Community is a vital part of sustainable business practices. At Lokali.T, LLC our goal is to teach about the art of culture-bearing through storytelling to preserve and celebrate the rich culture of Caribbean communities. We promote authorship among people of Caribbean descent to empower us to share our unique narratives, amplify our voices, and contribute to the preservation and growth of Caribbean literature. Through community programs, Lokali T fosters cultural pride, inspires creativity, and builds a stronger sense of identity amongst .
Interviews
The Bookcase
During this interview with host Shawna K. Richards of WTJX's The Book Case, Torhera highlights the challenges and successes of self-publishing, her aspirations to impact the community positively, and her plans for future projects that continue to celebrate and preserve Caribbean stories.
Community Programs
Young Authors Publish Their Book!
After weeks of hard work, the students who participated in Lokali T's Young Author Program as part of Project Promise's Creative Expression Workshop, successfully published their hardcover book. This project was a significant achievement for these young authors!
Interested in publishing an original book with your child or community program? Contact Torhera Durand today!
Community Programs
Young Author's Program
In Spring of 2023, Lokali.T, LLC worked with Project Promise to host the Young Authors Program. During the 12-week Creative Expression workshop students learned about cultural storytelling and created the pages for an original trickster-tale entitled Anansi, Friends, and the Separation! You can purchase a copy of Anansi, Friends, and the Separation at lulujr.com using book ID SU1476820PO.
Art Activities
Illustrating a Cultural Story
The words are only half the story! Integrating illustrating with storytelling enriches the creative process, enhances communication, and empowers students to explore storytelling through various artistic forms. In partnership with The Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts in Freedom City Frederiksted, Lokali.T, LLC nurtured students' imagination, creativity, and self-expression while fostering a love for both literature and the visual arts as they drew original illustrations for the How Anansi Spun Madras story. Be sure to visit CMCArts for more engaging activities!
School Visits
Meeting a Local Author
Meeting a local author is an experience like no other! It provides young students with an opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired by their own cultural heritage while also encouraging them to explore the wider world of literature and storytelling. Torhera Durand, the founder of Lokali.T, LLC has had the pleasure of visiting multiple schools in the U.S. Virgin Islands, sharing the captivating tale of How Anansi Spun Madras with Virgin Islanders young and old! Who knows, your school just might be next!
Interviews
Conversations with a Young Author
Whether online, in person, or over the radio, Torhera Durand has had the privilege of sharing her journey to becoming a self-published children's book author with individuals across the globe!
If you're interested in scheduling an interview contact us directly at info@lokalit.store and be sure to check out one of Torhera's favorite interviews below!
Book Readings
First Lady Yoland Bryan's Virtual Easter Read-Aloud
As part of First Lady Yoland Bryan's Virtual Easter Read-Aloud, in partnership with the Virgin Islands Department of Education, Torhera Durand engaged students with a reading of her story, How Anansi Spun Madras. Students from all over the territory were able to interact and ask questions as they were transported to the colorful world of Anansi in the Caribbean!
Meet and Greets
Book Signings
At Lokali.T, LLC we understand the importance of book signings and meet and greets. These events hold a special significance for children and other readers by nurturing a direct connection between them and the world of literature. Meeting a real-world author can ignite a deeper passion for reading, inspiring young minds to explore their own creativity and providing a tangible link to the storytelling process, which can foster a love for books that last a lifetime!