Update: 6/1/20
Given the current circumstances, I figured it was a good time to update this post and add a few new influencers to this list. Now more than ever, it is essential to follow and listen to BIPOC across the world to educate and become the best version of ourselves. I am committed to amplifying black and brown voices whenever possible, and if there’s anyone you think should be included here, please leave a comment with their info!
These last couple of weeks have been an absolute whirlwind, my friends.
ICYMI: I made a tweet a few days ago about influencers of color that went viral and vented my frustration about the lack of diversity in the influencer world. Specifically, those influencers that are hand-picked for press trips.
Since then, the tweet (and this meaningful conversation!) has been shared by Yahoo, Business Insider, Metro, and PRWeek. I’ve also done a couple of more interviews with other national news outlets and can’t wait to share those articles with you once they go live!
Why we Need Better Representation of Influencers of Color
Diversity is a really important subject for me. Growing up, I didn’t see that many dark-skinned women who looked like me on the covers of magazines; and that lack of representation made me feel inferior. I knew I didn’t fit into a western standard of beauty, and it made me feel ugly. Heck, there was even a point when I was younger that I prayed that I would wake up with lighter skin just so I could be considered beautiful.
Over time, things got a little better. Once blogging became a thing, I was able to follow and connect with women of all different body types/shapes/sizes/colors. Aerie started a revolutionary campaign and stopped retouching their models. Olay invited real women to model in their NYFW show without makeup. Things were going in the right direction, and brands were becoming more inclusive. Or so I thought.
Even though some brands have done a fantastic job at being inclusive, there are plenty of other companies that still choose the same type of influencer for their campaigns. Thin. Light skinned. Free of disabilities. And my friends — I am sick of it. We need more influencers of color!
This industry is full of talented influencers of color who would be great additions to any brand campaign. And today, I wanted to share a list of some influencers of color that should be on your radar.
thanks for sharing and updating this list! checking out some under-25k ladies now. 😉
Xx http://theactivespirit.com/
Thank you Alicia. Many blessings.
http://www.rsrue.blogspot.con
I’d love to share this post on my IG page as a story. Could you add it to your bio as a swipe up or post with it so I can share it from your page?
Thank you for wanting to share this! Added this to my “BLM” Instagram Story highlight, hope that works!
Thank you!
this is an amazing list, thank you!
Hi Alicia! great round up, found it through Grace’s blog.
I would add myself Rachelle – @pinksole_rach
Audrey – @audreypatriciaw
Christy and Shelcy – @nycxclothes
Paola – @findingpaola
this is an amazing list, thank you!
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Loved this article and list! Representation is so crucial in the creative space! I’d love to see Monet McMichael, Avonna Sunshine, Black Girl Vlogs, and Golloria on this list!