Black Canadian Creators

By Sherley JosephSociety & Culture Business Arts

Black Canadian Creators episodes

August 10, 2025Black Men, Vulnerability & Accountability – A Deep Conversation with Black People Check In
In this powerful episode of the Black Canadian Creators Podcast, I sit down with Jermaine Morrison and Mandela Johnson — the unapologetic voices behind the Black People Check In podcast.
What started as a late-night Instagram Live during the George Floyd protests has grown into one of the most honest and necessary conversations in Canadian podcasting. Together, we explore the truth about vulnerability, accountability, and dismantling harmful systems in our communities.

In this episode, you’ll hear:
How Black People Check In began and why it resonated immediately
The courage (and risks) of Black men being vulnerable
Unlearning patriarchy and challenging misogyny in all its forms
Raising daughters without outdated gender norms
Why Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a powerful parenting tool
The importance of creating brave spaces, not just safe spaces

💬 Quote: "Checking in isn’t a weakness — it’s a superpower." – Sherley

About the Show
Black People Check In is a bold, unfiltered podcast where two Black Canadian men sit down to talk about the real issues shaping our communities — from mental health and patriarchy to fatherhood, culture, and accountability. What started as a late-night Instagram Live during the George Floyd protests has grown into one of the most honest and necessary conversations in Canadian podcasting.

About the Hosts
Jermaine Morrison is a mental health clinician, social worker, and psychotherapist who brings a compassionate, therapeutic lens to every conversation. Mandela Johnson is a creative storyteller and cultural commentator known for his humor, directness, and willingness to say what others won’t. Together, they create a space where tough conversations are met with honesty, empathy, and the kind of perspective you only get from lived experience.

