Graphic/ Charlotte Clarke
February is Black History Month, and while the Black Lives Matter (BLM) riots of the summer of 2020 may have died down, the fight for social justice is never ending. Back History Month is not only about celebrating black history, but also about amplifying black voices. Here are some influential people to listen to and follow on social media.
@Ibramxkendi
Ibram X. Kendi, best selling author of “How to Be an Antiracist,” is an influential writer who deserves a follow on Instagram from anyone who wants to learn more about his work, and for those who want more book recommendations to help them remain educated. In addition to book related content, he also frequently posts his own thoughts on current events and politics. He made it onto Times list of Top 100 Most Influential People of 2020 and is sure to continue making an impact in not only the literary world, but also society at large.
Photo/ Instagram.com (@ibramxkendi)
@amandascgorman
Amanda Gorman dazzled the nation with her inaugural poem about perseverance and America’s history, and performed for millions once again during the Superbowl. Gorman became the Youth Poet Laureate of Los Angeles in 2014 and the National Youth Poet Laureate in 2019 at the age of 19. She recently graduated from Harvard with a sociology degree and plans to release books, as well as run for office later down the road. Overall, Gorman’s immense success at the inauguration has projected her into the public spotlight, and you do not want to miss what she has to say.
Photo/ Instagram/com (@amandascgorman)
@mspackyetti
Social justice activist and podcast host Brittany Packnett Cunningham posts about a variety of issues regarding current events, racial injustices, her podcast and many more. Her podcast UNDISTRACTED with Brittany Packnett Cunningham explores intersectional feminism—the interaction between many social justice issues and groups of people—and collaborates with other creators such as actress Tracee Ellis Ross to make her podcast and Instagram feed engaging.
Photo/ Instagram.com (@mspackyetti)
@blairimani
Blair Imani is a black, Muslim creator who creates an aesthetically pleasing and education focused feed. She has a #smarterinseconds segment where she educates viewers on topics including Black History Month, queer identity and more through the “Reels,” or short video feature on Instagram. From her educational videos to her fashion posts, she is worth a follow for anyone interested in understanding a perspective different from their own, or for anyone who enjoys an aesthetically pleasing feed.
Photo/ Instagram.com (@blairimani)
@blklivesmatter
The official Instagram account for Black Lives Matter (BLM) is a fantastic resource to learn about the BLM movement and its recent activities. In addition to posts about current events, the BLM instagram posts about prominent black historical figures such as Langston Hughes and Rosa Parks as well as key moments in history that have led to the BLM movement to celebrate Black History Month. Also, celebrities such as actress Yara Shahidi frequently are involved in the posts. All in all, anyone who cares about the BLM movement should follow this account to remain educated on important topics. As one post says, black lives still matter in 2021 and every year to come.
Photo/ Instagram/com (@blklivesmatter)
@moemotivate
Podcast host, author and educator Monique Melton shares her wisdom about a variety of racial topics in the captions of her posts. Many of her posts discuss current events in politics, pop culture or business. Melton describes her page as a space to amplify her own, and other voices of women of color. Her page is worth a follow for anyone who wants to understand their own privilege and for anyone who wants to read insightful analyses of issues regarding race.
Photo/ Instagram.com (@moemotivate)
@ijeomaulou
Ijeoma Oluo, New York Times bestselling author of “So You Want to Talk about Race,” posts book related content on her verified instagram account. Olou frequently posts video conversations with fellow authors or activists on topics such as male white supremacy, mutual aid and race related topics. In addition to activism content, she frequently posts book recommendations or even quick makeup tutorials.
Photo/ Instagram.com (@ijeomaulou)
TikTok
@joelbervell
Bervell is a medical student who shares stories of racial biases in medicine on TikTok. His videos are not just for people who are interested in pursuing a medical career, but for everyone who has a natural curiosity. Not only are racial biases in medicine an under discussed issue, it is extremely relevant today during the pandemic. He also has a segment on black pioneers in medicine where he talks about the life and accomplishments of prominent black scientists. He is worth a follow because of his articulate thinking, engaging videos and honest discussion of race.
Photo/ Instagram.com (@joelbervell)
@chinforshort
Chinyelu, or Chin for short is a twenty year old TikTok creator whose content consists of him discussing whatever is on his mind. Some of his recent videos have touched upon the phenomenon of black people being the punchline of jokes, what intergeneration trauma really means and the modern day consequences of colonization. Chinyelu’s intelligence and humility are demonstrated through his thoughtful analyses and insightful comments. His videos allow viewers access to things they may not have thought about before and are widely accessible to younger audiences.
Photo/ Instagram.com (@chin.for.short)
@taylorcassidyj
Eighteen year old Taylor Cassidy is a verified TikTok creator who spreads self love, motivation, humor and knowledge on her account followed by 2.1 million people. She gained a lot of her following through her “Black Girl Magic Minute” segment where she promotes other black creators and celebrates their accomplishments. Her “fast Black History” segment also provides an up-beat, engaging way to learn about prominent figures in black history and culture. Besides education, Cassidy has dozens of videos about fashion trends, self love advice or classic TikTok dancing. Her videos are sure to make you smile, and you might just learn something along the way!
Photo/ Instagram.com (@taylorcassidyj)