TikTok celebrates the Black TikTok Community and Black History Month 2023 with the first-ever Visionary Voices List

From originating viral dances and sounds, to teaching forgotten Black history and championing Black Joy through music, fashion, wellness and more, the #BlackTikTok community is at the forefront of culture and innovation. This Black History Month and year-round, we’re here to celebrate #BlackTikTok and amplify the impact this community has had on culture at-large.

TikTok is kicking off Black History Month by spotlighting the creators, changemakers and small businesses at the forefront of #BlackTikTok and culture at-large. Their celebration will include unveiling our first-ever Visionary Voices list, the third installment of our Visionary Voices Media Salon series, Black music playlists, LIVE programming and more!

The first-ever Visionary Voices List honors Black creatives, small business owners and culture changemakers on TikTok who are making an impact and raising the bar in media and entertainment. Read more about these visionary change agents below! 

Creators

• @_itzpsyiconic_ (Houston, TX) – Kelon has created an entire universe (aka “Terriverse”) of utter chaos on TikTok. While playing his infamous characters Terri Joe, Jeorgia Peach, and Amethyst Jade, Kelon has brought smiles to his adoring followers nightly on TikTok LIVE. His content is not for the faint of heart, but it is nothing short of a great time and a great laugh.
• @cozy.games (San Francisco, CA) – Kennedy is a gaming and lifestyle creator who focuses on incorporating coziness into all aspects of life. She aims to welcome more people into the “cozy” side of the gaming community with inspirational content and game recommendations.
• @emmanuel.uddenberg (Toronto, Canada) – Emmanuel Uddenberg is a creator from Toronto who combines his passion for fashion and creativity through videos on TikTok. His taste in minimalism and modern aesthetics and his relaxed demeanor permeate across his account, resulting in a calming space for those looking for everyday style inspiration.
• @kahlilgreene (New York, NY) – Kahlil Greene, also known as the “Gen Z Historian,” is a digital educator best known for his series Hidden History, which dives into stories of American injustice. A graduate of Yale University where he served as the college’s first Black president in its 318 year history, Kahlil’s goal is to equip young people with an understanding of why American society operates as it does, through commentary on US politics and culture.
• @xoxoemira (New York, NY) – Emira D’Spain is a creator in the fashion and beauty space, known for her comedic “Get-Ready- With-Me” makeup videos on TikTok. Born in Dubai and raised in Dallas, the transgender model and internet personality has created a platform where she talks to her fanbase of “C*nty Barbies,” offering tips and insights on beauty and fashion from an authentic point of view. After recently becoming the first Black transgender model to work with Victoria’s Secret, Emira wants to continue paving the way for the LGBTQ+ community.

Industry Disruptors

• @chikybomreal (Miami, FL) – Lisette Eduardo, known as Chikybombom, is a social media personality, businesswoman, and media influencer. Originally from the Dominican Republic, she is among the most well-known personalities on the internet with over 10.3 million netizens following her on TikTok.
• @icespicee (New York, NY) – “You thought I was feelin’ you?” has become the line heard all across social media, fueled by Bronx rapper/singer Ice Spice. The 23-year-old rising star first posed that question on her viral hit “Munch (Feelin’ U)” and it’s been up ever since. While Ice Spice is steadily soaring up the ranks as the First Lady of Bronx Drill, she has much more in store—transcending genres and moving from New York City onto the rest of the world.
• @keith_lee125 (Las Vegas, NV) – Keith Lee is a creator based in Las Vegas, NV who uses his platform to highlight small owned and family restaurants that may have amazing food and customer service, but are not well known. He uses his food review format to give his honest opinion while enjoying one of his passions — eating food.
• @lynaevanee (Atlanta, GA) – Lynae Vanee, a two-time NAACP Image Award Nominee, is a multifaceted poet, producer, director and starring talent hailing from Atlanta, Georgia. A graduate of Spelman College and Boston University with a Master’s Degree in African American Studies, Lynae uses her digital platforms to speak on race, feminism, politics, and inclusivity.
• @maiyathedon (New York, NY) – Maiya The Don is a Brooklyn-bred Hip Hop artist best known for her big personality and braggy punchlines, with a mission to make everyone feel as confident as she is. Starting as a makeup artist and beauty creator on TikTok, 20-year-old Maiya is rising to stardom with her new single “Telfy,” which pays homage to Black-Owned fashion brand, Telfar.

