TEoC's guide and networking tool for Greater Portland, ME
Artists & Businesses
Aquarius Funkk
Aquarius Funkk is a performance artist, model and makeup artist currently residing part time in San Miguel De Allende, Mexico. She honed her style and developed as an art model & movement artist in the small city of Portland, ME. Her body of work includes everything from event production, hosting, & stage managing, to art direction, hair & makeup, costume design & styling. Learn more about Aquarius Funkk at www.aquariusfunkk.com/about/.
Akakpo
Ebenezer Akakpo is an award-winning designer from Ghana whose collections combine his passion for information technology, jewelry and industrial design with charitable acts. With hand-crafted, affordable pieces, more of Akakpo can be seen at www.akakpo.com.
By Alpha Couture
By Alpha Couture is a women's accessories brand that offers unique head pieces, fascinators, hats and other accessories to the fashion conscious individual. Visit ByAlpha Couture at byalphacouture.com.
Cynthia Young
Cynthia Young is an ASL/English Interpreter with Pine Tree Society.
Daniel Minter
Daniel Minter is a painter and illustrator. His paintings, carvings, block prints and sculptures have been exhibited both nationally and internationally at galleries and museums. He is the co-founder and creative visionary of the Portland Freedom Trail, serves on the boards of The Ashley Bryan Center, The Illustration Institute and teaches at the Maine College of Art. He serves as board chair of The Quaglia Institute for Student Aspirations.
Minter has illustrated 11 children’s books and was commissioned in both 2004 and 2011 to create Kwanzaa stamps for the U.S. Postal Service. Learn more about Daniel Minter at danielminter.net.
Minter has illustrated 11 children’s books and was commissioned in both 2004 and 2011 to create Kwanzaa stamps for the U.S. Postal Service. Learn more about Daniel Minter at danielminter.net.
Edwige Charlot
Edwige Charlot is a printmaker who believes in the labor of love, finding inspiration in natural and man-made occurrences, working, making, and playing as an agent for change. Provoked by processes of examination, inquisition and reflection on paper and fabric, her projects attempt to reconcile and explore perceptions, assumptions and bias. Find more about Edwige Charlot at www.edwigecharlot.com/ABOUT.
Expose Design
Expose Design is Victor Rios. Since 2008, he has been providing his services as a Professional Graphic and Web Designer, Screenprinter, Promoter and Philanthropist throughout New England. This extension of Victor has helped establish him as a leader to businesses, individuals and organizations seeking a credible, reputable and professional branding, social media marketing and custom designing entity. Victor not only expresses his creative side with designing logos, custom apparel, branding, social media, etc. but he is familiar with the financial side of business as well.
As an outside sales agent for PowerPay, a leading provider of merchant accounts, credit card payment processing and other transaction solutions, he has the resources to increase sales and efficiency while maintaining customer convenience and satisfaction. Learn more about Expose Design at www.exposedesign.com.
As an outside sales agent for PowerPay, a leading provider of merchant accounts, credit card payment processing and other transaction solutions, he has the resources to increase sales and efficiency while maintaining customer convenience and satisfaction. Learn more about Expose Design at www.exposedesign.com.
Hi Tiger
Hi Tiger is a group of performing and visual artists, music producersand instrumentalists. Performances are directed by Derek Jackson (lyrics / vocals) and include fierceness by Amandaconda & Nicole Antonette, with lighting design and sculpture by PSBL. Hi Tiger performs live vocals and choreography with musical accompaniment produced by a growing roster of beat makers and musicians including Taylor Vesey aka SWIM, Chris DiRocco, James Paul Cooper, Jacob Pitcher, Remy Brecht, 32 French, Sam Lee and Jack Reynolds.
Hi Tiger's current work is inspired by science fiction, 90's advertising, queer culture, brown skin, blonde tips and current
production trends in popular music. We incorporate contemporary performance techniques and stage design to create a context for
sharing our synaesthetic responses to music.
A 2017 recipient of the Kindling Fund through SPACE Gallery, Hi Tiger has been featured in performances at Institute of Contemporary Art (Portland, Maine) for the exhibition Tinderbox, Brooklyn Academy of Music for EVERYBOOTY / NYC, LePetit Versailles (for the exhibition NOT OVER: 25 years of Visual AIDS), Spectrum (New York), and Portland Pride (Maine). Find out more about Hi Tiger at artistecard.com/HiTiger.
Hi Tiger's current work is inspired by science fiction, 90's advertising, queer culture, brown skin, blonde tips and current
production trends in popular music. We incorporate contemporary performance techniques and stage design to create a context for
sharing our synaesthetic responses to music.
A 2017 recipient of the Kindling Fund through SPACE Gallery, Hi Tiger has been featured in performances at Institute of Contemporary Art (Portland, Maine) for the exhibition Tinderbox, Brooklyn Academy of Music for EVERYBOOTY / NYC, LePetit Versailles (for the exhibition NOT OVER: 25 years of Visual AIDS), Spectrum (New York), and Portland Pride (Maine). Find out more about Hi Tiger at artistecard.com/HiTiger.
