TikTokEvery day, people use TikTok to creatively express themselves and connect with audiences and communities worldwide. In honor of Juneteenth, we are highlighting Black creatives, learning more about their journeys on TikTok and what it means to be a standout talent on the platform. While the fight for social justice continues, so does our commitment to elevate and support Black voices. From celebrating their unique perspectives, to sharing their stories and educating their communities, these creators continue to make an incredible impact on culture and the trends that impact us all. We chatted with each of them to get the inside scoop on their favorite TikTok, how they find inspiration, and what Juneteenth means to them:
@antonibumba
I’m honestly the most proud of the latest series that I created on TikTok known as “The BBL Effect”. Even though it is a light-hearted, parody-toned concept, I believe that it empowers women and feminine people to be empowered by whatever part of them resonates with the content.
How has your identity influenced or shaped you?
My identity as a first generation, Black Congolese, non-binary person has inspired me tremendously over the years. It has shaped me into an individual who is as passionate, creative, and resilient as they are mindful, socially conscious, and progressive. I’ve faced so many challenges throughout my young years, that I’m sure would’ve broken so many people, but through my strength and love I get from friends, family, and the grace of God, my will to live is at an all time high.
How do you celebrate Juneteenth and what does it mean to you?
Juneteenth is a day that I choose to celebrate and reflect on – along with the rest of the Black community – all of the people who have paved the way for us to be where we are today, what we can do to continue to heal and move forward. But we mostly celebrate... celebration, laughter, and dance as the way we heal.
How has the TikTok community inspired you?
The TikTok community has inspired me by giving me the opportunity to create a voice for myself and the world that I believe in. Having this platform inspires me to create value wherever I can, and be more open and willing to be creative in my day-to-day life.
Who are some Black TikTok creators that everyone should be following?
@jowodaaa, @itskeyonn, @uniekue (lights up my heart), @anaykashe (so relatable) - all funny asl!
@coreyjbradford
What video am I most proud of creating? That's really hard to decide. I honestly am so proud of how well all of my reenactment videos have done and how they have been received by the world. So, I'm just going to let TikTok choose your favorite one. (lol)
How has your identity influenced or shaped you?
I am a creative person at heart and I always choose to let my light shine authentically, no matter if it's on social media or in real life. I am so happy that TikTok has served as a platform to reach many, by just being me.
How do you celebrate Juneteenth and what does it mean to you?
I usually celebrate Juneteenth by hanging with family and friends at a cookout or a party. It's nothing but good vibes through and through. I love to celebrate with great music and food that best represents the Black community and culture.
How has the TikTok community inspired you?
The TikTok community has inspired me by showing so much creativity within trends and giving me ideas of how to add a twist to my videos. Authenticity is a must when it comes to having and maintaining a brand online. So, that is something that I am always inspired by and it reminds me that I am enough in whatever I do, or post.
Who are some Black TikTok creators that everyone should be following?
These following creators are some that you should be watching because of their creativity and originality: @bomanizer, @heyjusten, @obioojones.
@darlene_octavia
The video I'm most proud of? My recipe for vegan Mac n Cheese - to this day it's one of my favourite recipes!
How has your identity influenced or shaped you?
I’m a Black, British, Antiguan woman now living in America …so there are definitely a lot of layers to my identity. It was a huge culture shock when I moved here. Racism is a lot more 'in your face' and bold here, whereas it's more hidden back in the U.K. It was pretty tough to adjust to but now I'm grateful because I've learned so much. I embrace being a Black woman and a child of immigrants so much. I learned very early on from my granny that we have to work extra hard to get what we want and she hammered home the significance of education, because knowledge is power.
How do you celebrate Juneteenth and what does it mean to you?
If I’m honest, I’d never even heard of Juneteenth until I moved to America six years ago. It’s crazy to me that such a significant day in Black history is not more widely celebrated. I celebrate by relaxing, cooking my favourite food and hanging out with my family!
How has the TikTok community inspired you?
