*Do us a quick favor: scroll through the list of influencers you follow on your Instagram account and count how many are Black Influencers.
Zippia found that 61.7% of all influencers and content creators are white. As African Americans look to someone like them from whom to take inspiration, they may have a hard time finding what they are looking for.
But that doesn’t mean the canvas is completely blank regarding Black culture. Some remarkable Black creators and social media influencers are writing success stories, spreading awareness, and teaching people to be happier, healthier, and more confident.
To help you seek them out, we’ve compiled this collection of Black social media all-stars from various industries with authentic advice and perspectives worth following. Behind their accomplished exteriors are past tribulations and trials that gave them the know-how and motivation to get where they are.
These are their stories.
Rachel E. Cargle
You have probably heard of Rachel Elizabeth Cargle, a celebrated academic and author, with her powerful words on the need to stand against racism going viral recently. The inspirational story of Rachel Cargle began in her hometown, Green, Ohio, where she was subjected to see the stark differences her Blackness carried in the world.
Her father, a man who failed to provide steady financial support, died when she was just 11. Her mother, whom Cargle describes as creative and industrious, had been disabled by polio as a child.
Comparing the economic difference between herself and her white peers, she started questioning the ins and outs of society and, most importantly, the unequal opportunities given to people of color.
“I grew up in a neighborhood surrounded by wealthy white people, and that gave me a very particular idea of what privileges I was deprived of,” Cargle states.
Her deep-rooted belief and ambition to help fellow women compelled her to publish her debut book, A Renaissance of Our Own: A Memoir and Manifesto on Reimagining. The book is a collection of questions and lessons that prompt her lifestyle and offer a blueprint for Black women to live independently of oppressive structures.
But Cargel’s impact goes way beyond her literary achievements. She’s also the founder of The Loveland Foundation—which aims to make mental health accessible for Black women—and Elizabeth’s Bookshop and Writing Centre, a community dedicated to promoting and celebrating work from marginalized writers. She also offers crash courses targeted at younger generations to help them become educated allies.
Tabitha Brown
Vegan food and Black influencer Tabitha Brown has been a helping hand to people during the COVID-19 lockdown. Sharing the best vegan recipe videos that exude joy and warmth, her name stands tall among the best Black influencers. And while the TikTok sensation always wears a beautiful smile, life wasn’t all fun and games for her.
Ever since she was a kid, Tabitha Brown dreamt of becoming an actor. From performing in her school plays to church and community theater, she attracted the limelight wherever she went. When she felt her degree in Fine Arts wasn’t taking her anywhere, she decided to drop out to pursue her true dream of becoming an actress – a dream that took her thousands of miles from home to Southern California.
Unfortunately, La-La Land wasn’t exceptionally kind to the 19-year-old. Unable to find footing in Hollywood, she returned home in just over a year. “That one year turned into five years, turned into a marriage, baby, job, house, car, and a forgotten dream,” Brown told The New York Times.
And while she threw herself back into auditioning and acting in her hometown, they were never really anything big. “Little, small victories,” she said. The situation soon took a toll on her, and in 2016, Brown was suffering from depression and anxiety. None of the prescribed medicines seemed to work.
Surrounded by hopelessness and darkness, she turned to her faith. “I said, ‘God, please heal me; I will do whatever you ask. Just heal me,” she said. Call it divine intervention or epiphany, but in hindsight, the prayer worked, and Brown was back on her feet, healthier than ever. This time, she took things slow and started with short videos. While she still hoped to secure a big shot in the TV industry, life had a surprise in store for her.
On one December afternoon, Brown uploaded a Whole Foods TTLA sandwich review. A video she expected to go unnoticed broke the internet, transforming her life overnight.
Whole Foods appointed her as their new ambassador, and soon enough, she was hosting vegan festivals, collaborating with vegan companies, and sprawling an empire across retail and entertainment.
Tae León
Keeping your Instagram feed full of workout videos from the most health-conscious sweat sisters is a great way to motivate yourself to hit the gym. And one such social media influencer you can trust in this aspect is none other than Tae León.
With hundreds of circuits and at-home routines, she has used her social media platform to become an inspiration for many women to take a step toward their health.
The Los Angeles native and Stanford student has cultivated a following of 230K followers and has begun to grow her own brand as a wellness professional. But things were not always this bright for her.
Recently, León shared an emotional post on her Instagram account regarding how a cancer battle at the tender age of 9 inspired her to prioritize healthy living.
“Having cancer was tough, but I’m truly grateful for the experience. And while I didn’t let my experience define me, it shaped my perception and how I live every day.”
León’s battle with cancer was painful, exhausting, and draining. Challenged by poisonous chemotherapy, fatigue, and hair loss, she felt trapped and helpless. After spending almost a year at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, she defeated cancer after a long, arduous fight.
Now cancer-free, León finally embarked on her journey to reclaim her health and body. While she initially fell victim to many “quick fixes” and fitness internet scams, her unwavering spirit and determination kept her going.
She never gave up, and after acquiring the right information, she was able to carve out a regimen that worked for her. “It was a lot of trial and error, but ultimately, I was able to find what works for me (and almost everyone!): a clean diet, hard work, and consistency.”
Ever since the powerful social media influencer and content creator has only risen – earning fame through her routines and collaboration with numerous commercial brands. “I never give up because I know I can achieve anything I set my mind to,” says León.
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