Jaw Gems
Jaw Gems, an electronic outfit from Portland, Maine, is a collective of young, experimental producers bringing beat-music – traditionally programmed and played on samplers – to a live band setting. The mesmerizing result is a harmonic convergence. Listen to Jaw Gems at jawgems.bandcamp.com.
Kenya Hall Band
The Kenya Hall Band is a lively, crowd drawing 7-piece soul and funk outfit based in Portland, Maine. Hear The Kenya Hall Band sound at www.reverbnation.com/kenyahallband.
Kesho Wazo
The goal of Kesho Wazo is to impact the youth at a young age and open their minds to know that they are free to create anything and everything that their minds will allow - fleeing mental slavery that society has pressured them into. Kesho Wazo believes that everyone is an artist, simply because everyone has an imagination. Find out more about Kesho Wazo at www.keshowazo.org
Lillian Alice Design
Lillian Alice Design was established in 2015 and is a collection of beautiful, 100% handmade crochet designs. With a very successful online shop whose high-quality products have been featured in Marie Claire Australia, Lillian Alice Design can be seen at www.etsy.com/shop/LillianAliceDesign.
Samuel James
Samuel James sings with an authenticity lost in time and skill that has a depth and range that seems impossible for a man with only two hands.
An award-winning songwriter, one of the world's most innovative guitar players, and a Moth-featured storyteller, James brings all of this to his amazing stage show. A live performance by Samuel James is part theater concert, part stomping-on-the-porch dance party and part stand-up comedy. Learn more about Samuel James at www.therealsamueljames.com/bio/.
An award-winning songwriter, one of the world's most innovative guitar players, and a Moth-featured storyteller, James brings all of this to his amazing stage show. A live performance by Samuel James is part theater concert, part stomping-on-the-porch dance party and part stand-up comedy. Learn more about Samuel James at www.therealsamueljames.com/bio/.
Sean Alonzo Harris
Sean Alonzo Harris is a Portland, Maine photographer who specializes in portraiture, sports, fitness and kids photography. Marked by a fine art sensibility, the work of Sean Alonzo Harris has been seen across the world with one goal in mind: an authentic connection to his subjects and my clients. See more at www.seanalonzoharris.com.
Toni's Touch
Toni's Touch is a full service salon that provides professional care for the entire families needs, from cuts to extensions and anything in between! Located in downtown Portland, ME, they also have a barber on board for fades and lineups and specialize in ethnic and natural hair. Additional services offered include: Dreadlocks, Perms, Color, Waxing, Braids, Wigs, Extensions & Nails. Book an appointment with Toni's Touch today at www.tonistouchsalon.com.
Viva
Viva, along with her band, The Reinforcements, travels the world as the next Deco Jazz sensation. Follow the sensation at www.vivasensation.com.
Zero Station
Zero Station is an arts & entertainment venue in Portland, ME who also specializes in framing, mounting, lamination and digital printing. With rental space for 75 people indoors/outdoors, find out more at zerostation.com.
History & Culture
Abyssinian Meeting House
The Abyssinian Meeting House is a historic church building in Portland, Maine. Built 1828-1831 by free African-Americans, it is Maine's oldest African-American church building and the third oldest in the nation. The only Underground Railroad site in Maine as recognized by the National Park Service and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2006, find out more about the Abyssinian Meeting House and their continual restoration efforts at www.abyme.org.
Black Artist Forum
The Black Artist Forum (BAF) of Maine is a coalition dedicated to maintaining the growth of individual creators and the community of black artists in Maine. Creating visibility for artistic diversity while making cultural resources and opportunities accessible to the creative community, The Black Artist Forum strengthens Maine’s artistic community through collaborative environments and conditions that encourage the creative vitality for people of color. As members of the BAF, space is used to discuss past and upcoming meetings as well as communicate artistic and collaborative ideas and initiate projects
Green Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
The Green Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church is a historic church in Portland, Maine. Built in 1914, it is home to Maine's oldest African-American congregation.
Men of Color in Maine
A virtual space for Men of Color who live in Maine and a place to create community and unity amongst brothers, share our thoughts, issues, goals, dreams, projects, and anything we so desire. A place for US. A Few Rules: No Drama. Be Inclusive. Trans Men belong here too. Be Kind. Contribute as much as you want. Add other Men of Color who live in or are from Maine.
Williams Temple Church of God in Christ
Williams Temple Church of God In Christ is an ever-growing family centered church in Portland, ME whose primary goal is to exemplify the love of God and show others the reality of serving a loving God. Find out more about Williams Temple at www.williamstemple.org.
Women of Color in Maine
A virtual space for Women of Color who live in Maine and a place to create community and unity amongst sisters, share thoughts, issues, goals, dreams, projects, and anything so desired. A place for US. A Few Rules: No Drama. Be Inclusive. Trans Women belong here too. Be Kind. Contribute as much as you want. Add other Women of Color who live in or are from Maine.
Philanthropy & Social Change
Black Girl in Maine Media
Black Girl In Maine Media amplifies and centers voices of color on social media and news of the days. We also educate and engage white people to unravel racism throughout society. BGIM Media services include: Presentations to youth and adults audiences on race and other social issues. Providing sources/opinion for articles, interviews, etc as well as writing and editing services. Find out more at www.blackgirlinmaine.com.
