Sofiya Ballin
Sofiya Abena Ballin is an award winning
journalist, writer
producer.
and
Sofiya, Age 3, Jamaica
Acclaimed Caribbean-American filmmaker,
Sofiya Ballin is the creator of Black History Untold; an identity series that shares untold Black history through powerful and personal interviews.
Featuring diverse perspectives from across the diaspora, it's a carefully written love letter to
Black people everywhere.
Sofiya spent her early career years in a Philadelphian newsroom covering arts and culture before making the bold move to become an independent creative. Since then, Black History Untold has grown into an award-winning multimedia series.
Inspired by her heritage, fueled by passion and guided by intention, Sofiya has become a testament to the power of Black media makers taking control of their narratives.
Black History Untold: Revolution
Through captivating interviews, we’re shown where Black Revolution manifests across the world, and learn some of the countless ways the African diaspora has resisted oppression over the centuries. It’s
a profound reminder to look to the past for the tools to create a more just future.
Photo: Emmanuel Afolabi
Aint I A Womyn?
A powerful homage to Black women, Kai Davis' poem ‘Ain’t I A Woman’ was inspired by Sojourner Truth's 1851 speech of the same name. It speaks to the duality of a Black woman's identity and the many challenges, struggles, and beauties they experience. Sofiya’s piece was created to bring the spirit of these words to life in visuals.
Directed by Sofiya Ballin and
Jasmine Lynea.
Play Video
BKLYN:
Susan Oludele
In partnership with the Brooklyn Nets, Ballin produced a series of interviews with New Yorkers, celebrating the facets of Black history that have influenced them most.
In this interview, Susan Oludele reveals how the origins of African hair braiding inspires her art.
SR29 uNBOTHERED
Eradicating Fatphobia, Embracing Radical Body Love
r29 unbothered
To Leave Or Stay? How Black Women Are Rewriting Relationship Rules
Sweet july
Debunking Black Food Myths -- One Healthy Yet Seasoned Plate At A Time
SHOndaland
To All The Men I Cancelled During Quarantine
sweet july
Why It's Okay To Not Have It All Figured Out This Year
tHE LILY/WASHINGTON POST
I Didn't Know Oluwatoyin Salau but I See Her In The Black Women I know
"All my life, I’ve learned that there were stories untold and that not every legend was etched into stone. My goal is to tell their stories while writing my own."
