About Me

India Mallard (pronounced In-dee-uh Mal-erd) is an Independent Cultural Archivist and Curator, a Library Professional-in-Training, and a multimedia storyteller based in the dynamic state of Maryland, United States. Growing up in both the diverse Tri-State area and the culturally rich Southern United States, she boasts a distinctive cultural perspective that is a compelling mosaic of varied influences. Ms. Mallard is proud to be an alumna of Bowie State University, the oldest Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Maryland. There, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Visual Communication and Digital Media Arts, with a specialized focus on Digital Cinema and Time-Based Media.

Passionately committed to her craft, she was one of only three scholars to complete a minor in Hip-Hop Studies and Visual Culture, honing her skills and knowledge under the mentorship of the legendary MC Sha-Rock, celebrated as Hip-Hop's first female MC. Ms. Mallard is also the visionary founder and operator of Soulful Haze, LLC, a multidisciplinary enterprise designed to bridge generational gaps within Black culture. Through her work, she ardently promotes equity in music and art communities, offering invaluable research and archival services. Her innovative project, Basquiat's Boombox, alongside her efforts in organizing engaging symposia, vividly exemplifies this mission.

With a strong belief in educational equity, Ms. Mallard has recently begun exploring pathways to become a certified educator in the state of New York, driven by a desire to blend her archival knowledge and cultural insights within classroom spaces. As someone with a bachelor's degree and a strong foundation in pedagogy and cultural studies, her goal is to teach while pursuing a master’s degree, combining hands-on instruction with continuous learning. Relocating back to the Tri-State Area to teach would allow her to immerse herself even deeper into the communities she serves—where storytelling, cultural preservation, and education intersect most dynamically.

During her leisure time, Ms. Mallard finds joy in the exhilarating art of crate digging at her favorite record store and immersing herself in the eclectic atmosphere of local bookstores. She dedicates herself to conducting thorough research and penning insightful essays that delve into the performing arts within the African diaspora, with a particular emphasis on the ever-evolving realms of film and Hip-Hop culture. Her professional affiliations reflect her commitment to her field, including memberships in Women in Film, the Playwrights' Center, the Association of Moving Image Archivists, the Hip-Hop Education Center, and the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). Currently, Ms. Mallard is advancing her education by pursuing a master’s degree in Library and Information Science at the University of Maryland, College Park, specializing in School Librarianship and Archives and Digital Curation. Simultaneously, she is diligently working to realize her diverse and ambitious professional aspirations.

Motivated by a deep sense of purpose and a profound love for her heritage, India is cultivating a dynamic career at the vital intersection of storytelling, education, and cultural preservation. Through her work, she honors the rich history and traditions of her community, transforming this respect for the past into impactful narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. By sharing these stories, she not only educates others about her culture but also empowers all communities to embrace their identity. This committed approach serves as a powerful catalyst for shaping a more just and vibrant future, fostering understanding and appreciation across different cultures and generations.

India’s archival focus predominantly centers on the global Black diaspora. This encompasses African Americans—descendants of enslaved Africans brought to the United States—along with Afro-Caribbean communities, Afro-Latin Americans, Black Canadians, Afro-Arabs, and historically underrepresented groups such as the Siddis of South Asia, Afro-Iranians, and Afro-Turks. Each of these communities possesses a distinct legacy shaped by the transatlantic and Indian Ocean slave trades, colonialism, and cultural resilience. As a member of Generation Z, she offers a perspective that is uniquely attuned to the evolving archival landscape. Her insights, grounded in both academic rigor and lived experiences, inform every layer of her multidisciplinary practice—from the archive to the classroom.

She currently works as the Senior Project Archivist for the Fresh, Bold & So Def Women in Hip-Hop Collection at the Hip-Hop Education Center.