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Today's feature is such a bad arse! Chitinthi Tembo (Tinthi for short) is an activist for equal representation of bipoc people specifically in the arts scene and community advocate for diversity and inclusion.
She has been in the creative scene since moving to Vancouver in 2012. Curating Art shows and attending events. She couldn't help noticing a common thread, that she was always the only black person within space and place. So in 2019 she launched a company called @origin.papers with 2 friends, they focused on telling stories from emerging creatives versus established ones. The gaps became clear, discrimination was at the forefront. She has always been an advocate for diversity and inclusion, however, ready to take matters into her own hands. When George Floyd passed, the pain and distress it caused pushed her into action. It was time. It is time to reclaim the space that has been taken away from bipoc people for centuries.
So together with her friends Kimani and Fawnda, they activated and launched their very own not-for-profit - called BIPOC Creative Association where they held the very first Culture Day in Vancouver, in hopes to re-imagine a new relationship, where they decide who sits at the table and advocate for access to resources and opportunities for their people. The first Culture day was held July 1st last year and was an inspiring and change provoking day showcasing bipoc artists, creators, designers, musicians, and performers, as well as informative and moving stories from people across the board in the bipoc community. Tinthi currently works in the film industry, leading an entrepreneurial career where she hopes to gain the knowledge towards opening her own production house.
For more information, to get involved, or to find out how you can support Tinthi, follow them on Instagram:
@culturedayvancouver
@origin.papers
@pacesociety
@iamtembo
Here's our chat with her:
1. Where’d you grow up and where do you live now?
I grew up in Zimbabwe until age 14, then over to Canada.
2. What is your definition of strength?
The amount of pressure you’re able to handle.
3. What is something that’s important to you now that never used to be?
Safety.
4. How would you describe your style?
Ineffable. I am able to show all spectrums in one look, that’s brilliant!
5. Favorite food to cook at home?
Chicken!
6. What are 3 books on your bookshelf?
Americanah, Why the Caged Bird Sings, Monkey Beach.
7. What’s something you want to accomplish in the next year?
Stay alive.
8. Tell us something people would find surprising about you.
I’m a Princess of District 9 in the Petauke region in Zambia. 9. Favorite movie?
Men in Black.
10. How do you want people to remember you?
The fact that I never grew up.