Hermona Kuluberhan

Biography

Eritrean-Canadian born and raised in Ottawa, Hermona is returning to complete the degree after taking a 2.5 year long hiatus from her studies. She spent the time in-between travelling the globe, reading history, crossing paths with some of the most interesting people, and doing a little bit of soul searching. During this time, Hermona discovered a newfound appreciation for the importance of journalism and a clearer understanding of why the act of telling stories and digging for the truth — any truth — is the ultimate threat to those who hold power in our societies, whether in the diaspora or back home.

In short, journalism — good, solid, fact-based, nuanced journalism framed by history and unencumbered by the instinct to capitulate to power or even one’s own biases — is one of the greatest acts of transgression. In the best way possible. This knowledge combined with the profound and unshakeable belief that Black African people the world over — in all their diversities — have not just the right but the responsibility to tell their own stories, in their own voices, frames how Hermona intend to complete her graduate project and anchors her approach to the practice. Travelling, rosé wine, and history books are some of Hermona’s favourite things.