You Need To Follow These 5 Women Sparking Dynamic Discussions on Black Twitter

“Black Twitter” isn’t a monolith.

Black Twitter can be thought of as simply a safe, interactive space where those who are marginalized express themselves. And it’s no secret that women are dominating this niche within the twittersphere, as evidenced by the emergence of massive movements like #BlackLivesMatter. Here we’re highlighting just a handful of the women who create hashtags, generate meaningful discussions and push positive movements.

Recently, at the #BlogHer15: Experts Among Us Conference, portions of the conference highlighted Black women’s voices on Twitter. Things kicked off with a dynamic keynote around the #BlackLivesMatter conversation featuring Essence Editor-In-Chief Vanessa K. De Luca (@Vanessa_KDeLuca) and co-founder of the #BlackLivesMatter hashtag Patrisse Cullors (@osope).

The panel ‘I Want You to Know Me: #YouOkSis, #SolidarityIsForWhiteWomen and More Storytelling from Behind the Hashtags’ featuring Feminista Jones (@FeministaJones), Mykki Kendall (@Karnythia) and Beverly Gooden (@bevtgooden) was eye-opening because attendees were able to put faces to names behind popular hashtags from Twitter.

#YouOkSis was created to draw attention to the street harassment that women cope with globally on a day-to-day basis. Feminista Jones expressed that street harassment is a major issue affecting women, and more specifically Black women.

Mykki explained that #SolidarityIsForWhiteWomen grew from wanting to express that feminism is seen as strictly a movement created for White women and therefore only benefits them.

Beverly shared the story of the #WhyIStayed hasthtag she created that stemmed from her marriage which consisted of domestic violence. At the panel she shared that after using the hashtag, hundreds of users also participated and shared their domestic abuse stories showing that she wasn’t alone in her issues with domestic abuse.

Each of these hashtags have trended on Twitter and have proved that Black women are dominating the digital platform. The following list (not in any particular order) represent a few of the women on Twitter that consistently offer insight on what it means to be unapologetically Black. They’re noteworthy contributors to the culture. They range from technology advocates, social workers, editors etc. but what each women has in common is that she is a representation of a bigger picture of black womanhood.

Feminista Jones is a social worker by trade and a talented writer/editor. She captivates audiences online and on social media through her unabashed ability to speak truth on Black womanhood and sex positivity. #YouOkSis and its global reach is an example of Feminista Jones’ dedication to those deemed voiceless, the hashtag used globally started a conversation on street harassment against women that was long overdue. The hashtag was created after Feminista shared a street harassment story on Twitter and @BlackGirlDanger responded with the hashtag “You ok, sis?” Following this the hashtag trended nationwide presenting harassment in a new light by women users online.

#SandraBland was vocal in #BlackLivesMatter. She KNEW what was happening. She KNEW her rights. She asserted her rights as a citizen

— #EndReplyAll2015 (@FeministaJones) July 22, 2015

Lemieux is the epitome of #BlackGirlMagic. She is a dominant voice that represents Black feminists in the digital space. Her witty articles on popular culture rest at the intersection of blackness and modern-day feminism. Lemieux is an advocate for Black women and girls, racial equality and LGBT rights unapologetically. Her ideals are well thought out and presented on a platform known for positive images of blackness, EBONY. She has helped the brand grow in the digital space since joining #teamEBONY, Lemeiux began writing and blogging while attending Howard University. She is a gladiator on Black Twitter.

I spoke with @MartinOMalley on his criminal justice reform plan and addressing racism and engaging activists: http://t.co/POqGaI2Wvz

— jamilah (@JamilahLemieux) July 31, 2015

In the world of tech Black women are left marginalized and Finney works on improving the visibility of Black women in tech. Digital Undivided was created to develop programs and initiatives which help create opportunities for Black women in the tech community. Project Diane and the FOCUS Fellow Program and more are components of the impact  of Digital Undivided. Both components are successfully creating unique career placements for established companies and entrepreneurs seeking mentors and funding. Finney is an essential part of Black Twitter because she exposes the racial gap in tech unapologetically and offers her insight on this topic due to her background in the tech space.

“The Reason Why There’s No Diversity in Tech” @KathrynFinneyhttps://t.co/tkYY83ZteR

— Kathryn Finney (@KathrynFinney) July 18, 2015

Luvvie is obsessed with pop culture and she has no problem keeping tabs on the memes that circulate on Black Twitter, she’s also a talented writer and tech junkie. Her musings on tech, social media can be found on her blog Awesomely Luvvie.

She represents the segment of Black Twitter that is great at being who they truly are. She also travels and teaches workshops related to: SEO, blogging, branding and social media marketing. She recently a pitched at BlogHer 2015’s The Pitch — a portion of the conference where women entrepreneurs pitched a 30-second business plan in front of all conference attendees and a panel of well-respected women business leaders. Despite not winning the full prize, she still received $10,000 towards The Red Pump Project which is a non-profit organization that exists to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and the women and girls affected. Luvvie is proof that doing what you love can lead to great opportunities.

The Stages of What Happens When There’s Injustice Against Black People | Awesomely Luvvie http://t.co/wFuRubSCSi

— Awesomely Luvvie (@Luvvie) December 4, 2014

Janet Mock is the author of the New York Times Bestseller, Redefining Realness, the first memoir from a transgender woman to make the list. She is admirable, resilient and a die-hard advocate for the transgender community. Her journey to womanhood opened millions of eyes and minds globally and she continues to represent for the voiceless. Her MSNBC show SoPOPular usually consists of a Smart Ass Pop Culture Feminist Clique which critiques pop culture and highlights major issues as well as news happening within the transgender community. She provides a look into what it is like being not only transgender but also a woman of color. Her presence on Black Twitter is necessary.

Let’s contextualize #IAmCait‘s premiere by centering violence facing trans women http://t.co/S4TT4OeyIP#girlslikeuspic.twitter.com/5PqS9ePTrm

— Janet Mock (@janetmock) July 26, 2015

Photo Credit: Luvvie Ajayi: AwesomelyLuvvie.com | Feminista Jones: Khristian Monterroso of The Daily Pennsylvanian | Jamilah Lemieux’s: her own | Kathryn Finney’s photo: kathrynfinney.com | Janet Mock’s photo: janetmock.com