Ava Emilione
Founder, Editor-in-Chief (They/Them)
Ava Pauline Emilione (they/them) is a writer, editor, and founder of Ebony Tomatoes Collective, a literary and arts magazine for black women and non-binary creatives. Their literary work focuses on exploring the complicated, sacred ties Black, transgender, and queer people share with the land and their bodies—all while tying these physical elements to themes of culture and activism. They can be found on Instagram @ordinaryavaa and via email at [email protected].
Yumna Elhdari
Co-Founder, Writing Editor (She/Her)
Yumna (she/her) is a Sudanese writer, editor and creative. She carries a soulful love and appreciation for storytelling through which she creates worlds that embrace marginalized voices and perspectives. Yumna is currently based in Texas. When she’s not pouring latte art she can be reached through either her email [email protected] or her Instagram @YumnaElhdari.
p.s. she built this website.
Cheyenne Edwards
Social Media Director (They/She)
Cheyenne Edwards (they/she) is a screenwriter & narrative film storyteller. Cheyenne’s artistry builds on the undisputed principle that representation matters, but dares to take things a step further by putting their Black and queer—often lesbian-identified—characters in audacious situations bolstered by the sharp, ironic humor of their generation. In a world fascinated by traumatic marginalized experiences, Cheyenne subverts expectations and forgoes respectability politics in favor of telling authentic, provocative stories woven with intersectionality derived from universal human experiences—identity, love, sexuality, and morality. Their debut short film “Nile vs. The Wild” is currently in pre-production. She can be reached on Instagram/Twitter @afroauteur or via email at [email protected].
Rachel Goulston
Co-Founder, Writing Editor (She/Her)
Originally from the greater Boston area and now based in NYC, Rachel studies Sociology and Education at New York University with a passion for creating equitable sexuality education for all. Among the titles of researcher, educator, and musician, Rachel considers herself an astute observer of the quiet and unseen, which she seeks to make visible through her writing. In her free time you can find Rachel, a lifelong swimmer and student of the ocean, exploring or relaxing by bodies of water.
Binny Onabulo
Editor, Social Media (She/They)
Binny (she/they) is a Nigerian immigrant who grew up partly in Houston, partly in Minnesota and is now doing a lot of growing and glowing in New York. Her favorite author is no other than Audre Lorde, her favorite essay by her being “the use of the erotic.” They love to do anything that involves their hands, ranging from giving themself a head massage to lifting weights to cooking for themself and loved ones. Catch her outside—literally because they love nature hikes and the sun—taking it one day at a time. They can be reached at [email protected].
Cecilia Innis
Writing Editor (She/They)
Cecilia Innis (she/they) is a writer and editor from Chesapeake,Virginia and currently lives in Brooklyn, New York. She graduated from NYU Gallatin with a concentration in Black Studies and Decolonial Studies with a minor in creative writing. They write primarily poetry and creative nonfiction about Blackness, identity, family, and memory.They can be reached on Instagram @ceciliaa.angelina or by email at [email protected].
Defne Egbo
Writing Editor (She/Her)
Defne (she/her) has made homes in Turkey, England, Las Vegas, and France before arriving at New York for college. She studied Education Studies at Barnard College, interested in using literature and writing as tools to empower people. Influenced by her childhood, she loves learning languages, traveling, and fostering cross-cultural connections. In her free time, she loves reading, crocheting, making tea and coffee for loved ones, and socially watching TV (with loud jokes and commentary). She can be reached at [email protected].
Sophie
Editor, Social Media (She/They)
Sophie Koutsoftas (she/they) is an aspiring author born and raised in Brooklyn NY. She enjoys reading Black/queer literature and taking dance classes, two passions that often find their way into what she writes about.
She is currently trying to complete their reading goal for the year and visit Prospect Park before the weather gets too cold.
They can be found at their local public library, at a cafe with a large iced coffee or at their socials: @s0phiesarchive on Instagram.
Arianna
Events and Sales Coordinator (She/Her)
Arianna (She/Her) is a 22-year-old Brooklyn resident with a passion for culinary arts and community-building. She enjoys organizing as a tool for bringing people together and believes in the power of community to drive positive change. When she’s not working in Brooklyn, she loves spending quality time with her family. In her role as Events and Sales Coordinator for the Ebony Tomatoes Collective, Arianna plays a key part in planning and executing events that connect and empower local communities. She can be reached at [email protected].