Although I create food content I mostly watch personal finance, skincare and family channels. Oh, and I love watching professional cleaners/ housekeeper channels. I find them so therapeutic and they inspire me to get up and clean my room! I also want to start my own business and I've learned so much from my fellow creators.
Who are some Black TikTok creators that everyone should be following?
@beauty2thestreetz, @thehannafamily_, @_dailysmiles_
@dashawnmoon
How has your identity influenced or shaped you?
I feel like my identity as a creator has shaped me to be a more open person. I’m normally to myself, but the exposure helps me stay alert, active, engaged, and not so to myself.
How do you celebrate Juneteeth and what does it mean to you?
Juneteenth means a lot to me considering it’s the day that changed a lot for Black people. I also celebrate by attending Juneteenth events or just spreading the word.
How has the TikTok community inspired you?
The TikTok community has inspired me to be myself unapologetically. Some people will love you, some will hate you, but it doesn't matter.
Who are some Black TikTok creators that everyone should be following?
@niccoya – she’s the moment.
@haviahmighty
The 'Peng Black Girls' video is the one I'm most proud of. It's got the highest number of views of all my videos, but also, the most positive engagement. It's a reminder for so many Black women globally that they are beautiful, loved and SEEN.
How has your identity influenced or shaped you?
As I introspectively dig into myself for understanding, growth, love and healing - everything I extract influences and shapes my existence and output. Who I am is so greatly intertwined with what I do (creating music) and in a society where people that look like me are often dismissed, I make it a point to celebrate all of the elements that make up "self".
How do you celebrate Juneteeth and what does it mean to you?
Juneteeth is a representation, to me, of how hard the Black community has to work for the smallest recognitions. While it represents the ending of the Civil War and the freeing of slaves, we are still fighting for equal rights today, bit by bit, step by step. I celebrate Juneteeth by continuing to do the work of normalizing the equality of Black existence.
How has the TikTok community inspired you?
TikTok is a new sense of community. On this app, I've seen videos showcasing cultural differences, people educating others on themes or topics they may not understand, and fun challenges overall. It's a large hub of content where you can find whatever you're looking for, and you will find things you never knew you wanted to see. That's what inspires me most about TikTok!
Who are some Black TikTok creators that everyone should be following?
@omegamighty, a local Black artist/singer/makeupartist/dancer. Her content is very fun, wholesome & fashionable! The epitome of Black girl magic! @renayalthea – she's a confidence coach, so in addition to fun content, her videos are always reminding you of your worth! @sincerelyexmiranda, a local Black rapper and creative who shares all kinds of creative musical content and raps! @igobylu, a local Black singer, body positivity, warm wholesome content!
@heytonytv
I’m proud any video that I create! I work hard to bring something authentic and creative to TikTok! If I had to chose, it would be this video! It set the bar high for my creativity, ever since then nothing has been the same!
How has your identity influenced or shaped you?
I strive to be somebody that I would want to be around if I wasn’t me! I love to laugh, I love to have a good time, and I’m a kind-spirited person at heart! When people see that you have a good spirit, it makes them want to love and support you more.
How do you celebrate Juneteenth and what does it mean to you?
I celebrate Juneteenth with my friends and family. Juneteenth means so much more for us than just a day of freedom for our ancestors — it’s a day of history where we sit down and talk about the Black experience and about how no matter what life may bring, being Black is truly a beautiful thing!
How has the TikTok community inspired you?
The TikTok community has inspired me to stay creative and persistent! There is so much talent now on TikTok. Seeing that this app has given so many a chance to pursue their dream is inspiring! I love to see people win!
Who are some Black TikTok creators that everyone should be following?
Man There are so many! I wish I could name them all! @lashaygreenwood is hilarious, her skits are similar to mine so if you love that “TeacherVerse” comedy! She’s definitely a go to! @niccoya is another favorite — she's interesting to watch to say the least! Very unintentionally funny! @saydenseay — Tayden’s skits take me out of here! Especially when he hits the deep voice!
@singkirbysing
What video am I most proud of creating? My Aunt Jemima TikTok... undoubtedly. That video not only changed culture, but opened my eyes to how I could authentically be an activist.
