5 BLACK TIKTOK CREATORS THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Juneteenth, observed on June Nineteenth, marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to free enslaved people in Texas two and half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. This day, which also celebrates African-American culture, has been observed annually by Black Americans from Texas since Freedom Day in 1865.
We want to take this moment to highlight a few Black creators, each residing in Texas, that deserve to be celebrated! These creators deserve ALL of the recognition they’ve received on and off TikTok.
DeAndre Brown (@imdrebrown - 679.4K Followers)
DeAndre is the Corporate Baddie of TikTok and creates content surrounding the realities of Black GenZ and Millennials in the corporate world.
His comedic and entertaining content always has an underlying purpose and has caught the attention of his audience. “I just want better for my people,” DeAndre said. He works hard to inspire change in the workforce and spread the message that historically marginalized groups should have a seat at tables they’re often not invited to.
Wisdom Kaye (@wisdm8 - 8.7M Followers)
Wisdom is THE fashion influencer. He’s broken every fashion “rule” there is, and even Vogue considers him “TikTok’s best-dressed guy.”
He posts outfits inspired by anime characters, fashion for mail runs, TikTok sounds interpreted as outfits, runway looks on a budget, and more to his 8+ million followers. His online success led to him getting signed by IMG, working with brands such as Dior, Fendi, Ralph Lauren, Coach, and Revlon.
Keara Wilson (@keke.janajah - 3.5M Followers)
Keara is best known for creating the #SavageChallenge to Megan Thee Stallion’s song… you know, the dance that pretty much everyone around the world learned?
More often than not, Black creators aren’t credited for their work on TikTok, and after Keara received copyright for her viral dance, it was a pretty big deal. Her glowing smile, killer dance moves, and confidence on and offline have inspired so many creators just like her.
Mya Nicole Johnson (@theemyanicole -1.8M Followers)
Though Mya is still a teenager, the young dance sensation has taken TikTok by storm.
She first went viral after creating a dance to Cardi B’s single, “Up,” and she hasn’t stopped there. Her fame continues to rise with her dance videos and lip syncs to trending sounds. After Jimmy Fallon and Addison Rae came under fire for demonstrating TikTok dances originated by Black creators, she was invited to demonstrate her “Up” choreography on The Tonight Show alongside her friend Chris Cotter.
Karen Akpan (@themomtrotter - 1.7M Followers)
In March of 2020, Karen Akpan and her husband, Sylvester, made the decision to sell their home and buy an RV to travel with their 6 year old son Aiden full-time… and TikToker’s are obsessed with their journey.
Karen’s mission, however, impacts more than just people on TikTok. She is a writer, speaker, educator, and founder of Black Kids Do Travel alongside her 6 year old son Aiden with the goal of creating a safe space for families.
She’s made it clear that travel doesn’t have to stop after having kids and encourages and empowers families of color to travel the world. She is whole-heartedly dedicated to raising “global citizens who will grow up to be open and accepting of other cultures.”
Though Juneteenth has been celebrated for generations, this year marks only the second annual observance as a federal holiday–and it was no small feat.
Honoring these creators is just an example of how we can shine a spotlight on the excellence of Black communities, creators, and storytellers.
