Not even the culture vultures could stop Jalaiah Harmon’s shine!

After her famous “Renegade” dance was stolen by popular TikTok star, Charli D’Amelio, the culture rallied behind the young choreographer before she ultimately received an apology from D’Amelio and her well-due credit.

As previously reported by AfroTech, Harmon created the dance alongside her 12-year-old Instagram friend back in September 2019. Initially, she was pleased to see the dance gaining attention, but shocked to find that there was no mention of its originator.

@jalaiahharmonLets see you do it ! 🔥🔥❤️♬ renegade mashup – roman &lt3

Receiving The Short End of the Stick

While Harmon’s dance made its rounds on social media, she was still not getting the credit she deserved. Not only did her moves take over TikTok, but they also found their way to Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

@jalaiahharmonflip her like a channel📺🔥 my vc !♬ original sound – 🇱🇦🎡malysa

 

Jalaiah Harmon's Influence

From celebrities to top influencers, everyone was doing the dance, yet TikTok influencers Charli D’Amelio and Addison Rae Easterling were flown out to teach cheerleaders the dance for NBA All-Star Weekend. Furthermore, they were also invited to perform the dance. However, the main person missing was the originator of the Renegade dance.

Bittersweet Moments

“I was happy when I saw my dance all over,” said Harmon, according to reports at the time. “But I wanted credit for it. I posted on Instagram and it got about 13,000 views, and people started doing it over and over again.”

 

Still Winning

Now, she’s getting all the credit she deserves and then some.

Harmon made the Forbes Top Creators 2022 list, and the outlet revealed she made approximately $1 million in 2021 earnings.

She also made the publication’s 2021 30 Under 30 Social Media list.

Still Making Boss Moves

Harmon has even worked alongside brands like Levi’s, Netflix, and Coca-Cola following the success of her Renegade dance.

@jalaiahharmon Give it your best shot! Show me how you #ShareTheMagic! @cocacola ♬ original sound – Jalaiah🫂

With more than three million followers on social media, Harmon has also been the center of advertising campaigns like Champion’s Reverse Weave Week in October 2021. The Fayetteville, GA, native continues to shine, even though others tried to steal her spotlight.

Advice To Fellow Content Creators

While the culture has been outraged when it comes to the treatment of Black content creators, Harmon says it’s just as important for people to continue to speak out when things aren’t right.

“My advice would be to not let it get to you but still speak up because you don’t want it to just be one thing and disappear after you’ve said something once,” said Harmon during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “Still have it in the air somewhere so that people can hear you.”