How has your identity influenced or shaped you?
Identity influences everything that I do. The biggest question I ask myself 'is this authentic?' 'Is this in alignment with who I am or who I hope to be?' This question helps guide me and keep me rooted when I’m tempted to change who I am for a temporary benefit.
How do you celebrate Juneteenth and what does it mean to you?
With good food and great people. I believe that celebrating my friends' successes and how far we all have come honors those whose shoulders we stand on. This year I’ll be in NYC celebrating so I am super excited.
How has the TikTok community inspired you?
TikTok is my digital happy place. I have to time myself because I can easily spend hours on the app, but I love that it’s such a positive space. It really is an app that encourages joy, and we needed that in 2020. In addition, the TikTok for Black Creatives program was such an eye opening experience. Being able to connect with young, Black, up-and-coming creatives and veterans in the entertainment industry reminded me that where I am now is just a part of the journey to get to where I want to be.
Who are some Black TikTok creators that everyone should be following?
@bomanizer, @taylorcassidyj, @jlbunny
@theejoshneal
My favorite TikTok would have to be this video. This was an original video/trend that I started and it was also responsible for a lot of the following that I have to this very day!
How has your identity influenced or shaped you?
My identity has influenced me as far as confidence, self-esteem and knowing that I come from an amazing group of people. I think Black people influence the world and are always the frontrunners when it comes to what this generation likes in entertainment, fashion, sports, music & the list goes on.
How do you celebrate Juneteenth and what does it mean to you?
I celebrate Juneteenth by going to Lake Merritt in Oakland, California and spending it with my brothas and sistas, dancing, eating and celebrating the liberation of our people.
How has the TikTok community inspired you?
The Tiktok community has inspired me tremendously when it comes to my creativity, my drive and also when it comes to finding new and different ways to tell a story.
Who are some Black TikTok creators that everyone should be following?
Everyone should follow these creators because they're creative and FUNNY AS HELL: @carlomalis, @thevantalord, @grace_africa, @chrislobanzo. I promise you will not be able to watch their videos without laughing!!
@youngyosa
My favorite video to create was a video that described my business NASO. It was able to authentically convey the work that we are doing to inspire the next generation to change the world.
How has your identity influenced or shaped you?
My identity has shaped me into who I am today. The combination of my Western and African roots has enabled me to have a unique perspective on the world. My identity as a first-generation Nigerian-American fuels my passion of giving back to underserved communities, from rural Africa, to the US through my brand NASO.
How do you celebrate Juneteeth and what does it mean to you?
Juneteenth is a day of reflection. To me, the holiday represents freedom and shines light on an important moment in history that deserves to be celebrated.
How has the TikTok community inspired you?
TikTok is one of the most powerful platforms in the world because of its unique ability to bring people together in a truly authentic way. I have been inspired by many creators who have leveraged this platform to spread messages of positivity, peace and inclusivity.
Who are some Black TikTok creators that everyone should be following?
A few of my favorite Black creators are: @petercollinsmusic, @fatraco0n (Jax James) and @damngodfrey. Each of them are pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. I am a big fan of changemakers!
Celebrating Juneteenth
TikTok exists to create joy and inspiration, and that is made better because of our diverse community of creators. Thank you to #BlackTikTok for inspiring millions around the world. Follow @blacktiktok, a space dedicated to Black creatives, to see more creators making incredible content (like @theconsciouslee, @ravenonrebel, and @ispeak1906)!
Keep an eye out on @tiktok and @tiktokcreators this weekend and be sure to click through the Juneteenth banner on the TikTok Discover page for more stories and celebrations. TOGETHXR will also be hosting a roundtable discussion in-app to celebrate and commemorate Juneteenth. This conversation will feature culture-shaping women across specialties including host Chloe Pavlech, journalist Arielle Chambers, award-winning author and activist Chelsea Miller, and New York Liberty Guard DiDi Richards. Tune in Saturday, June 19th at 11am EST on TOGETHXR’s TikTok account.
