At the end of January, TikTok announced its first-ever Visionary Voices list, honoring Black creatives, small business owners, and culture change makers on TikTok. They dedicated February to Black TikTok programming and other initiatives to celebrate Black History Month. This will include special guest and album playlists featuring women in hip-hop and more. Throughout February, we will be hosting a series of IRL moments to celebrate our # Black TikTok community. They’re set to host the third installment of their Visionary Voices Salon series, honoring culture changemakers in media and entertainment. They’ll also be celebrating their creator community at a Black History Month celebration in Los Angeles.
#BlackMusic – The Sounds That Move Culture
The resurgence of classic R&B records on TikTok proves that great music will always live on. It also plays on how our communities embrace nostalgia and foster timeless music discovery. They’re proud to be a home for R&B icons to continue to innovate their artistry. TikTok has welcomed R&B star Mya to the platform! The Black TikTok community is at the forefront of culture and innovation. From originating viral dances and sounds to teaching forgotten Black history and championing Black joy through music, fashion, and wellness. This Black History Month and year-round, TikTok is celebrating #BlackTikTok and amplifying the impact this community has had on the culture at large.
TikTok kicked off Black History Month by spotlighting creators, changemakers, and small businesses at the forefront of Black TikTok and culture at large. Their celebrations for the month include unveiling their first-ever “Visionary Voices” list. This is the third installment of their Visionary Voices Media Salon series, featuring Black music playlists, live programming, and more!
2023 Black TikTok Visionary Voices
The first-ever Visionary Voices List honors 15 Black creatives. These include small business owners and culture changemakers who are making an impact and raising the bar in media and entertainment on TikTok.
Creators
- @itzpsyiconic (Houston, TX) – Kelon has created an entire universe (aka “Terriverse”) of utter chaos on TikTok. While playing his infamous characters Terri Joe, Jeorgia Peach, and Amethyst Jade, Kelon has brought smiles to his adoring followers nightly on TikTok LIVE. His content is not for the faint of heart. However, it was nothing short of a great time and a great laugh.
- @cozy.games (San Francisco, CA) – Kennedy is a gaming and lifestyle creator who focuses on incorporating coziness into all aspects of life. She aims to welcome more people into the “cozy” side of the gaming community with inspirational content and game recommendations.
- @emmanuel.uddenberg (Toronto, Canada) – Emmanuel Uddenberg is a creator from Toronto who combines his passion for fashion and creativity through videos on TikTok. His taste in minimalism and modern aesthetics and his relaxed demeanor permeates his account, resulting in a calming space for those looking for everyday style inspiration.
- @kahlilgreene (New York, NY). Kahlil Greene, also known as the “Gen Z Historian,” is a digital educator best known for his series Hidden History, which dives into stories of American injustice. A graduate of Yale University, where he served as the college’s first Black president in its 318-year history, Kahlil’s goal is to equip young people with an understanding of why American society operates as it does through commentary on US politics and culture.
- @xoxoemira (New York, NY). Emira D’Spain is a creator in the fashion and beauty spaces, known for her comedic “GRWM” makeup TikToks. Born in Dubai and raised in Dallas, the transgender model and internet personality has created a platform where she talks to her fanbase of “C*nty Barbies.” She offers tips and insights on beauty and fashion from an authentic point of view. After recently becoming the first Black transgender model to work with Victoria’s Secret, Emira wants to continue paving the way for the LGBTQ+ community.
Industry Disruptors
- @chikybomreal (Miami, FL) – Lisette Eduardo, known as Chikybombom, is a social media personality, businesswoman, and media influencer. Originally from the Dominican Republic, she is among the most well-known personalities on the internet. She has over 10.3 million netizens following her on TikTok.
- @icespicee (New York, NY). “You thought I was feelin’ you?” has become the line heard all across social media, fueled by the Bronx rapper/singer. The 23-year-old rising star first posed that question on her viral hit “Munch (Feelin’ U),” and it’s been up ever since. While Ice Spice is steadily soaring up the ranks as the First Lady of Bronx Drill, she has much more in store. Transcending genres and moving from New York City to the rest of the world.