Small Business Owners

• @brandonblackwoodnyc (Brooklyn, NY) – Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Brandon Blackwood is the Founder, Creative Director, and CEO of his namesake brand. He is a first generation American born to Jamaican and Chinese parents, and in 2015 he created Brandon Blackwood NYC — largely influenced by his own personal life as every bag is named after his family, close friends, or places he has lived. He was also recently nominated for a CFDA Award for Best Accessory Designer and has since expanded his company into eyewear, outerwear and footwear.
• @danessamyricksbeauty (Bethpage, NY) – Celebrated Makeup Artist & Educator for over 25 Years, Danessa Myrick’s innovates multi-use products that inspire beauty lovers of all skin tones and skill levels to create, customize, and explore a world of beauty without boundaries.
• @juicybodygoddess (Charlotte, NC) – Summer Lucille is a creator and entrepreneur from Charlotte, NC who combines her love for fashion and building womens’ confidence through videos on TikTok. She reminds people that they are worthy of being loved and encourages everyone to love their size, tummy and body, no matter their size or weight.
• @spicekitchengrill (Brentwood, MD) – Olumide Shokubi, the founder and owner of Spice Kitchen, is a first-generation Nigerian-American dedicated to being a building block in the reformation, education, and empowerment of Black people everywhere. Through creative videos on TikTok, General Manager Marcus Bryan aims to celebrate the beauty of Black cuisine by sharing the gem that is West African street food with the world.
• @urbandessertlab (New York, NY) – Courtney B. and Zan B.R. are co-founders of Urban Dessert Lab, the World’s First Oat-Milk Ice Crème Shoppe. With a location in New York City and a second location coming soon to West Hollywood, CA, the duo has garnered a cult following and nationwide media and celebrity attention with their plant-based creations, including artisanal soft serve, hard scoop ice crème, cakes, toppings and mix-ins. Zan and Courtney continuously partner with organizations who shed light on social justice issues and utilize TikTok as a place for community connection, engagement, and to share mouth-watering content.

The #BlackTikTok community continues to drive content and create viral trends across popular hashtags including #BlackMusic, #BlackGirlMagic and #SupportBlack. 

Throughout the month, the #BlackTikTok in-app hub will feature inspiring stories from creators, Black-owned businesses including @aujanessweets, @endpovertymaketrillions, @redbaycoffee, @travelconciergepartners, @hbcualum, @blacktravelbox, @recotaylor1, @thesleepmovie and @mbmswim and NGOs including @homeboyindustries and @blackgirlventures amplifying the power of the Black community and its impact on mainstream culture. 

#BlackMusic – The Sounds that Move Culture

The resurgence of classic R&B records on TikTok proves that great music will always live on and how our community embraces nostalgia and fosters timeless music discovery. We’re proud to be a home for our R&B icons to continue to innovate their artistry and we’re excited to welcome R&B legend, Mya to the platform! 

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 February, our sounds page will feature special guest and album playlists and a suite of new TikTok playlists including Gospel, Black Boy Joy, The Blueprint, RapGirlies and Newcomers. Look forward to a smooth #slowjams mix on SiriusXM on Valentine’s Day and a week-long #womeninhiphop celebration with a Toronto billboard highlighting five top rap girlies to round out the month.

#BlackTikTok LIVE  – Join the Celebration

There is an exciting lineup of themed LIVEs scheduled for Friday, February 24, featuring inspiring Black chefs, artists, musicians and more. Cohosted by @tiktoklive_us  and @BlackTikTok, the 6 hour livestream will celebrate Black culture, creators and the endless gift of Black talent on the platform. Be sure to follow @tiktok and @tiktoklive_us for more info on the programming and LIVE schedule lineup!

Showcasing Black Creativity LIVE from TikTok LIVE x #BlackTikTok 

Celebrating #BlackTikTok IRL

Throughout February, there will be hosting a series of IRL moments to celebrate our #BlackTikTok community. We’re set to host the third installment of the Visionary Voices Salon series, honoring culture changemakers in media and entertainment, and will also be celebrating the creator community at a Black History Month celebration in Los Angeles. 

Amplifying the Black brilliance of TikTok’s Internal Community

Throughout the year, the employee resource group (ERG) BLXCK, celebrates the endless impact of our Black employee community. As a part of the company-wide Black History Month celebration, the internal employee resource group BLXCK will spotlight inspiring stories of employees through inclusive initiatives that empower, educate and unite Black excellence within TikTok and uplift the diverse voices driving culture and creativity. 

@BlackTikTok – Follow the Community

TikTok is committed to honoring and celebrating the excellence that is #BlackTikTok this month and all year-round.

Be sure to follow @BlackTikTok, @TikTokCreators and @TikTok to stay up-to-date on the Black History Month programming and the #Black community.

© 2023, Seth “Digital Crates” Barmash. All rights reserved.