Where to Listen & Follow:
🎧 Apple Podcasts → Listen here
🎧 Spotify → Listen here
📱 Instagram → @blackpplcheckin
Links & Resources:
Submit your event or creator listing at BlackCanadianCreators.ca
Follow BCC on Instagram: @blackcanadiancreators
💬 What's on Your mind? Tag your thoughts with #BCCPod
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
47 min
June 08, 2025No Blueprint Needed: Start Your Big Idea Today!
In this solo episode of the Black Canadian Creators Podcast, host Sherley introduces herself and shares a powerful and personal message for creators, dreamers, and entrepreneurs: you don’t need a blueprint—just a deep why, your people, and the courage to start where you are.
Sherley reflects share who she is, a content creator you should know and on how the Black Canadian Creators platform began: no logo, no strategy, no budget—but a real need for community and visibility. From a humble Facebook group to a multi-platform movement, she proves that momentum beats perfection and consistency beats complexity.
This episode is a heartfelt nudge for anyone holding back on launching their blog, podcast, app, book, or brand. If you’re waiting for permission, this is it. Start now. Start small. Start scrappy.y.
Tune in for:
✅ A behind-the-scenes look at how Black Canadian Creators began
✅ Why perfection is the enemy of momentum
✅ What happens when you build before you’re “ready”
✅ A call to creators to build out loud and share the journey
Creator’s Note:“I didn’t have a five-year plan. I didn’t even have a logo. But I had a gut feeling that if I needed this space, someone else needed it too.”
This episode is a nudge, a permission slip, and a challenge. Whether it’s a blog, a podcast, a newsletter, an app—or just the start of a dream—start where you are. Let people witness your growth. You don’t need to be ready. You just need to be real.
Guest Bio:
(No guest this time—just your host, Sherley, keeping it 100.)
Sherley is a podcaster, speaker, community builder, and founder of Black Canadian Creators. She’s passionate about creating platforms that center Black Canadian voices across industries, mediums, and regions. From curating digital summits to spotlighting emerging creatives, Sherley’s work is rooted in care, connection, and cultural clarity.
If this episode moved you:
Tag @blackcanadiancreators on Instagram or your fave platform—let’s celebrate your start
Leave a 5-star review (you might just hear it read on air!)
DM Sherley and share what you're starting—we’d love to shout you out on a future episode
This is how we build community, shift culture, and cheer each other on—together.
Peace and keep creatin’,
— Sherley
💬 What's on Your mind? Tag your thoughts with #BCCPod
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
10 min
May 26, 2025The Truth About Defunding Police: Sandy Hudson Speaks Out
In this episode—airing on a day when many are reflecting on the legacy of George Floyd’s passing (may he rest in power)—Sherley sits down with activist, podcaster, and now author Sandy Hudson for an urgent and truth-filled conversation about redefining safety, power, and public priorities.
They dive into Sandy’s powerful new book, Defund: Black Lives, Policing, and Safety for All, and challenge the narratives that have shaped how we see law enforcement and justice in Canada. From media myths like “copaganda” to the long-standing impact of policing on Black and Indigenous communities, this conversation is a masterclass in clarity, accountability, and creative disruption.
Sandy also unpacks the cultural and creative role of content creators—especially Black Canadian ones—in telling new stories that push beyond fear and into community care. If you’ve ever struggled to explain what defunding the police actually means, this episode gives you the language and the lens.
Tune in for:
A clear breakdown of what “defund the police” actually means
The truth behind “serve and protect” and where that phrase came from
How media—old and new—has shaped our view of policing
The role of Black Canadian creators in challenging public narratives
Sandy’s reflections on what gives her hope, from art to activism
Guest Bio:
Sandy Hudson is a Jamaican-Canadian public intellectual, writer, and community organizer. She co-founded Black Lives Matter Canada, helped launch the Black Legal Action Centre, and now serves as Director of Strategic Planning at the Wildseed Centre for Art & Activism. Her work challenges systems and imagines new ways to centre care, equity, and safety.
Sandy is also the co-host of Sandy & Nora Talk Politics, where she and journalist Nora Loreto break down political issues through a grassroots, anti-racist lens. Her latest book, Defund: Black Lives, Policing, and Safety for All, was released in April 2025 and has already become essential reading for anyone working toward justice in Canada and beyond.
This is your chance to hear directly from one of the leading voices in the Canadian abolitionist movement—and to reflect on what real public safety could look like for everyone.
If you enjoyed this episode, follow Black Canadian Creators wherever you get your podcasts.
After listening, I’d love to hear: What does true safety look like in your community? Drop a comment or leave a 5-star review—to be read on the show! ⬇️
Tag a friend or fellow creator to check out the show. This is how we shift culture—together.
Peace and Keep Creatin’,
— Sherley
💬 What's on Your mind? Tag your thoughts with #BCCPod
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
30 min
May 10, 2025BBPA: Where Are They Now? A Live Conversation with Angelina Williams
In this episode, back in November 2024, Sherley of Black Canadian Creators sits down via Instagram Live with CEO of Skylar Projects Angelina Williams and longtime advocate for community empowerment—for a candid live conversation. They explore the evolving role of the Black Business & Professional Association (BBPA), the value of free labor in community building, and the need for accountability in professional spaces.
Angelina opens up about her journey through Toronto’s hospitality scene, her advocacy work with organizations like the Drake Black Community Council, and her vision for collective progress. This episode sets the tone for a follow-up live event hosted by Dr. Vibe, where BBPA members will continue the conversation and respond to audience questions.
Tune in for:
The role of accountability in community growth
Challenges and opportunities within marginalized professional spaces
The evolution of the Black Business & Professional Association (BBPA)
Angelina’s professional journey and passion for community-centric projects
Guest Bio:
Angelina Williams, CEO of Skylar Projects, is an expert in the hospitality industry, known for creating impeccable guest experiences and fostering community empowerment. Her work spans Toronto’s boutique hotels, restaurants, and food and beverage brands, including her leadership at TIFF Bell Lightbox’s Varda Café. Angelina’s cocktail creation, the Rosalie Royale, has become a fan favorite in the city.
As a first-generation Canadian of Jamaican heritage, Angelina’s roots and passion for community visibility shine through her work with organizations such as the Drake Black Community Council, Women in Crypto, and How She Hustles. As Chair of the Harry Jerome Awards with the BBPA, Angelina continues to champion access and representation for marginalized communities.
This is your chance to engage with BBPA members, share ideas, and ask questions to further the dialogue on accountability and community growth.
✨ If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to follow Black Canadian Creators wherever you listen to podcasts.
💬 After you listen, I’d love to hear: How should Black-led orgs evolve to better serve us now? Drop your thoughts in the comments or 5 stars review (to be read on the show) ⬇️
Tell a friend or a content creator you know to check out the show—we're building something powerful together.
Peace and Keep Creatin’,
— Sherley
💬 What's on Your mind? Tag your thoughts with #BCCPod
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 hr 7 min
February 02, 2022 The Black Canadian Creator Directory #WeRightHere w/Casey Palmer and Kaya Marriot
If you’re searching for Black Podcaster, Streamers, Instagram influencers, TikTokers, YouTubers, Authors and more in Canada or Black Expat Canadians, The Black Canadian Creator Directory, (a collaborative effort between Casey Palmer, Kaya Marriott and me, Sherley Joseph Founder and Creator of The Black Canadian Creators Facebook Group and Podcast) has you covered.

