Celebrate Pride with OYA Black Arts Coalition as we spotlight the incredible contributions of 8 Black Queer Creators you need to know. In honour of Pride Month, we’re amplifying the voices and talents of individuals who have made significant strides in the intersection of Black and LGBTQ+ identities. These creators are reshaping narratives, challenging norms, and enriching the cultural landscape with their unique perspectives and talents. Join us in celebrating their achievements and exploring the rich diversity within the Black queer community.
Alison Duke
Alison Duke is not only OYA Black Arts Coalition’s cofounder but also an award-winning writer-producer-director and passionate artistic activist committed to boldly telling stories of resistance and change.
In 2021, Alison became the first Black woman to direct a Heritage Minute for Historica Canada on Chloe Cooley.
Recently Alison created, produced, and directed Black Community Mixtapes with Ngardy Conteh George. The series went on the win 3 Canadian Screen Awards this year.
She has also finished a doc series on music industry injustices for Idris Elba’s Green Door Pictures and is a co-producer for A Mother Apart with Ngardy Conteh George and Justine Pilmott (NFB), which was selected for the 2024 Hot Docs Film Festival. Alison directed and co-produced Bam Bam: The Story of Sister Nancy for CRAVE, which had its world premiere at Tribeca last week.
This year Alison Duke was honoured with the prestigious Don Haig Award at the 2024 HotDocs Film Festival. The Don Haig Award is presented to an outstanding Canadian independent producer with a feature length film at the Festival, with the recipient being selected by a jury of independent filmmakers. The Award recognizes creative vision and entrepreneurship, as reflected in the recipient’s body of work, as well as a track record of mentoring emerging Canadian filmmakers.
