About
We are a digital platform that is reimagining digital curation, storytelling and the living archive as a source of knowledge production and cultural memory.
From Mapping Ontario’s Black Archives to ArchiveBlack
Mapping Ontario Black Archives (MOBA) was an Ontario Early Researcher Award-funded project (2021-2026) that had three objectives.
MOBA had three central goals:
- Document Black archival collections by creating a comprehensive inventory of archival materials related to Black histories and communities across Ontario.
- Explore how archives are used by scholars, creative practitioners, and communities through storytelling and public engagement.
- Bridge archival and historical knowledge by examining how Black archival collections can deepen our understanding of Black history in Ontario.
The research, relationships, and digital infrastructure developed through MOBA laid the foundation for ArchiveBlack.
ArchiveBlack builds on this work to create a broader and evolving platform for discovering, researching, interpreting, and sharing Black archives and histories. While MOBA focused specifically on Ontario, ArchiveBlack creates possibilities for connecting Black archival knowledge across diasporic communities, institutions, places, and geographies.
From Project to Digital Platform
ArchiveBlack grew out of a simple question: How can Black archival histories become more visible, accessible, and discoverable?
What began as a research project examining the fragmented landscape of Black archival collections across Ontario has, through years of archival research, community engagement, and digital experimentation, evolved into a platform for connecting people with Black archival collections and the histories they hold.
ArchiveBlack brings together archival research, digital storytelling, and public engagement to create new pathways into Black history and cultural memory.
At its core, ArchiveBlack is grounded in the belief that access to archives matters. When Black collections become easier to find and explore, they can support new research, inspire creative work, strengthen community knowledge, and reshape how Black histories are understood and remembered.
Meet The Team
Dr. Cheryl Thompson (she/her), Founder & Director
Dr. Cheryl Thompson founded ArchiveBlack (formerly known as Mapping Ontario’s Black Archives) in 2021. She is the Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Black Expressive Culture and Creativity in the Diaspora, an Associate Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, and author of four books. She is also Director of Black Creative Lab, a digital curation platform on YouTube and Instagram that publishes ArchiveBlack content. Dr. Thompson previously created Blackface Resistance Entertainment in Canada (BREC), a research site and archive that explains how, where, when, and why blackface was performed across Canada. The content is available in the Research Updates section of ArchiveBlack. For more on Dr. Thompson’s bio, you can find her @drcherylthompson.ca.
Current ArchiveBlack Team
Lucy Wowk, Research and Creative Lead
Lucy Wowk holds an MA in Communication & Culture, TMU/York University and is a PhD student in Social and Political Thought at York University. Lucy developed and designed BREC.ca; the content is available in the Research Updates section of ArchiveBlack. Working with Dr. Cheryl has been influential in her growth as a researcher, in terms of approach, methods, and research dissemination. Lucy joined the ArchiveBlack team in 2021.
Megan Judd, Marketing and Communications Manager
Megan holds a BA in Visual Studies from the University of Toronto and has worked in advertising and media promotion for several years. Megan is our media contact for speaking engagements and public appearances. Megan joined the team in 2022.
Jesper Derhak, Social Media Coordinator
Jasper is our social media coordinator. He is currently in the 3rd year of his undergraduate studies in the Film Studies program at TMU. Jasper hopes to use his communication skills to foster a strong and engaged community. Jasper joined the team in 2024.
Fahma Jama, Metadata Analyst & Content Editor
Fahma is a graduate of TMU’s Graphic Communications Management program. She is a content editor and metadata analyst. With a passion for data management and descriptive language, she is committed to creating inclusive and impactful digital spaces that are welcoming and accessible to all. Fahma joined the team in 2024.
Chantel Tran, Metadata Analyst
Chantel Tran is a graduate of TMU’s Graphic Communication Technology program, with a Packaging Concentration. As our metadata analyst, Chantel brings her passion for data management to the team. She joined the team in 2024.
Risi Bello, Social Media Content Creator
Risi Bello is a research and content creator with a background in journalism, digital storytelling, and social media strategy. Her work focuses on creating thoughtful, engaging content that connects research, culture, and community through accessible and impactful narratives. With experience in media production, copywriting, and audience engagement, she brings a detail-oriented and creative approach to content development across platforms. Risi joined the team in 2025.
Past ArchiveBlack Team
Dr. Karen Cyrus (she/her)
Dr. Karen Cyrus (she/her) is an Assistant Professor of Ethnomusicology at Wilfrid Laurier University, and Director of the Tshepo Institute for the Study of Contemporary Africa. Dr. Cyrus was MOBA’s postdoctoral fellow (2021-22) and served as MOBA’s co-collaborator and research co-lead (2021-23).
Mel Racho (he/him)
Mel Racho (he/him), is PhD Candidate in Communication & Culture, TMU and York University. He served as the Black Creative Lab’s Video Editor and Content Lead (2021-23). Mel is a queer trans Fillipinx media artist-scholar interested in creating revolutionary systems. He holds a Master of Information in Information Systems, an MFA in Art and Digital Media.
Enna Kim
Enna Kim is an interdisciplinary artist based in Toronto, Canada. Enna served as MOBA’s Event Graphic Designer (2022-23). In her work as an artist, Enna explores the dimensions between her hyphenated Korean-Canadian identity through animation, projection mapping and large-scale murals. Enna has an MA in Communication & Culture from York/TMU University.
Daysha Loppie
Daysha Loppie is a journalist based in Toronto. Her work has been published by The Local, the Toronto Star, West End Phoenix, ByBlacks, CBC Arts and more. Daysha graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University with a Bachelor of Journalism and a minor in Black Studies. She won the 2024 Canadian Association of Journalists Award for Student Excellence. Daysha worked with MOBA from 2024 to 2026.
Asya Twahir
Asya has an MA in Communication & Culture from York and Toronto Metropolitan University. She is a filmmaker and engaged in cultural work in Toronto and beyond. Asya worked as a Video Editor in 2024.
Denée Rudder
Denée Rudder holds a Master’s in Professional Communication and has a strong foundation in journalism, bringing versatile expertise across public relations, digital marketing, and multimedia storytelling. Her experience spans nonprofit, startup, and agency settings. Denée worked with MOBA in 2023-2024.