On BCANC 12 - Casey Palmer is a Canadian dad who lives in Toronto, Ontario. He blogs about his fatherhood journey at caseypalmer.com, which is one of the few places in the Great White North to find fatherhood content. Because his story is different, he tells it. Is his father African-American? He comes from a multiracial family. His family's thriving in the city. Which means that his content has come from a very unique place in Canada's digital world, with Casey always evolving to tell the best story possible.

Kaya Marriott, also known as comfygirlwithcurls.com , is a Vancouver-based creator with a deep love for storytelling and community. Starting as a natural hair blogger in 2016, looking to help fellow Black women fall in love with their curls, her platform has expanded to include lifestyle content, beauty tips, and advice for her fellow creators. It's also caught the eye of brands like Google, Pinterest, and Aerie, drawn to the passion, earnestness, and honesty she has in everything that she does!

Connect with Kaya on:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/comfygirlcurls
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ComfyGirlwithCurls
Twitter - https://twitter.com/comfygirlcurls
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/ComfyGirlCurls

Connect with Casey on:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/CaseyPalmer
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MrCaseyPalmer
Twitter - https://twitter.com/CaseP

** Discover amazing creators in Canada and expats in the Black Canadian Creators Directory by visiting https://chonillanetwork.com/the-black-canadian-creator-directory/ **

Catch the show on:
The website - https://chonillanetwork.com/series/bcancc/
Speaker - https://www.spreaker.com/show/bcancc
Including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, and all major podcast platforms.

Let’s connect on:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blackcanadiancc/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/blackcanadiancc
And, to interact with Kaya and Casey and fellow creatives, in the FB community by visiting http://bit.ly/BlackCanadianCC

Peace and keep creating!
💬 What's on Your mind? Tag your thoughts with #BCCPod
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
54 min
April 26, 2021 Conversation with White People About Race w/ IC Bailey
Mr. IC Bailey. IC just started his path as an Author to share his book Conversations with White People with the world. It brings me some peace that your work continues through the support of the digital community you created with ConversationsWith.net Rest in Power, Brotha Bailey!

======

BCANCC 11 - Author and Activist, IC Bailey at conversationswithwhitepeople.com

He created ConversationsWith.Net; IC is an Activist and the author of the book Conversation with White People: Dialogues about Race.

He was inspired by his Facebook Group, "Conversations with White People". The group is a discussion that explores racism, White Supremacy and the empowerment of Black People. Companion discussions can include the marginalization of any group of persons and their hopeful license.

Mr. Bailey plus a diligent team of volunteer moderators, have discussions every day to undo the lies and half-truths about racialized, marginalized, and underrepresented groups that have become the norm — , and lies that always lead to the degradation of the standard of living for these individuals and communities.

