-Waterloo. Learn more about Aaron: https://www.balsillieschool.ca/
Dr. Elizabeth Shaffer
Executive Board Member
Dr. Elizabeth Shaffer investigates the intersections of race, gender, digital infrastructures and technologies. Elizabeth is an Assistant Professor at the School of Information at the University of British Columbia. Learn more about Elizabeth: https://ischool.ubc.ca/
Gifty Asamoah
Treasurer
Gifty Asamoah is an archivist and a researcher. She currently works with the Government of Yukon as a Records Archivist. Gifty is passionate about preserving Black memory, strengthening community, and supporting meaningful change.
Vivian Miyata
Secretary
Vivian Miyata is an urban racial geography researcher, dedicated to Black cultural preservation. Bridging the gap between academia and community action, she ensures Black community-led narratives are preserved amidst rapid urban gentrification.