The media shouldn’t need a Black History Month to acknowledge and celebrate Black talent (same goes for Latin people during Hispanic Heritage Month or women in March (our “History Month”), but we do. And as a journalist who gets way too many emails tailored to holidays and commemorative months, we feel a responsibility to shine a light on under-represented groups during the timely periods being pushed by PR people. That said, we believe in touting them year-round too. As Black History Month comes to a close, here’s a reminder that amplifying voices of all colors and cultures is important, and it can and should happen no matter the month. Here is a list of inspiring figures that came across our inbox this month. Follow them on social media (we’ve embedded their Instagram accounts here) and you are likely to be richer and smarter for it.

Jason and Jenifer Storey

Brother sister duo Jason and Jenifer Storey have been hosting some highly inspiring events at their Beverly Center storefront called Unknown Union. The duo sell sharp pieces made for mixing and matching, and come from storytelling perspective that expresses both who they are and who you are. The Black executives turned fashion entrepreneurs aim to showcase art, culture and history through fashion and making human connections. unknownunion.com

 

Danielle Jalade

Disney is getting on the rollerskating resurgence with the new series called Saturdays, and it’s primed to make actress Danielle Jalade another big child star. The charismatic young actress plays Paris Johnson, a young girl who spends her weekends practicing at her local skating rink called Saturdays. Read more about the show at whatsondisneyplus.com/saturdays-coming-soon-to-disney-us/.

 

Shavone Charles

As Head of Diversity & Inclusion Communications at TikTok, Charles’ focus is on tastemakers and allies who are having an impact on pop culture through content creation. Amplifying Black voices across the internet is the goal, and Charles is leading the way as a model, via her new book “Black Internet Effect” and as founder of the collective Magic in her Melanin and the tech-minded multidisciplinary group Future of Creatives. More info at futureofcreatives.com

 

Kudzi Chikumbu

Chikumbu, Global Head of Creator Marketing at TikTok also deserves note. The L.A. based marketing expert and speaker provides helpful tips and inspiration to his followers on social media, aiding people to tap into their creativity, connect with their community and monetize their skills online. Alongside Charles, Chikumbu and TikTok honored “Visionary Voices Black Hollywood” at a brunch here in L.A. last week.   linktr.ee/kudzichikumbu

 

Rich Fresh

Fresh’s fly fashion is worn by everyone from Dr. Dre to Justin Bieber, and he’s created a signature look that’s not easy to pull off– taking the classic track suit and amping it up with color, texture and clean yet funky lines. His work seems to be evolving and expanding too. We can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.  richfresh.com

 

Cortez G West

West’s production company specializes in film, commercials, TV and music video production, all of which has garnered him a nice collection of awards, film festival placements and a client list that includes Drake, Migos, Nicki Minaj and more. cortezwest.net

 

Cheryl Fox

Fox has shot everyone from Snoop to Rihanna, and her work can be seen in Taschen’s “Ice Cold” and via slew of NFT’s spotlighting hip-hop biggest stars, just in time for hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. cherylfoxphotography.com

 

Akira Robinson

Memphis-born, L.A. based Robinson’s clothing brand AKI THE LABEL makes streetwear blending casual comfort and luxurious style, each influenced by a different American locale. He recently collaborated with Hearts of Gold to support community organizations helping women and children in need. akithelabel.com

 

Elle Moxley

Elle Moxley is the Founder and Executive Director of The Marsha P. Johnson Institute (MPJI) focused on  intersectionality of Black and trans people with a mission to “organize, advocate, create an intentional community to heal, develop leadership, and promote collective power. ” MPJI created a first-of-its-kind resource map for Black trans folks and offers a Starship Artist Fellowship program supporting artists with a monthly stipend and mentor. Moxley also launched “The Coalition to End Violence Against Black Trans Women.” marshap.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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