- @keith_lee125 (Las Vegas, NV). Keith Lee is a creator based in Las Vegas, NV. He uses his platform to highlight small, family-owned, and independently owned restaurants that may have amazing food and customer service but are not well known. Keith uses his food review format to give his honest opinion while enjoying one of his passions—eating food.
- @lynaevanee (Atlanta, GA). Lynae Vanee, a two-time NAACP Image Award nominee, is a multifaceted poet, producer, director, and starring talent hailing from Atlanta, Georgia. A graduate of Spelman College and Boston University with a Master’s Degree in African American Studies. Lynae uses her digital platforms to speak on race, feminism, politics, and inclusivity.
- @maiyathedon (New York, NY). Maiya The Don is a Brooklyn-bred hip-hop artist best known for her big personality and braggy punchlines. Her mission is to make everyone feel as confident as she is. Starting as a beauty creator on TikTok, the 20-year-old is rising to stardom with her new single, “Telfy.” The song pays homage to the Black-owned fashion brand, Telfar.
Small Business Owners
- @brandonblackwoodnyc (Brooklyn, NY) – Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Brandon Blackwood is the founder, creative director, and CEO of his namesake brand. He is a first-generation American born to Jamaican and Chinese parents. In 2015, he created Brandon Blackwood NYC. A brand largely influenced by his own personal life, as every bag is named after members of his family, close friends, or places he has lived. He was also recently nominated for a CFDA Award for Best Accessory Designer. They have since expanded their company into eyewear, outerwear, and footwear.
- @danessamyricksbeauty (Bethpage, NY) celebrated makeup artist & educator for over 25 years. Danessa Myrick’s innovates multi-use products that inspire beauty lovers of all skin tones and skill levels to create, customize, and explore a world of beauty without boundaries.
- @juicybodygoddess (Charlotte, NC) – Summer Lucille is a creator and entrepreneur from Charlotte, NC. She combines her love for fashion and building women’s confidence through videos on TikTok. She reminds people that they are worthy of being loved. She also encourages everyone to love their size, tummy, and body, no matter their size or weight.
- @spicekitchengrill (Brentwood, MD). Olumide Shokubi is the founder and owner of Spice Kitchen. She’s also a first-generation Nigerian American dedicated to being a building block in the reformation and empowerment of Black people. Through creative TikToks, General Manager Marcus Bryan aims to celebrate the beauty of Black cuisine by sharing West African street food with the world.
- @urbandessertlab (New York, NY). Courtney B. and Zan B.R. are co-founders of Urban Dessert Lab, the World’s First Oat-Milk Ice Crème Shoppe. With locations in NYC and West Hollywood, the duo has garnered a cult following and national media attention. Their plant-based creations, including artisanal soft serve, hard scoop ice crème, cakes, toppings, and mix-ins, are worth all the buzz. Zan and Courtney continuously partner with organizations that shed light on social justice issues. They utilize TikTok as a place for community connection and engagement and to share mouth-watering content.
TikTok Celebrates Employees
Throughout the year, TikTok’s employee resource group (ERG) BLXCK, celebrates the endless impact of our Black employee community. Their internal employee resource group BLXCK will spotlight inspiring stories of their employees through inclusive initiatives. This is a part of their company-wide Black History Month celebration. These empower, educate and unite Black excellence within TikTok and uplift the diverse voices driving culture and creativity.
#BlackTikTok LIVE – Join the Celebration
The Black TikTok community continues to drive content and create viral trends across popular hashtags, including #BlackMusic, #BlackGirlMagic, and #SupportBlack. TikTok has an exciting lineup of themed lives scheduled for Friday, February 24. It will feature inspiring Black chefs, artists, musicians, and more. Co-hosted by @tiktoklive_us and @BlackTikTok, the 6-hour live stream will celebrate Black culture, creators, and the endless gift of Black talent on the platform. Be sure to follow @tiktok and @tiktoklive_us for more info on their programming and LIVE schedule lineup!
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