Jade Tha Gemini: Educating and Empowering Caribbean History and Culture through Social Media
by Semaj Bernard
Jade Leatham
Jade Tha Gemini
Jade Leatham also known as Jade Tha Gemini, an award-winning writer, musician, and content creator from Dominica, has become a vibrant force in the Caribbean creative community. Dedicated to showcasing the beauty, history, and resilience of the Caribbean, Jade has used her platform on social media—specifically TikTok—to educate and inspire her growing audience of over 30,000 followers. Through her engaging content, Jade has made it her mission to bring Caribbean history to life, focusing particularly on the island of Dominica and its indigenous Kalinago people.
Jade’s journey as a content creator goes beyond her work as a writer and musician; it is deeply intertwined with her passion for educating others about the Caribbean’s rich and often overlooked history. From her platform on TikTok, Jade shares a wealth of knowledge about Dominica’s cultural heritage, its vibrant traditions, and the stories of the Kalinago people—the island's indigenous community.
Through carefully crafted videos, Jade offers a unique and authentic lens on the history of her homeland, making it accessible and engaging for her diverse audience. “I’ve always felt a strong connection to my Caribbean roots, and I believe that our stories, our voices, and our histories deserve to be told on our own terms,” Jade explains. This belief drives much of her work, as she seeks to teach and inspire others to understand the significance of their own cultural identities.
Her TikTok page has become a space where history is presented with a modern twist, breaking down complex Caribbean narratives into digestible content. Jade’s mission is clear: “I want to tell Caribbean stories through an authentic Caribbean lens, with our own voices, accents, languages, and perspectives.” This dedication to authenticity in storytelling is central to her success and growing influence online.
One of Jade’s primary focuses on her TikTok platform has been shedding light on the Kalinago, the indigenous people of Dominica. For many, the Kalinago are an unfamiliar part of Caribbean history, but through her research and storytelling, Jade has brought their legacy into the spotlight.
Through captivating videos, Jade educates her audience about the history of the Kalinago, their struggles, and their contributions to Caribbean culture. “The Kalinago have always been an integral part of our history,” Jade says. “I believe it’s crucial for us to understand the indigenous roots of our culture. The Kalinago have faced centuries of colonization and resistance, but their story must be preserved.” Her videos delve into their traditional way of life, their deep connection to the land, and the ongoing efforts to safeguard their heritage.
Her work ensures that the Kalinagos’ narrative, often overshadowed in mainstream education, is given the prominence it deserves. “I want to make sure their story is never forgotten,” she adds. Through Jade’s efforts, the Kalinago people are no longer a footnote in history but are now being celebrated as an essential part of the Caribbean identity.
“Our history is not just about what happened in the past; it’s about how it shapes us today.”
Jade’s TikTok following, which spans across the Caribbean and beyond, is a testament to the universal appeal of her educational content. By sharing historical insights in a format that is both accessible and entertaining, she has bridged generational gaps, allowing younger audiences to connect with Caribbean history in a way that feels relevant and engaging.
“I think Caribbean reality resembles the wildest imagination,” Jade says, quoting Gabriel Garcia Marquez. “Through the lens of our history and culture, the world can see that we are more than just a beautiful place to visit. We are a people with a deep, rich legacy that is worth celebrating and sharing.” Jade’s use of social media to showcase the Caribbean’s historical richness allows her to create a global dialogue about the Caribbean’s diverse heritage.
While Jade’s social media presence has become a powerful tool for educating others, it also serves as a platform for fostering pride in Caribbean identity. By sharing stories of the Caribbean's past and present, Jade encourages her followers to appreciate the strength and beauty of their heritage. “Our history is not just about what happened in the past; it's about how it shapes us today,” she says. “It’s about the people who fought for our freedom, the cultures that have been preserved, and the stories that are still waiting to be told.”
For Jade, her work as a content creator is a form of activism—an effort to reclaim and redefine Caribbean narratives in the digital age. By using her platform to educate, inspire, and celebrate Caribbean culture, she is helping to shape a new era of Caribbean storytelling, one where the region's history is no longer hidden in the shadows, but proudly displayed for the world to see.
Jade’s passion for storytelling extends into filmmaking, with her recent project, Rebel: A Story of Love & Caribbean Resistance. The film series, which Jade just wrapped filming in her home country of Dominica, follows two orphaned freedom fighters—Rebel and Renegade—who continue in their parents’ dangerous footsteps while navigating their relationship and internal struggles.
“Rebel” is more than just a narrative about resistance; it’s a powerful exploration of love, legacy, and the unyielding spirit of the Caribbean. “I’m deeply inspired by the resilience of the Caribbean people, and Rebel is a reflection of that strength,” Jade says. The series aims to provide an authentic portrayal of Caribbean history and revolution, with characters who embody the complexities of love and resistance in a turbulent world.
“My aim is to tell Caribbean stories through an authentic Caribbean lens,” Jade emphasizes. “This story isn’t just for Caribbean people; it’s for anyone who wants to understand the depth of our history and the strength of our people.”
As Jade continues to grow her online presence and develop new creative projects, she remains focused on her mission to educate and uplift the Caribbean community. Whether through her TikTok videos, her music, her writing, or her filmmaking, Jade is dedicated to using her creative talents to foster a deeper understanding of the Caribbean's rich and diverse history.
“I want to continue to educate, to inspire, and to celebrate our people,” she says. “The Caribbean has so much to offer the world, and I’m excited to be part of a movement that’s bringing our stories to the forefront.”
Through her work, Jade is not just creating content—she is shaping a legacy that will inspire future generations to understand, appreciate, and preserve the Caribbean’s unique culture and history for years to come.
