15 Black Influencers You Should Be Following
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Black influencers are an essential part of the internet. They may be smaller in number than influencers of other demographics, but they contribute to the majority of trends seen online. Black influencers have created their own network out of necessity–it is much harder to gain a following or monetize content while being Black than any other race. Black influencers have fought, and are still fighting for, equitable representation on the internet. Thankfully, some headway has been made.
They now provide perspective on what it means to be Black in America and in the world at large. Black influencers are diverse–they not only offer fashion advice, but they also lead fashion trends later to be seen on the runway. They don’t just share personal stories; they also cover real events that don’t often get coverage in mainstream media. Representation matters. The growing presence of Black influencers can help you feel less alone, more beautiful, more connected, and up-to-date on current events.
In honor of Black History Month soon approaching, it’s time to highlight just a few of the hundreds of Black influencers breaking the mold on Instagram and other social media platforms.
Fitness
Alexa Idema
Instagram: @lowimpactfit | Website
Are you interested in Pilates but don’t know where to start or need help staying consistent? Well, Alexa Idema is a certified classical Pilates teacher, and she is here to help. With nearly two decades as a fitness professional, Alexa has experience as a personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and yoga teacher. Her online influence began as a general, low-impact fitness guide. Now, she has fully embraced her love of Pilates by frequently sharing classical Pilates tips, advice, and workouts. She recently launched her virtual classes for anyone to join!
Natasha Noble
Instagrams: @_itstutu | @tutufitapparel | Website
Looking for a good workout at home? Natasha Noble has got you covered. This Black Samoan influencer has been a lifesaver for many women since the start of the pandemic. Natasha routinely shares effective home workouts from the comfort of her living room. Though Natasha is a dumbbell queen, she often utilizes furniture in her workouts, showing women that sometimes all you need is a couch to get moving.
Bonus: Her apparel line consists of comfortable workout clothes that anyone would be motivated to squat in!
Latoya Shauntay Snell
Instagram: @iamlshauntay | Website
Do you need motivation to run? Latoya Shauntay Snell is a multisport athlete with 26 (and counting!) marathons under her belt. She’s also plus-size, sharing her honest experiences, such as how during one run she was so far behind she thought she would be kicked off the course. Thankfully, she was wrong and finished the race in last place with the support of volunteers, staff, and even bikes. Her page is an inspiration to not just Black women, but also any plus-sized athlete looking for community and help to keep going even if the finish line feels so far out.
Kiara Freeman
Instagram: @kiaratheleader | @athelitepro | Website
Moms can lift, too! Just ask Kiara Freeman, who shows us the beauty in strength and motherhood, literally. Kiara’s page is a sweet mix of weight training and raising two boys. (Scroll down on her page and you’ll see her past content of being eight months pregnant and still going hard in the gym!)
Her more recent posts are the befores, durings, and afters, of not just her transformation, but her clients, as well. Kiara is a coach first before she’s an influencer, and it shows in the care she gives her clients, both when posting workout ideas, and by creating Moms Who Lift: Postpartum and Core Rebuild program. This busy fit mama is also the co-founder of Athelite Pro, a Black-owned company that offers training (online or in-person) and carries high-quality products for athletes.
Ellen Ector
Instagrams: @ellenectorfit | @gymneticsfitness | @theblackgirlsgonevegan
Have you been concerned about how to stay youthful as you age? Ellen Ector proves that has no age limit–and neither does being sexy. Ellen wasn’t always a fitness guru. Once she saw a self-described unflattering picture of herself at a nightclub, she decided it was time to make a change. She soon became obsessed with exercise, joined a running team, and moved to Atlanta with dreams of opening a gym with her daughter. Now, she not only has her gym, but also has developed a fitness empire alongside her daughter and later her granddaughter, as well. While the mother-daughter duo developed the Gymnastics Fitness gym and #blackgirlsworkouttoo apparel, the mother-daughter-granddaughter trio released the “Black Girls Gone Vegan” cookbook, which is helping to spark the conversation of healthy eating in Black households. Her page is motivation for Black women to beat the statistics and remain healthy well into adulthood!
Healthy Eating
There are multiple reasons for the unhealthy eating patterns commonly found in Black households. For starters, healthy food products are often inaccessible to Black communities; these products tend to be too high-priced or just not available in their area. These influencers are here to help where they can. They offer recipes, restaurant reviews, and product suggestions to help bring awareness and proximity to healthy eating.
