Expanding our circles is a solid way that parents can help their kids break through racial ethnic and religious barriers — and in today’s high-tech world, it’s easy to start that process by simply following influencers of color.
That’s why we’ve compiled this list of 11 Black influencers you should be following. From Black fashion and lifestyle to activism and motherhood, these Instagram influencers cover it all.
Take a look to see which ones click with you and get to following, today.
Note: This is not a comprehensive list. There are many influencers of color on Instagram, and this list will get you started in your search.
Name: Valyncia
Handle: @valynciapage
Followers: 7,029
Valyncia is a Michigan-based real estate broker and traveler that shares homes for sale in and around Detroit, snapshots from her travels and her life.
Name: Bria Larine
Handle: @brialarine
Followers: 49,900
This Detroit- and Chicago-based model and influencer shares her life as a model, hair tips, unboxing and more.
Name: Ashley
Handle: @mommyweek
Followers: 12,400
This Chicago-based millennial mom is an award-winning blogger that shares “real life moments,” holistic health and epilepsy awareness.
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Thank you @momsmakeitwork for the feature! ??? #repost • • • • • • I met Quiana for the first time a couple of years ago at the @beblogalicious conference where she served as a speaker. Ever since then, I’ve been a follower taking joy in her family adventures through her IG stories and blog, @harlemlovebirds. In 2018, I had the pleasure of having Quiana as a speaker for my Mom Boss panel. She has been such an inspiration to me and along her daily stories of life, she always provides timely content that keeps Moms informed about how to take social action and be involved in their community. This month we honor Quiana Agbai, lover of family, community and justice! ***************************************************************************** Quiana Agbai resides in Boston with her husband and two children ages 6 and 10. She has been covering urban family life on her blog Harlem Lovebirds since 2009. Quiana launched Trifecta Media Group, a marketing, public relations, and graphic design firm with her sisters in 2014, catering to start-up companies spanning industries such as health and wellness, entertainment, and technology. Additionally, through Quiana’s blog and experience as an entrepreneur she has spoken at social media conferences such as @BlogHer, @beblogalicious, @mom2summit, and @altsummit covering topics including privacy, using social media for social change, and using one’s blog to pivot to other business opportunities. Quiana is a Toastmaster, a volunteer with @momsdemand where she was most recently the Boston Community Outreach Lead for 2 ½ years and is involved with several other community organizations as well. . . . . . . #momlife #blackmommagic #momblogger #mompreneur #igersboston #bostonbloggers #blackgirlmagic #momsdemandaction #momactivist #altsummit #mom2summit #blogher #toastmasters #momactivist #publicspeaker
A post shared by Quiana (@harlemlovebirds) on Jul 14, 2020 at 6:26pm PDT
Name: Quiana
Handle: @harlemlovebirds
Followers: 6,138
Quiana is a lifestyle Instagrammer who shares content about her kids and life as a Black mom.
Name: Shavonda Gardner
Handle: @sgardnerstyle
Followers: 137,000
The interior designer shares her projects including the beginnings and the finished products.
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*CARIBBEAN CARNIVALS* You didn't think I'd close out my Caribbean coverage without talking about Carnival, did you?! These annual festivals taking place throughout the islands are hands-down my favorite part of my Caribbean heritage, if only because listening to music, dancing in the street, and getting dressed up are some of my favorite things to do in life! ___ A bit of a history lesson: vibrant and jubilant, the Carnival festival tradition was actually first brought to the Caribbean by European slave traders in the 19th century. The celebrations, often tied to important dates in the Christian religious calendar, included lavish masquerade balls that enslaved Africans were excluded from. ___ However, upon emanicipation, the newly liberated Africans took elements from these balls and incorporated them into the grand parties they held to celebrate the end of slavery. "Playing 'mas", or getting all gussied up in a costume similar to what I have on in these photos, derives from the masquerade balls I mentioned above. ___ Nowadays, nearly every island in the region has its own version of Carnival, with most taking place around Lent, but others happening in August (like Grenada's Spice Mas) or even as late as December (like Bahamas' Junkanoo). ___ Most Carnivals have been cancelled this year for obvious reasons but I've got my eye on the 2021 Carnival season! Last year I even played mas' twice while pregnant: at Bermuda Carnival (I was 2.5 months preggo in this pic and had the WORST morning sickness lol) and Toronto (at 4.5 months preggo). I've included a collage of all my previous costumes, which one do you like the best? The blue is my fave! ____ Have you ever attended a Caribbean Carnival? Never been to Trinidad’s but it’s high on my wish list!
A post shared by Oneika Raymond???? (@oneikatraveller) on Jul 21, 2020 at 10:52am PDT
Name: Oneika Raymond
Handle: @oneikatraveller
Followers: 97,100
Oneike uses travel to help empower and educate her followers. Check out her feed for posts from Germany, Uzbekistan, Bermuda and more.
Name: Nellie
Handle: @glamnellie
Followers: 10,900
This mom of three is all about fitness, running and wellness with some family-friendly recipes, crafts and travel posts sprinkled in.
Name: Rachel Lindsay Abasolo
Handle: @therachlindsay
Followers: 929,000
This media personality and attorney hosts a podcast and shares her life with the world through Instagram.
Name: Jennifer Borget
Handle: @jenniferborget
Followers: 103,000
Jennifer Borget aims to be optimistic and passionate in each of the posts she creates about her life, dreams and three kids.
Name: Zeba Blay
Handle: @zebablay
Followers: 34,500
Zeba is an immigrant originally from Ghana who is writing a book called Carefree Black Girls. Her content is all about Black life, culture and her work.
Name: Christine St. Vil
Handle: @Momsncharge
Followers: 15,400
Christine shares photos and stories about her family, motherhood and Christian faith.
Do you love other Black influencers? Share them with us in the comments so that we can add them to our list and don’t forget to check out the Talking About Race page at MetroParent.com .