The goal here is to document some of the attitudes and behaviours that have lead to the oppression of Black people, other People of Color and marginalized groups globally. It provides a space to make a complete answer to these systems of oppression. The effects of Racism and White Supremacy on the Black Community are of prime concern.

Connect with the Conversationswith.net community :
Purchase the Book - https://conversationswithwhitepeople.com
Website - https://conversationswith.net/
Convos with White People - https://www.facebook.com/groups/CriticalConvos/
Convos with Black People - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2011528412453892/
Convos with Indigenous People - https://www.facebook.com/groups/164742074234744/

Catch the previous & next episode episodes on:
The website - https://chonillanetwork.com/series/bcancc/
Spreaker - https://www.spreaker.com/show/bcancc
Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and all major podcast directories.

Let's connect on:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blackcanadiancc/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/blackcanadiancc

Join the FB community by visiting http://bit.ly/BlackCanadianCC.

Peace and keep creating Eh!
💬 What's on Your mind? Tag your thoughts with #BCCPod
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 hr 20 min
April 19, 2021 You Have Nothing to Lose by Trying w/ Nicole Bedeau
BCANCC 10 - Entrepreneur & Digital marketing Expert w/ Nicole Bedeau @blprdigital & @allblackto

The conversation this week is all about when you have nothing to lose you have everything to gain when you are trying. Mistakes become lessons and the act of doing transforms into an experience.

Nicole Nurse-Bedeau is a communications professional with a B.A. in English literature from the University of Toronto (University College) and a postgraduate certificate in Corporate Communications and Public Relations from Centennial College.

Through BLPR Digital Strategies, she excels at connecting businesses with their ideal customers using digital media. Under her leadership, the company crafts traditional marketing strategies using digital tools to gain the attention and trust of your ideal customers and increase your sales.

And now with her new project, with the necessity of black-owned media through allblackto.com. All Black TO is here to amplify creators, community workers, resources and opportunities for fun in black-friendly spaces.

So excited for Nicole in her Allblackto.com is looking for contributors from the black creator community in 2020 [email protected]

Connect with Nicole Bedeau on:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blprdigital
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/allblackto
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2369Q74gl614zjVLWx8d7Q
Website - http://blprdigital.com

Catch the show on:
The website - https://chonillanetwork.com/series/bcancc/
Spreaker - https://www.spreaker.com/show/bcancc
Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and all major podcast directories.

Let’s connect on:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blackcanadiancc/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/blackcanadiancc

And, to interact with Nicole and fellow creatives, join the FB community by visiting http://bit.ly/BlackCanadianCC.

Peace and keep creating Eh!
💬 What's on Your mind? Tag your thoughts with #BCCPod
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 hr 15 min
March 01, 2021 Know your Brand Voice and Who is Your Audience? w/ Aquila Farrell
BCANCC 09 - Digital Content Creator and ConvertKit Coach w/ Aquila Farrell @aquilafarrell

From Biochemist, Blogger to now Email Marketing Coach, Aquila Farrell is a Fashion Enthusiast who turned her love of clothes and design into a digital brand. Known for mixing high-end designer wear with her own custom garments for church, the moniker @mschurchdress was born. She has been featured in The San Francisco Chronicle, Essence Magazine, Hypehair and KinkyCurlyCoilyMe. Now Aquila is a ConvertKit Coach teaching you how to sell more with Email Marketing.

In 2016, she took a significant career leap to focus solely on her blog and never looked back. She now runs Maraval Made, a home-based, handmade business in Oakland, California. Creating cloth face masks for people who want to carry the feeling of “home” with them wherever they go.

Aquila is a Coach; if you’re looking for an organized, proven email marketing community to alleviate your email marketing frustration. You also learn how to create sales funnels, how to track leads and much more.⠀⠀

This episode is pure FIRE!!! You’ll need a notepad or a notepad app open while listening to this audio chapter because there are some great tips and Digital Content Creation gold and GEMS!!⠀⠀

Visit Aquila’s websites or connect on social media, plus let her know the lessons you gained while listening to this conversation.

