TikTok is kicking off Black History Month with Black creatives at the forefront.
On Jan. 31, the social media platform announced its first-ever Visionary Voices list, according to information shared with AfroTech.
In celebration of #BlackTikTok, the list is comprised of Black creators, small business owners, and culture disruptors across beauty, food, music, dance, activism, etc.
The 2023 Black TikTok Visionary Voices features the likes of upcoming rapper Ice Spice, food critic Keith Lee, fashion designer and founder Brandon Blackwood, and more.
The full list of the 15 honorees is below:
Creators
- @_itzpsyiconic_ (Houston, TX)
- @cozy.games (San Francisco, CA)
- @emmanuel.uddenberg (Toronto, Canada)
- @kahlilgreene (New York, NY)
- @xoxoemira (New York, NY)
@itzpsyonic SOOOOO FUNNY @_itzpsyiconic_ @victoriamajors #fyp #foryoupage #viral #georgiapeach #itzpsyiconic ♬ original sound – itzpsyonic
Industry Disruptors
- @chikybomreal (Miami, FL)
- @icespicee (New York, NY)
- @keith_lee125 (Las Vegas, NV)
- @lynaevanee (Atlanta, GA)
- @maiyathedon (New York, NY)
@icespicee♬ Princess Diana – Ice Spice
Small Business Owners
- @brandonblackwoodnyc (Brooklyn, NY)
- @danessamyricksbeauty (Bethpage, NY)
- @juicybodygoddess (Charlotte, NC)
- @spicekitchengrill (Brentwood, MD)
- @urbandessertlab (New York, NY)
@brandonblackwoodnyc As a small business owner, I remember the feeling of packing up my first couple of orders and how excited I was that people enjoyed my products and brand. That’s why I #ShopSmall, because there are business owners like me all around the world who are looking for that support and love. Small Business Saturday is coming up on November 26, so make sure ya’ll go #ShopSmall #withAmex! #ad #AmexAmbassador @americanexpress ♬ original sound – Brandon Blackwood
In addition to unveiling the honorees, TikTok has initiatives in store for the month that include a #BlackTikTok in-app hub, themed TikTok Lives, curated music playlists, recognizing TikTok’s employee resource group (ERG) BLXCK, and a series of IRL moments in honor of Black History Month.
The in-app hub will feature creators telling their stories plus highlight Black-owned businesses and nonprofit organizations.
Known for bringing legendary artists to its platform, the announcement shares that R&B star Mya has made her debut — right on time for the celebration of Black music.
“During Black History Month and beyond, we will celebrate the impact black musicians have on music and culture by putting the spotlight on #BlackMusic throughout the whole month with a special #slowjams mix on SiriusXM on Valentine’s Day and a #womeninhiphop celebration on February 22,” the information details. “Our sounds page will feature special guest playlists throughout February, featuring artists including Black Boy Joy, The Blueprint, RapGirlies and more.”
To keep up with TikTok’s Black History Month programming, follow @BlackTikTok and @tiktok.
