By Samara Linton February 1, 2023 in Articles, Main, Media & Entertainment, Social Media, Trends Comments Off

TikTok Kickstarts Black History Month With First-Ever Visionary Voices List

TikTok is celebrating US Black History Month with its first-ever Visionary Voices list, as well as a range of in-app content and IRL events.

#BlackTikTok

This month, TikTok will be hosting a range of LIVE in-app events featuring inspiring Black creatives and innovators across several industries.

The in-app #BlackTikTok hub will also feature stories from Black creators, Black-owned businesses, and non-profit organizations and the sounds page will feature special guests and album playlists showcasing Black talent across music genres.

TikTok is also taking its celebrations offline with the third instalment of its Visionary Voices Salon series and a creator community celebration event in Los Angeles.

“From originating viral trends to elevating Black Joy through music, fashion, wellness and more, the #BlackTikTok community is at the forefront of culture and industry-shifting innovation,” said TikTok in a statement.

“The #BlackTikTok community continues to inspire mainstream culture, fostering viral trends across several popular hashtags including #BlackMusic, #BlackGirlMagic and #SupportBlack.”

Visionary Voices List

This year, TikTok has also published its first-ever Visionary Voices List of Black creators whose work to educate, entertain, and advocate for the Black community is making a significant impact on and off the platform. Meet the 15 creators who made the list below.

Creators

@_itzpsyiconic_– Playing his infamous characters Terri Joe, Jeorgia Peach, and Amethyst Jade, Kelon has brought smiles to his adoring followers nightly on TikTok LIVE.
@cozy.games – Kennedy is a gaming and lifestyle creator who focuses on incorporating coziness into all aspects of life.
@emmanuel.uddenberg – Emmanuel’s minimalism, modern aesthetics and relaxed demeanor provide a calming space for those looking for everyday style inspiration.
@kahlilgreene – This “Gen Z Historian” is best known for his series Hidden History. Also Yale’s first Black president, Kahlil’s goal is to equip young people with an understanding of why American society operates as it does.
@xoxoemira – Emira D’Spain is known for her comedic “Get-Ready- With-Me” makeup videos on TikTok, and as the first Black transgender model to work with Victoria’s Secret, Emira is paving the way for the Black trans representation.

Industry Disruptors

@chikybombomreal – Originally from the Dominican Republic, businesswoman and media influencer Lisette Eduardo is among the most well-known personalities on the internet with over 10.3 million netizens following her account.
@icespicee – “You thought I was feelin’ you?” The 23-year-old Bronx rapper/singer is steadily soaring up the ranks as the First Lady of Bronx Drill.
@keith_lee125 – This Las Vegas based creator uses his platform to highlight little-known small food businesses and restaurants that have amazing food and customer service.
@lynaevanee – This two-time NAACP Image Award Nominee is a multifaceted poet, producer, director and starring talent who uses her platforms to speak on race, feminism, politics, and inclusivity.
@maiyathedon – This Brooklyn-bred beauty creator-turned-Hip Hop artist is rising to stardom with her new single “Telfy,” as well as her big personality and braggy punchlines, with a mission to make everyone feel as confident as she is.

Small Business Owners

@brandonblackwoodnyc – Founder, Creative Director, and CEO of his namesake brand, Brandon was recently nominated for a CFDA Award for Best Accessory Designer and has since expanded his company into eyewear, outerwear and footwear.
@danessamyricksbeauty – Celebrated Makeup Artist & Educator, Danessa 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 – Summer Lucille is a creator and entrepreneur who combines her love for fashion and building womens’ confidence through videos on TikTok.
@spicekitchengrill – Olumide Shokubi, the founder and owner of Spice Kitchen West African Grill, uses TikTok to celebrate the beauty of Black cuisine by sharing the gem that is West African street food with the world.
@urbandessertlab – Courtney B. and Zan B.R. are co-founders of Urban Dessert Lab, the World’s First Oat-Milk Ice Crème Shoppe. The duo has garnered a cult following and nationwide attention with their plant-based creations.