Emani
Instagram: @blkandvegan | Website
Emani’s Instagram page and website both showcase a multitude of delicious homemade vegan recipes with ingredients that can be found at most grocery stores! Emani shows how accessible clean ingredients can be by partnering with a grocery shopping deals app and posting grocery trip videos to help you shop for what’s right for you or what’s in season. Not only are her restaurant reviews helpful for the days you don’t feel like cooking, but her upcoming cookbook will be there for the days you want to enjoy food that you made yourself!
Cydney Christine
Instagrams: @cydneychristine | @ccisvegan
Cydney Christine started her career as a social media influencer years before it was popular. Since then, she’s gone on to become a multi-platinum record producer and a strong promoter of veganism. Her dedicated vegan page frequently provides vegan restaurant reviews and plant-based product reviews to help make your next healthy grocery shopping trip just a little bit easier!
Dominique
Instagram: @veganhippiesol | Website
Dominique’s passion for cooking and devotion to the vegan community blends perfectly on her Instagram page and website, which boasts an abundance of plant-based recipes. Her meal ideas are not only creative, but they are utterly delicious. If you’ve ever been concerned about healthy food losing flavor, Dominique is here to show you just how easy it is to have both.
Demi
Instagram: @demthepesc | Website
Not ready to be vegan, but still ready to eat healthily? Demi is a pescatarian with a knack for creating indescribably good vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian recipes. Her self-described healthy-ish content and recipes are perfect for…well, anyone! Her recipes are a delicious fusion of cultures and life experiences. Her page is just a taste of her cookbook available now.
Gabrielle Reyes
Instagram: @onegreatvegan | Website
What’s better than eating healthy? How about eating healthy with music in the background? Gabrielle Reyes is quite literally a musical chef. Her vegan recipes are so delicious and unique that they don’t really need to be marketed. She sings for fun and it shows. Her infectious joyful spirit radiates throughout her page in each song she sings in the background of each recipe she creates.
Beauty & Fashion
Tennille Murphy
Instagram: @thetennillelife_ | Website
Aging is one of the most beautiful things a person can do. Tennille Murphy is a physical embodiment of aging gracefully and embracing the grays in the process. Her head is full of luscious gray hair that seems to have a following of its own. Tennille’s content is varied, but centers on beauty, self-care, and sustainable living.
Isabelle Ikpeme
Instagram: @isabelleikpeme | TikTok: @isabelleikpeme
Makeup is an art and Isabelle “Bella” Ikpeme is a young maestro. Bella has mastered the art of applying astounding looks and crediting her inspiration. She’s used her talents to support Gen Z trends, like a face corset, beaded eye jewelry designs, and more. Her page boasts a variety of beautiful and striking makeup trends!
Bri Hall
Instagram: @brihallofficial | YouTube: Bri Hall
Bri Hall is one of the finest artists on social media today, specializing in both makeup and music. Her looks are varied, but always done with precision and enviable skill. Her music, released under the alias of La Hara, is representative of her standout personality with an intoxicating new-age sound. Even more so, Bri Hall is a well-rounded influencer, as her page also features travel, hair care, motivational posts, and more!
Tiaad
Instagram: @tiaad_tutorials | TikTok: @tiaadtutorials
Minimalism may be back in, but some of us still want drama. Tiaad is a Nigerian makeup artist whose looks transcend cultures. Her specialties are dramatic, unique, and creative eyeshadow looks. Between the sharp cut creases, a vivid myriad of colors, and eye-catching designs, this influence will inspire you to be bold, no matter the trends.
Auntie Bev
Instagram: @curlybeviie | YouTube: The Curly Bev Show
The importance of Black hair care can never be understated. In the past few years, Bev has emerged as a strong voice in the natural Black hair care community. This beauty guru often posts detailed TikToks, Reels, and videos on how to maintain your afro or maximize its volume to its fullest potential. To top it off, she’s very vocal on matters pertaining to the Black community at-large and has recently started a podcast to share her impactful standpoints.
Despite compelling content, Black creators on social media are often overlooked and underpaid, yet mimicked. If you’re not already doing so, make an effort to interact with Black content creators and Black-owned businesses on social media. Boosted interactions will help bring support and attention to the numerous talented Black influencers making careers on social media. With enough support, Black creators will receive fair treatment in sponsorships, algorithms, and accreditation.