About Us



iMelanin is proud to partner with the nonprofit Black Legacy Collective, a social enterprise dedicated to making Black History Accessible to All. Together, we amplify stories, elevate Black voices, and foster meaningful representation in literature, education, and community initiatives.

Founded by Keisha Cuffie—author, entrepreneur, artist, and passionate advocate for social justice and Black Canadian history—iMelanin is a wholly Black-owned business. We celebrate diversity through culturally affirming books, toys, and experiences designed to inspire and empower.


About Our Founder

Keisha Cuffie is deeply invested in shaping the narrative of Black history in Canada. Her community work includes:

  • Vice President & Board Member, Capital Heritage Connexion (CHC)
    Supporting Ottawa’s rich heritage, Keisha plays a key role in ensuring inclusive representation across historical organizations.

  • Guest Blogger, Thinking Through the Museum
    As an affiliate to this SSHRC funded research network, she contributes by sharing stories on museum events, exhibitions, and conferences.

  • Guest Blogger, Black Moms Connection
    Through writing, she engages with fellow Black mothers, sharing stories, fostering support, and building community.

  • Volunteer, Children’s Aid Society (CAS)
    Keisha advocates for positive change within a system disproportionately affecting children of colour.


Creative & Cultural Contributions

Keisha is a curator, heritage museum consultant, and author with two upcoming 2024 releases focused on Black Canadian history, published by Dundurn Press and Orca Publishing. She is the co-curator of Upper Canada Village’s first Black History Exhibit and the author of:

  • D is for Dazzling – a children’s book celebrating Black excellence

  • The Time-Keepers – a historical fiction novel exploring Emancipation Day in Canada

Her expertise has been sought by national institutions including the Canadian Museum of History, Fort Henry, and the Brockville Museum, and she has been featured on CBC, CTV, and more. Keisha is currently completing a Master’s thesis on Black Canadians in the 19th century.


Our Mission

At iMelanin, we believe in community first. We champion local initiatives, advocate for equity, and work to dismantle systemic racism in education, healthcare, housing, and governance. Our guiding mantra, “Be Authentically You!”, reflects our commitment to nurturing self-worth and cultural pride.

We reinvest a portion of our sales* into Black communities. Visit our How You Helped page to see the real-world impact of your support.

Keisha’s core belief—“A complete education must include our collective history”—drives everything we do. We invite you to join us in building a more inclusive future.

Let’s grow together.

*Please note: Book purchases are excluded. Instead of monetary contributions, books are gifted directly to schools, organizations, and community programs.