Redefining Archives Workshop

Who ends up remembered by history has always been a practice defined by whiteness. The standards and practices around archiving have always excluded Black people and Black stories. In this workshop/lecture, we will challenge those narratives by placing artists at the center of the archive. 

In a session led by archivists DJ Ron Nelson and Melissa Nelson, participants will explore the concept of understanding artists as a ‘living archive’. Through case studies of Black artists and their influence in our communities, we will think about new practices of creating cultural memory.

Meet the Facilitators

About Melissa Nelson 

Melissa J. Nelson is an archivist, researcher, writer, and educator who is based in Toronto, Ontario. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from Carleton University and a Master of Information Studies from McGill University. Her work and research interests include the preservation of Black cultural heritage and ethics of care in the preservation of harmful archival materials. Melissa explores her interest in history and archives on her blog melissajnelson.com.

About DJ Ron Nelson

Ron Nelson is a Toronto-based DJ, broadcaster, music promoter, producer and educator best known for his role in popularizing both hip hop music and later dancehall and reggae music in Canada. Known as the “godfather of Toronto hip hop”, Nelson created Canada’s first hip hop radio show, Fantastic Voyage, on CKLN-FM in 1983, where he helped develop early Canadian hip hop acts such as Maestro Fresh Wes, Michee Mee, Rumble & Strong and the Dream Warriors.