The importance of representation within media publications is the reason why we’ve seen so many outlets successfully flourish for catering to  underrepresented audiences. For AMAKA Studio — a brand new digital media publisher that recently launched on International Women’s Day — its sole mission is dedicated to celebrating stories centered around Pan-African womanhood and those across the diaspora. As a multimedia platform, AMAKA Studio aims to break new ground for African women that provides a space where their culturally-relevant experiences, needs, and interests are being amplified for the world to see from the perspectives of women of their communities. With Nigerian-American journalist and media maven Ivie Ani leading the publication as editor-in-chief, the platform has an overarching goal to bridge the gap between North and Sub-Saharan Africa and expand the media landscape for African women empowerment. Photo Credit: Robert Mayer In this new role, Ani brings with her years of...

Sneaker culture has become a widespread phenomenon in the digital age that was brought to life via the internet. Sneakerheads have existed long before digital media became popularized, but platforms such as Instagram, Tumblr, and others gave them a place to thrive and connect. Though sneaker culture continues to grow and expand through different avenues, one thing remains unchanged — women, especially Black women, are still fighting their way into the “boys club.” “I’ve noticed that Black women, rather than waiting for major corporations to co-sign them, are actually creating their own spaces, platforms and events,” shared Robyn Mowatt — former sneaker columnist/ associate editor at HYPEBAE and current OkayPlayer staff writer. “This means that they’re taking control of their narratives and also making space for the next generation of young women to have ownership of streetwear/sneaker culture on their own terms,” she added. No longer needing approval from the industry’s gatekeepers,...

The digital age of journalism has birthed a new generation of writers who have a contemporary medium for storytelling and news reporting. Digital journalism not only changed the way we consume news but also changed the way journalists distribute their editorial work. Today journalists face the task of navigating social platforms to amplify their work. As social media plays a huge role in news reporting now, it also muddies the space for journalism to have a place to thrive on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and others. Journalist, writer, editor, and on-air commentator, Ivie Ani is a well-respected figure in journalism who uses her various platforms to speak on media, journalism, identity, pop culture, hip hop, the diaspora, music, and history. As a role model for passionate journalists, she’s been able to create purpose behind her work to have a lasting impact on the culture. With a formal background in print journalism from New York University, Ani has a unique view...

Content creator and director Jourdan Guyton does not believe in the word “no.” Throughout her career as an actress and content creator for network television, she longed to see programs that reflected the stories and the faces of women who looked like her. Tired of waiting, she decided to take the reins. Guyton and a former colleague from her television past joined forces to explore programming beyond network television. In 2017, the pair launched “Two Grown,” a web series that explores the hijinks of two young women of color experiencing the personal and professional highs and lows of life in New York. “The web series space leaves room for full and vast credibility. You can tell stories that aren’t limited the way they are in mainstream media. It’s a powerful platform for people of color, because it’s not limited in space or duration,” according to Guyton. When “Two Grown” began, the two co-creators took on multiple roles in front of and behind the camera, along with a small crew....

2019 has been a busy year for actor and producer Issa Rae, and it seems she has no intention of slowing down. Issa has acquired a minority stake in L.A-based streaming startup Streamlytics , which is lead by serial entrepreneur Angela Benton. Angela Benton, a Silicon Valley powerhouse, founded at least two other companies before starting Streamlytics in 2018.  She’s also served in advisory capacities for several other startups, including NewME, a startup accelerator for minority founders . Under her leadership, the accelerator assisted entrepreneurs from underrepresented demographics in raising over $47MM in venture capital funding. According to Streamlytic’s website, their goal is “to level the playing field by democratizing access to streaming media data for both users and companies who want to leverage it.” NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 25: Issa Rae attends Black Girls Rock 2019 Hosted By Niecy Nash at NJPAC on August 25, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty...

UPROXX, an entertainment and pop culture news site known for having a young, digital audience and expanding into Snapchat original series’ such as F That With Vince Staples or the Emmy-nominated basketball docu-series Us Against The World, was recently acquired by Warner Music Group. “Over the past years, we’ve won the trust of our audience, along with numerous industry accolades, because of our understanding of culture, entertainment, and marketing – an approach that’s rooted in authenticity and transparency,” said UPROXX CEO Benjamin Blank in a statement. “With Warner Music Group, we just doubled down on that formula and are now able to deliver more to our audience and partners with even more access and at much bigger scale.” Blank will continue to run the platform as CEO and Chief Creative alongside publisher Jarret Myer. This acquisition follows the news earlier this year that WMG purchased Songkick, a concert discovery app. “With this acquisition, we grow our significance as a...