Instagram Highlights Black Creators, Businesses, Organizations With #ShareBlackStories
As Facebook executives speak up and employees walk out to protest CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s handling of Donald Trump’s “when the looting starts, the shooting starts” post, Instagram has shared a list of Black creators, Black-owned businesses, organizations, and hashtags to follow.
“We hear you, we see you and we are with you,” the Facebook-owned company said in a statement. “We stand against racism. We stand with our Black community.”
Tweeting about the initiative, Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, added, “These past few weeks have been depressing and infuriating. We all deserve to live with dignity and without fear of violence. The stories of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, and far too many more, are a reminder of how far we need to go and that we all have the responsibility to create change.”
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In a separate tweet, Mosseri responded directly to the unprecedented intracompany backlash against Zuckerberg. “People are hurting right now, especially our black community,” he wrote. “Now and always, we encourage employees to speak openly when they disagree with leadership. We don’t just want their honesty; we need it.”
Instagram will continue to “amplify Black voices” through weekly spotlights of black creators on the #ShareBlackStories hashtag, it said.
You can see Instagram’s first #ShareBlackStories spotlights below:
Black Creators To Follow
Rachel Cargle (@rachel.cargle) is an activist and the lecturer behind “Unpacking White Feminism” that calls out the racism that goes ignored in modern feminist movements. She has dedicated her page to the teachings of intersectionality and has kicked off a curation of resources dubbed “The Great Unlearn,” including posts […] on accountability throughout all aspects of life. Follow @thegreatunlearn for more information.
Texas Isaiah (@kingtexas) is a portrait photographer focusing his lens within his own communities, primarily those of black, queer and trans experience. He is an award-winning artist whose work has made an impactful contribution to the larger trans narrative through art.
Ashton Attz (@attzs_) is a queer, black, non-binary artist, who paints colorful portraits that often touch on topics such as civic engagement, social justice, and political issues. Today, they are offering “Art Joy” and gifting art to their Black followers. More information here.
Chef Paola Velez (@smallorchids) is an award-winning Afro-Dominican pastry chef and the furloughed Executive Pastry Chef of DC-based @kithandkindc. She shares her Nigerian, Jamaican and Caribbean inspired treats on her page and is currently hosting a DC-area doughnut pop-up–@donadonadc.
Antonio Moore (@tontalks) is a lawyer, public speaker, writer, and co-founder of #ADOS (American Descendents of Slavery), which advocates for reparations and economic civil rights for the Black community. He’s currently using his platform to raise awareness of the the nationwide protests and #BlackLivesMatter movement.
Shirien (@shirien.creates) is an ally and illustrator behind the “Justice For” artwork series. Shirien is using her platform to blend social justice and art to advocate for justice and peace.
Black Businesses To Support
Roberto Lugo (@robertolugowithoutwax) is an artist, ceramicist, social activist, spoken word poet, and educator. He is the owner of Roberto Lugo Studios, where he uses porcelain as his medium of choice, illuminating its aristocratic surface with imagery of poverty, inequality, and social and racial injustice.
Hanahana Beauty (@hanahana_beauty) is an all-natural, handcrafted skincare and beauty brand focused on transparency, sustainability and accessibility. They often connect with top Black women in the beauty and fashion space for Live conversations, community yoga and more. Check out their page for upcoming Lives.
The Under Belly (@theunderbellyyoga) is a yoga studio and movement wear company founded by yoga instructor and positivity activist @mynameisjessamyn. She has offered online yoga sessions since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic and continues to advocate for the Black community and the importance of mental health.
HarperIman Dolls (@harperimandolls) are hand-made linen keepsake dolls that represent the beauty and uniqueness of Black women. They are available in a range of Brown and Black materials, as well as offering customizations and sizes.
Inclusive Randomness (@inclusiverandomness) is a button company that amplifies the message of support and inclusivity. They recently released the new #BlackLivesMatter sticker pack for June. More information here.
Black Lives Matter (@blklivesmatter) was founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer. Black Lives Matter Foundation, Inc is a global organization in the US, UK, and Canada, whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities.
Color Of Change (@colorofchange) designs campaigns that push to end practices that unfairly impact the Black community and champion solutions that help move the movement forward. Many petitions for justice around George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, among others, have been created through Color of Change.
Campaign Zero (@campaignzero) calls on local, state and federal lawmakers in America to take immediate action to adopt policy solutions that will aid in putting an end to police violence and holding police accountable.
NAACP (@naacp) was founded 1909 and is the nation’s first and largest grassroots–based civil rights organization with over 2,000 volunteer-run branches nationwide.
ACLU (@aclu_nationwide) is a nonprofit, non partisan legal and advocacy organization working to ensure civil liberties for all.