NAHSHON DION

NAHSHON DION, born April 1, 1978, in Altadena, hails from an African American, Louisiana Creole heritage. He is a talented nonfiction writer, photographer, arts advocate, humanitarian, producer, video editor, grant writer, fundraiser, and emerging filmmaker.

Early in life, Nahshon developed a love for writing and TV production, sparked by a school drama class trip to a live taping of the popular sitcom Family Matters. This led his to work in various positions within the production industry, including at Tupac's Look Hear Sound & Vision Productions, The Keenan Ivory Wayans Show, Buena Vista TV (Walt Disney), Russell Simmons' One World Music Beat, Master P's film Da Last Don, Shauna Garr's documentary 1 More Hit, and First Option Entertainment for Magic Johnson's annual Midsummer Night's Magic All-Star Charity game. 

Nahshon has also appeared on screen and in commercials for Chuck E. Cheese and Nintendo. He has danced in music videos for Jazz Pianist/Singer Diana Krall's, "Let's Face the Music & Dance," Gospel singer Yolanda Adams' "Yeah," and Sheryl Crow's performance at the American Music Awards in 1999. 

Nahshon also has extensive publishing experience dating back to 1998, when he served as an assistant to independent publisher and writer Stanley Bennett Clay for SBC Magazine. In 2002, he interned at Trace Magazine during its Black Girls Rock issue, which featured model Jessica White.

Nahshon is a fiercely creative individual whose art is heavily influenced by his past experiences. From a young age, he developed a deep understanding and compassion for those with special needs. He often assisted his illiterate grandfather, blind grandmother, and dyslexic mother with tasks involving counting, reading, and writing. In his teenage years, he supported developmentally disabled adults through the JTPA summer youth employment program. 

March 3, 1991, had a profound impact on Nahshon. After watching the news coverage of Los Angeles Police officers violently attacking their close family friend, Rodney Glen King, chaos erupted at Nahshon’s front door - the same place where King and his wife used to live. The ensuing media frenzy only added to the turmoil. At fourteen years old, Nahshon was deeply affected by the aftermath of the Rodney King incident and the ongoing gun violence within her community. He felt compelled to share his thoughts in an essay contest sponsored by Discovery Card, for which she won $500. 

Then, at the age of nineteen, he was shot in a violent, homophobic encounter in Hawthorne, but still managed to shoot his attacker. The traumatic incident caused him years of physical recovery, and the psychological impact lingers.

Years later, after living in Culver City, Nahshon felt a deeper calling. In 2013, Nahshon left his life behind in Los Angeles and started a new chapter in New York. This move allowed him to focus on his writing, self-acceptance, and healing. Writing became a form of therapy, inspiring him to advocate for himself, other survivors, and the LGBTQ community. He has contributed to literary works featured in various anthologies and journals centered around themes of identity formation, mental health, and survival. His writing reflects the voices of marginalized communities, shedding light on their daily struggles.

Nahshon is known for her impeccable memory, keen observational skills, and storytelling. His creative efforts and advocacy have earned him multiple grants, fellowships, and national recognition and support from several Southern California Politicians. His first untitled memoir received development funding from figures in the publishing, arts, entertainment, and media industries, and the United States Government.
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In 2021, Nahshon was interviewed for Changes: An Oral History of Tupac (Simon & Schuster). He also collaborated with Aim4theHeart, Tracy Robinson, and Leila Steinberg to organize a virtual tribute for Tupac Shakur's 50th birthday and the 25th anniversary of his passing. The event was later streamed on TRANSBRATIONS YouTube channel.

In 2024, with support from the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and Community Partners, Nahshon organized the 25th anniversary of Transgender Day of Remembrance to honor victims of transphobia. The City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, and the California State Senate acknowledged him and TRANSBRATIONS Art Collective for his impact on the community. Additionally, he received a fellowship from the Intercultural Leadership Institute (ILI) and an Individual Artist grant from the New York State Council on the Arts. 

On January 7, 2025, the Eaton Canyon Wildfire in Altadena, CA, destroyed the homes of four of his family members, many friends, and dozens of former schoolmates. The tragedy struck a deep personal chord—his sister, Shennea, had died in a Los Angeles fire in February 2005. In the wake of disaster, he serves on the Altadena Community Land Trust Committee and is using her art to uplift, unite, and rebuild his community while raising awareness about social and environmental issues. He is producing a documentary and writing a memoir—both titled My Beloved Altadena—and curating an anthology called Our Beloved Altadena.

Nahshon remains dedicated to advocating for the arts. He generously volunteers his time as a grant writer, grants panelist, and awards juror. He has helped numerous artists, entrepreneurs, and victims of crime secure significant grants, funding, and essential resources.

Nahshon Dion’s life is a shining example that, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, anyone can succeed and flourish through determination and a desire to uplift others. His impact and invaluable lessons will continue to ring true, spark inspiration, and guide future generations.