Natalee A. Johnson (Naj) is a graduate of Niagara University with a B.A in Professional Studies in Education, graduate of the University of Victoria with a B.A in Child and Youth Work, Diploma in Court and Tribunal Administration and Early Childhood Educator from Seneca College. She is a mother, creator, community change agent, and advocate for children, youth, women, and families. As the founder of Passion 4 Dreams Inc. an organization that serves to empower girls and women and the founder for the Not-For-Profit Organization, LJ Legacy Impact Foundation, which serves people who self-identify as Black, African, Afro-Caribbean, Afr0-Canadian, Afro-Indigenous and of the African Diaspora. Natalee continues to serve as a community change agent. Her role includes continuously advocating for equity, inclusion, diversity, and creating safe spaces. Natalee is the author of “My Magnificent Hair’ and “I Come As I Am” a poetry book that reflects on her spiritual journey. Natalee is available for school, childcare, camp, corporate and not-for-profit bookings. More information about Natalee Johnson (NAJ) can be found on her website
Both of Natalee’s books are available on all online platforms (e.g., Barnes & Noble, Chapters Indigo, Walmart.ca/Walmart.com, Amazon.ca and Amazon.com). Within the community, Natalee enjoys volunteering and supporting children, youth and families. She also enjoys connecting to nature through hikes and travelling. She writes non-fiction, fiction and poetry books focusing on a variety of themes (e.g., community, social justice, culture, diversity, love, connection, family dynamics, etc.).
The My Magnificent Hair Presentation focuses on diversity, culture, identity, and a sense of belonging. The interactive 60-minute presentation is geared towards preschool, school-aged and college and university students. This 60-minute presentation can be modified based on the audience. The presentation includes the reading of My Magnificent Hair, developmentally appropriate interactive activities focused on identity, culture, affinity, and a sense of belonging. Within this presentation Natalee Antoinette speaks to the importance of self-love, self-acceptance, the importance of diversity and culture and shares her own experience of self-love as she shares her lived experience. The My Magnificent Hair presentation also shows Natalee's hair journey, as she shares different hairstyles and how to care for Black hair. Included in the presentation are videos of protective hairstyles, washing techniques, how to maintain healthy Black hair, and recorded video highlights of cornrow braids which is a part of Natalee Antoinette’s rich heritage and culture. The presentations include the opportunity for guests to unpack their own identity, while focusing on self-acceptance, confidence, and positive affirmations. This presentation is culturally appropriate and focuses on diversity, inclusion, sense of belonging, community, and equity. Natalee Antoinette also shares the importance of diverse literature within schools, libraries, communities, and homes.
Poetry Book: The I Come as I Am Reflections in Verse Presentation is geared towards high school, college, university students, community groups, book clubs, women support groups/networks, corporate, church groups and not-for-profit organizations. This 60-minute presentation includes an introduction to poetry, the benefits of journaling, a live reading of poetry, and a writing activity. Through her poetry, Natalee Antoinette shares her journey as a mother, racialized women in Canada, overcoming barriers and the lack of representation of diverse books in Canada and what can be done to support diverse literature and BIPOC authors and artists. This presentation focuses on empowerment, allyship, and inspiration. Within this presentation, Natalee Antoinette shares the power in storytelling and how it connects back to her own roots, culture, and identity. She provides interactive activities, including writing activities during the presentation. This presentation can be modified based on the audience and needs.
Workshop
I Come As I Am Reflections in Verse Workshop
45 - 60-minutes workshop that includes a live reading from Natalee Antoinette poetry book. The workshop also includes a 15-20 minute discussion focused around literature and the power of writing. All workshops are culturally responsive. The workshop is geared towards community youth groups, high school, college, university students, community groups, book clubs, women support groups/networks, corporate, church groups and not-for-profit organizations. The workshop includes a variety of topics related to Natalee’s poetry book. The workshop focuses on empowerment, inspiration and storytelling. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a writing workshop. All workshops can be modified based on the needs of the audience.
Other Workshops
Natalee Antoinette presents a variety of workshops based on different categories such as: health and wellness, early childhood, youth and family, community development, social justice workshops, community impact, writing and publishing workshops.
The My Magnificent Hair Presentation focuses on diversity, culture, identity, and a sense of belonging. The interactive 60-minute presentation is geared towards preschool, school-aged and college and university students. This 60-minute presentation can be modified based on the audience. The presentation includes the reading of My Magnificent Hair, developmentally appropriate interactive activities focused on identity, culture, affinity, and a sense of belonging. Within this presentation Natalee Antoinette speaks to the importance of self-love, self-acceptance, the importance of diversity and culture and shares her own experience of self-love as she shares her lived experience. The My Magnificent Hair presentation also shows Natalee's hair journey, as she shares different hairstyles and how to care for Black hair. Included in the presentation are videos of protective hairstyles, washing techniques, how to maintain healthy Black hair, and recorded video highlights of cornrow braids which is a part of Natalee Antoinette’s rich heritage and culture. The presentations include the opportunity for guests to unpack their own identity, while focusing on self-acceptance, confidence, and positive affirmations. This presentation is culturally appropriate and focuses on diversity, inclusion, sense of belonging, community, and equity. Natalee Antoinette also shares the importance of diverse literature within schools, libraries, communities, and homes.
Poetry Book: The I Come as I Am Reflections in Verse Presentation is geared towards high school, college, university students, community groups, book clubs, women support groups/networks, corporate, church groups and not-for-profit organizations. This 60-minute presentation includes an introduction to poetry, the benefits of journaling, a live reading of poetry, and a writing activity. Through her poetry, Natalee Antoinette shares her journey as a mother, racialized women in Canada, overcoming barriers and the lack of representation of diverse books in Canada and what can be done to support diverse literature and BIPOC authors and artists. This presentation focuses on empowerment, allyship, and inspiration. Within this presentation, Natalee Antoinette shares the power in storytelling and how it connects back to her own roots, culture, and identity. She provides interactive activities, including writing activities during the presentation. This presentation can be modified based on the audience and needs.
