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Oral Histories
Oral Histories
As an oral historian, my mission is to document, preserve, and share the stories, experiences, and histories of African Americans who are a part of nerd culture and fandoms. Through conducting oral histories, I aim to capture the diverse voices and unique perspectives of Blerds, shedding light on the intersection of Black identity, culture, and fandoms. This work seeks to ensure that the contributions of African American nerds to various fandoms are recognized, their cultural heritage is preserved, and future generations can learn from and be inspired by their stories. By elevating these narratives, I aim to foster a deeper understanding of the richness and complexity of the Black nerd experience, while contributing to a more inclusive and representative historical record.
Walt Oliver
Walt Oliver
Oliver, born in 1950, is a pioneering cosplayer and a passionate connector within the Blerd community. With a distinguished career as a university professor, he has earned countless accolades and accolades. He is also the co-author of The Brotherhood of Drew Hall (2014), a testament to his multifaceted expertise and dedication to culture and education.
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Smith is a skilled cosplayer, craftsman, and prop maker, enriching his community through engaging conference panels, expert craftsmanship, and dedicated charitable efforts that inspire and uplift others.
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Johnson is a seasoned actor and performer, channeling his creative talents and performance expertise into the art of cosplay, prop building, and costuming, bringing characters to life with unmatched detail and flair.
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@aryondasticks
@aryondasticks
@Aryondasticks is a dynamic cosplayer and prop maker who has cultivated a vibrant community of friends and fellow cosplayers, bringing people together at nerd conventions through shared creativity and passion.
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Jadedisland is a visionary author, alternative fashion maven, and magazine creator, inspiring others to embrace unapologetic self-expression through bold style and boundless creativity.
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JadedIsland.m4aInterview Transcript
Lady Hokage is a trailblazing creator and anime culture enthusiast, designing bold, nerd-inspired fashion for people in larger bodies while empowering communities to "cosplay your way" with confidence and style.
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Shasta is a masterful historical costumer and seamstress, blending her passion for period fashion with the artistry of cosplay to create meticulously crafted, time-traveling designs.
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video1943523208.mp4Interview Transcript
Tranquil Ashes
Tranquil Ashes
Tranquil Ashes is a trailblazing event producer, vibrant cosplayer, charismatic host, and visionary space creator, dedicated to fostering inclusivity and amplifying diverse voices.
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Kesho Kage
Kesho Kage
Kesho is a unique special effects guru, fabricator, and expert in character creation and design. Her innovative approach to prop building and her boundless creativity bring characters to life in unexpected ways, making her a standout talent in the world of fabrication, visual effects, and storytelling.
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Kesho.m4aInterview Transcript
Sixth Raikage
Sixth Raikage
The Sixth Raikage is a cosplay aficionado and 3D printing expert, blending his passion for DC/Marvel and nerd culture with a unique cinematic twist. His cosplay filmography brings characters to life, merging tech, creativity, and storytelling in every project.
Interview Video
Raikage.mp4Interview Transcript
Fred Holt
Fred Holt
With 21 years of cosplay experience, this award-winning cosplayer fosters unity in the community through charity, friends, and fellowship. A dedicated panelist, judge, and guest at major cons, they create dynamic characters like Blade, Nick Fury, and Roadblock, while supporting charitable causes and outreach initiatives.
Interview Video
FredHolt.mp4Interview Transcript
Moses Opawumi
Moses Opawumi
Opawumi is a trailblazing cosplayer who fuses his cultural identity with powerful characters like ninjas and Power Rangers. With a deep passion for anime and Black representation, he brings his cosplay to life through cinematic storytelling, using his filmography skills to create immersive, anime-inspired experiences.
Interview Video
MosesOBlerdOralHistoryInterview.mp4Interview Transcript
Afro Cocoa Puffs
Afro Cocoa Puffs
Afro Cocoa Puffs is a viral powerhouse, celebrating Black cosplayers while blending anime, gaming, and rap into a dynamic fusion of creativity. Her videos ignite community and showcase her bold, innovative spirit, making waves in both cosplay and music with every new project.
Interview Video
Afrococoapuffs.mp4Interview Transcript
Dominic Middleton
Dominic Middleton
Middleton is a passionate cosplayer, comicbook model, and costume connoisseur with a love for Power Rangers, X-Men, and Marvel superheroes. He’s captivated by powerful characters with bold leadership traits and epic abilities, bringing his favorite heroes to life with style and flair.
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DominicMiddleton.mp4Interview Transcript
Jasmine La Fleur
Jasmine La Fleur
Jasmine La Fleur is the visionary founder of Black Fae Day, an empowering celebration and organization that expands High Fantasy by uplifting Black voices, stories, and artistry. Committed to giving back, she creates a magical space where fairies, fawns, and mythical creatures unite, fostering community and creativity.
Interview Video
JasmineLaFleur.mp4Interview Transcript
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