Connect with Aquila Farrell on:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aquilafarrell
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/maravalmade/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aquilafarrell/
Visit https://aquilafarrell.teachable.com or www.maravalmade.com

WHERE TO CATCH THE POD?
https://pod.link/1479639754

Interact with BCC:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blackcanadianccreators
Website: https://blackcanadiancreators.ca

To interact with Aquila and fellow creatives, join the community by visiting http://bit.ly/BlackCanadianCC.

Peace and keep creating Eh!
💬 What's on Your mind? Tag your thoughts with #BCCPod
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 hr 10 min
February 22, 2021 Healing and Improving Through Creativity w/ Jodianne Beckford
BCANCC 08 - Lifestyle Commercial Photographer, Creator of Director and Podcaster w/ Jodianne Beckford

Jodianne Beckford (goes by Jo) is a Lifestyle Commercial Photographer, Creator of Director Noire Girls Plant who currently resides in Toronto, ON.

She gravitates to the contrasting beauty of black and white but also loves incorporating rich colours and tones like gold, mustard yellows, nude tones, and soft mature palettes. Architecturally she loves simple, linear structures and types that clearly, yet beautifully convey meaning. When architecture is muddled with complexity, timeless design is comprised.

She is also the creator and podcast host of the famous The E Project Podcast. The “E” Project is a platform that showcases current & aspiring entrepreneurs.

She began this project back in 2015 while living in Ottawa. Jodianne soon realized how many amazing creatives were in the Capital and wanted to share their stories in hopes to encourage fellow creatives. She was curious to know who was doing what, how they did it, and why they did it. Today the project has grown to be so much more than she would have imagined. Just a human with a podcast, sharing human stories to inspire the world.

Connect with Jodianne Beckford on:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jodianne.beckford/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodianne-beckford-88200554/
The E Project - https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-epiphany-project/id1234030062
Visit http://jodiannebeckford.com/ or https://www.noiregirlsplant.com

WHERE TO CATCH THE POD?
https://pod.link/1479639754

Interact with BCC:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blackcanadianccreators
Website: https://blackcanadiancreators.ca

To interact with Jodianne and fellow creatives, join the community by visiting http://bit.ly/BlackCanadianCC.

Peace and keep creating, eh!
💬 What's on Your mind? Tag your thoughts with #BCCPod
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
50 min
May 19, 2020 The Differences with Black Folks in Canada & USA w/ Liberty White @iamliberty (Part 2)
BCANCC 07 - Director and Chief Video Marketing Strategist w/ Liberty White (Part 2)

As a member of the Atlanta Tech & Startup community, Liberty has spoken at A3C, SoCon13, and Digital Atlanta (now SouthWired), championing women in tech.

You can catch Liberty on YouTube where she discusses digital marketing strategies, gadget reviews, and tutorials. Plus her live show Breakfast + Convos on #LinkedInLive

Visit Liberty's website chozenmedia.co & on intagram: @iamliberty + @Go100SmallBiz /
LET her know how you found her amazing feed, her services at CHOZEN MEDIA and youtube content.

Visit Liberty's website chozenmedia.co & on IG: @iamliberty https://www.instagram.com/iamliberty + @Go100SmallBiz / LET her know how you found her amazing feed, her services at CHOZEN MEDIA and youtube content. Plus what you think about the conversation.

WHERE TO CATCH THE POD?
https://pod.link/1479639754

Interact with BCC:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blackcanadianccreators
Website: https://blackcanadiancreators.ca

To interact with Liberty and fellow creatives, join the community by visiting http://bit.ly/BlackCanadianCC.

Peace and keep creating, okay!
💬 What's on Your mind? Tag your thoughts with #BCCPod
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
37 min

About Black Canadian Creators

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Black Canadian Creators (BCC) spotlights bold and inspiring voices from across the African diaspora who are shaping Canada’s creative and new media landscape — both at home and…

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