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Sofiya Ballin

Sofiya Abena Ballin ​is an award winning

journalist, writer

producer.

and

Journalist • writer • CREATIVE ​curator • FILMMAKER • producer ​ADVOCATE • writer

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.

SUPPORT Black hISTORY UNTOLD

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Work

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.

Play Video

Photo: Emmanuel Afolabi

Photo: Emmanuel Afolabi

Black History Untold: ​Love

In this installment of BHU, Black couples ​tell Black love stories from history while ​also recounting their own personal tales.


We explore the softness, warmth, and ​strength that Black love has carried ​since the dawn of time.

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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.

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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.

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BKLYN:

Dr. Nadia Lopez

As part of Ballin’s series with the ​Brooklyn Nets, we meet Dr. Nadia ​Lopez, founder of Mott Hall ​Bridges Academy, who shares ​why she chose to lead her school ​with purpose and empowerment.


Directed by Joshua Kissi. Video: ​Emmanuel Afolabi.

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Photo: Joshua Kissi

Writing

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

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"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."

Press, partners & prizes

Simple Film Frame

Sofiya Ballin

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