For Us, By Us
For Us, By Us is creating capacity for People of Color in Maine by ensuring all have access to platforms that have immense potential to build communities to support our vision of the way life and liberty should be. Support For Us, By Us at www.patreon.com/forusbyus.
Homeless Voices for Justice
Through Preble Street Resource Center, Homeless Voices for Justice is a Maine state-wide social change movement, organized and led by people who have struggled with homelessness. It is a grassroots effort based on the belief that true change occurs only when those affected by an unjust system are directly involved in addressing the injustices and in which disenfranchised people become empowered and gain leadership skills to organize and advocate for institutional change. Learn more about Homeless Voices for Justice at www.preblestreet.org/what-we-do/advocacy-programs/homeless-voices-for-justice/.
Jill Duson
Jill Duson is a member of the City Council, At-Large in Portland, Maine. She is Chair of the Housing Committee and members of
the Legislative/Nominating Committee and the Sustainability & Transportation Committee. See more about Jill Duson at www.portlandmaine.gov/1881/Jill-C-Duson-At-Large.
the Legislative/Nominating Committee and the Sustainability & Transportation Committee. See more about Jill Duson at www.portlandmaine.gov/1881/Jill-C-Duson-At-Large.
King Fellows
The King Fellows are a youth-Led leadership development group for high school students of color with the mission to advance racial equity and social justice in the Greater Portland area. Based on the philosophy and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., The Fellows are dedicated to the elimination of all forms of oppression and structural racism that is historically rooted in our social, political, educational and economic systems.
Maine Biking Belles
Maine Biking Belles are a group of women, trans and femme identifying folks that live in Maine and love to bike. They meet every third Tuesday for a free wrench night at the Portland Gear Hub, and organize skill shares and group rides. They are supported by both the Gear Hub and the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. More about Maine Biking Belles can be found at mainebikingbelles.wordpress.com.
Nyamuon Nguany
Nyamuon Nguany is the Regional Coordinator for Youth Move Maine/ Pier to Peer Education and Advocacy Coordinator on The PIER Team at Maine Medical Center.
Pious Ali
Pious Ali is a member of the City Council, At-Large in Portland, Maine. He is a member of the Economic Development and Finance Committees. See more about Pious Ali at www.portlandmaine.gov/1879/Pious-Ali-At-Large.
Rachel Talbot Ross
Rachel Talbot Ross represents District 40 of Portland, Maine in the Maine House of Representatives. A member of the Engrossed Bills and the Criminal Justice and Public Safety committees, more about Rachel Talbot Ross can be found at legislature.maine.gov/house/hsebios/talbr_.htm
Rise & Shine Youth Retreat
The Rise & Shine Youth Retreat creates mindful spaces for teen girls to play, dream and connect! Under the direction of TEoC Ensemble Member Nicole Antionette, the group is currently planning the 4th Annual Girls Weekend Getaway! Find out more about the Rise & Shine Youth Retreat at riseandshineyouthretreat.com.
Survivors Speak
For more than 16 years, Dee Clarke has been organizing, educating and empowering adults and youth to speak out for public policy that affects their lives. Dee recently founded the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Survivor Speak, to provide education, advocacy and mentoring for exploited and sex trafficked survivors by establishing a certified survivor leadership program. To that end, she is working with survivors to educate local communities, providers of care, and policy makers in understanding the complex effects of exploitation.
Dee has collaborated with various agencies to create her mentee leadership program as well as treatment workshops for providers of care and survivor clients. Details of her non-profit work and requests for speaker engagements can be found at www.survivorspeak.org.
Dee has collaborated with various agencies to create her mentee leadership program as well as treatment workshops for providers of care and survivor clients. Details of her non-profit work and requests for speaker engagements can be found at www.survivorspeak.org.
Up With Community: Work with Nicola
Nicola Chin partnerships with non-profits, schools, businesses, and social enterprises to create lasting partnerships with organizations to help operationalize their vision and values into day to day work.
With over 10 years of organizing, advocacy, electoral engagement, training, and management experience, more about Nicola Chin can be found at www.upwithcommunity.org/work-with-nicola/.
With over 10 years of organizing, advocacy, electoral engagement, training, and management experience, more about Nicola Chin can be found at www.upwithcommunity.org/work-with-nicola/.
Women Around The World
Women Around The World believes in celebrating, advocating and assisting women locally and globally to achieve independence through vocational training and community connection. They promote independence for female immigrants to allow them to recognize and develop their potential, and pursue better educational and professional opportunities; Through grassroots and transformative leadership, empower female immigrants to become role models and mentors for other young immigrant women, and agents of change in and for their communities; Provide a safe space and support network; Provide a platform for immigrant women to tell their stories and express their voice to raise public awareness and promote a more positive discourse about female immigrants; and Provide support and community inclusion for female immigrants new to Maine. Learn more about Women Around The World at www.womenunitedaroundtheworld.org/about.htm