BITES // 02.04.21 // CELEBRATING BLACK VOICES
This month we collected six of the best pieces of content published on the web celebrating Black voices. We believe that the most extraordinary thinking is inspired by looking to unexpected places. BITES is a reading list for those who want to bring a little of the outside, in.
1. BEATS LOVE US
As America continues to fight racial injustices and shed light on the adversity systematic oppression has caused, Beats decided to paint a picture of hope and affirm the intrinsic excellence Black people have within them. Beats enlisted world-renowned director Melina Matsoukas, artist Tobi Nwigwe, industry stars Naomi Osaka, Lil Baby, Bubba Wallace, and Janya Future to tell a story that highlights the everyday beauty and excellence in Blackness. When big brands like Beats bring together Black artists and give them a platform to tell stories, it reaffirms Black voices and sets the tone for other brands within the industry.
2. YOUTUBE SUPPORTS BLACK CREATORS
The storm of inequities that were uncovered during the height of racial strife last summer has led to big brands taking action to fill in the holes and make change where they can. YouTube recently announced its first round of winners of the class of 2021 YouTube Black voices, an initiative to ensure that Black content creators, musicians, beauty entrepreneurs, and comedians within the space can be recognized and receive assistance to further develop their platforms. YouTube will provide each class with funding to ensure the growth and stability of Black content creators on their platform. This type of action is really exemplary in highlighting Black voices and should inspire brands in all sectors to make impactful change rather than performative action.
3. TIKTOK BLACK CREATOR INCUBATOR
The onslaught of Black creatives voicing the inequities they face from brands and platforms has created a need for brands to take action. Recently TikTok, a platform that has faced a lot of backlash for neglecting Black creatives, has created an incubator program for them. This three-month program is focused on investing and amplifying the voices of 100 chosen creatives with access to panels with successful Black figures, community building forums, and events. Much like other brands and platforms, it is refreshing to see bigger entities taking direct action to combat the inequities they have contributed to.
4. INAUGURATING BLACK VOICES
While performances at the inauguration are nothing new, this year’s inauguration allowed the voice of a young Black woman to be celebrated and heard by the world. Amanda Gorman, a twenty-two-year-old activist and the youngest poet to ever perform at the presidential inauguration recited a beautiful piece. In her poem, she read brilliantly written words that told the story of America’s painful history, its current state and a hopeful future. The likes of Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Hillary Clinton and Vice President Kamala Harris took to Twitter to share their overwhelming pride and joy to have witnessed such greatness. In a year where a lot of times hope was lost, it was special to hear a Black voice with incredible conviction of hope, set the tone for the new presidency.
5. COLORISM WON’T BE TOLERATED
Singer-songwriter DaniLeigh recently released the track “Yellow Bone” where she recites “Yellow bone that’s what he wants” repeatedly. After its release, she received incredible backlash on social media for the exploitation of African American culture and colorism as she does not identify as a Black woman. At a time where people are actively denouncing America’s deeply rooted racism, the rally of people condemning this song and sharing cultural anecdotes of why it’s wrong is progress for the Black community.
6. AMPLIFY ENTREPRENEURIAL VOICES
During the Pandemic and civil unrest, corporations that were built on the back of Black culture were held accountable for their performative antics. The disruption was not only very necessary but long overdue. However, the question still remains. How do brands make a sustainable economic impact in the communities that they take so much from? With that in mind, Pharrell Williams saw this as an opportunity to galvanize all of his relationships including global brands, venture capitalists, foundations, and many others to start a fund called the Black Ambition Prize, for Black and Latinx founders across several industries to fund and amplify their voices through helping them accelerate their path to success.
TAKEAWAY:
In a traumatic year where the Black community experienced incredible loss, profound ignorance, and unimaginable adversity, one of 2020’s notable legacies will be the fight for Black voices to be heard. No matter what occurs Black voices are never silenced: These examples are true celebrations of how powerful black voices are and how they set the tone for brand initiatives, presidencies, entrepreneurship and culture. Beyond the continued amplification of Black voices is the necessary celebration of them. To be celebrated is to be affirmed and heard, leading to the resolve of societal pitfalls and division.
