A State for Black Creativity Blog
You may have read the headlines.
"How the Internet Became a Playground for Exploiting Black Creators" Vice reports.
"TikTok Was Built by Black creators. Why Can't They Get Credit?" Elle asks.
"Marketers Are Underpaying Black Influencers, While Pressuring Black Lives Matter," Bloomberg reports.
It's possible you've observed it in your own feeds. Brands leveraging anti-racist artwork and perspectives to build clout, but not paying their artists what they deserve. Maybe you work at any brand that is in the creative economy and you've observed that Black influencers don't get paid enough compared to payouts to other influencers or platforms. Maybe you're simply wondering about the wide disparity between individuals and companies that posted black squares on social media in June of 2020, and also our world today.
Under the surface is a history of appropriation of Black culture - and today thanks to the ease of copying and downloading work online, digital creators face cultural theft at a large scale. Each theft takes much more than intellectual property. Creative theft can also deprive creators of opportunities.
"I believe that one of the biggest risks associated with theft and appropriation of Black art and creativity is that it can lead to the destruction of possibilities, " says teacher Hallease Narveaz. "So much about being a artist and securing opportunities all about being at the right place when you need to be there having the appropriate capabilities and knowing the appropriate individuals. So every incident of theft, it takes away that opportunity to be seen in a different light. This is already a challenge for us."
As a player in the creative economy We believe that it is our duty to ensure an equal playing field for creators across backgrounds and fields. This month, we requested Black creatives to talk about their stories of the process of obtaining credit and even compensation, and with the rest of you. With our fellow community members we hope to help bring an stop to the rabid appropriation of ideas of creative work and push for fair and equal compensation from brands through thoughtful sharing and the sourcing of Black ideas.
All month long, we'll be spotlighting Black Creatives on all of our platforms. We'll be answering questions like:
- What's the different between cultural appropriation and appreciation?
- How can businesses and non-Black creators appropriately recognition and honour to Black creative work?
- What are the risks of theft or appropriation and how can it affect Black creators financially and mentally?
Be sure to follow us on TikTok and Instagram for updates on the questions below and many more teachers you know and love.
Credit Black Creativity A Class Schedule
This month we asked our members of the community to tell us their top classes taught by Black creators. What they have to say:
Steff Reed and Nedra Tawwab
I was first introduced to Nedra on Instagram by her health and mental wellness memes and articles. They're always intelligent, thoughtful, and inspiring. One of the things I enjoyed the most about her class was that it's empowering and helps give you the tools to take your power back. I am grateful for Nedra Her mission, her dedication to her students as well as the work she is called to carry out.
Pro Tip Did you know teachers are paid per minute they are during their classes? Look through the lists, attend classes you love to help increase the income of your favorite artist.
Eva Woolridge on Karen Jordan
I'm a big fan of animation and want to learn more about this art form more deeply. It seems to me that TikTok is the perfect and hands-on way to play with new animated creations. It's always fascinating to see Black animators intertwine blackness with their work. Representation matters and I am in search of a teacher that will incorporate my own life experiences when teaching techniques for creating animation.
What is the best way to support black Creatives
If you're seeking to strengthen your dedication, increase your knowledge, and help Black creatives, we welcome your interest in the following organizations. Whether it's donating money, time, or simply communicating their goals and achievements in your own community, we encourage that you follow and help: