About

Tanikia Thompson, also known as Nikki and The City, is an urban media expert from Chicago who loves to travel and report on issues that impact different cultures and communities.

As a young girl, Nikki was intrigued with the people “inside the TV” (actors) and the way their story quickly transitioned on the screen (editing). She desired to be an actor and become one of those people who appeared on the screen and told a story. Her mom – who worked as an cosmetologist- and dad – who worked as an actor – always inspired their daughter to follow her dreams. They created a solid foundation for her by encouraging her to love God, to know and embrace her African-American culture, and to celebrate her beautiful brown skin.

While studying at Columbia College in Chicago, Nikki decided that it was actually her destiny to not only act, but to produce and edit content and create multi-media platforms that allowed real stories to be told. She quickly altered her educational journey and enrolled at North Park University in Chicago, where she received her B.F.A. in Communication Arts – concentrating in Media Studies, with a minor in Africana Studies. While in college she was responsible for organizing several pivotal African-American history tours and workshops that encouraged students of different backgrounds to have in-depth conversations that explored cultural and racial biases.

In addition to producing content, Nikki – who has always been a cheerful giver – has volunteered with various organizations, from Africa to Mexico – giving her time and resources to rebuild communities. Since college she has also worked in communications and programming for several non-profits.

After producing content for other media channels, Nikki knew it was time that the world hear officially hear her unique point of view via her own media platform. Hence, in June 2009, Nikki created Nikki and The City, a blog that quickly grew a large audience and provided Nikki an outlet to express her point of view.

In February 2012, Nikki re-launched the brand, transforming it to an online magazine that includes special news reports, video, and original photography. Nikki and The City’s mission is to elevate consciousness and to discuss real stories and issues that impact urban communities around the world. Nikki also gives a unique perspective on fashion & beauty. You can visit Nikki’s fashion site by clicking here.

In 2012 Nikki was chosen as a Community Partner by Be Blogalicious for their annual conference. Click here for more details.

Nikki is also a blogger for The Chicago Defender, which is the city’s first and oldest African American publication. You can view her contributions to the Defender by clicking here.

When Nikki was seventeen years old John 15:5 changed her life. Since then it has been her mission to be used by God to change the lives of others.

 

Contributors

Markeyla Henton is a senior English major, Sociology minor from Chicago, Illinois. She attendsHoward University. A lover of all things English, Markeyla is an avid book reader and writer. Mk, as her friends call her, has taken her passion for the English language and coupled it with her passion for people by creating “Against the Stream Magazine”. Twenty-one years young, Markeyla hopes to work for the Department of Children and Family Services upon returning to Chicago in the nearby future. Because she loves shoes, she has taken on the motto, “There is no occasion too small for heels.” You can keep up with Mk and her magazine on twitter at twitter.com/madamemk and twitter.com/atsmag.