"This Is America": Changemakers on Social Media Who Are Challenging Societal Norms
Activism and the activists that inspire the work are the biggest catalysts for change. Here are inspiring activists to keep on your radar.
By S.Y.Feb. 26 2024, Published 8:07 p.m. ET
Black activism has been crucial in shaping social dynamics, at least for the past century or so.
In the last decade, the concept of activism has become even more important because of the social issues that have escalated because of systemic racism and police brutality. At the core of advocacy and activism are the activists themselves, who inspire action.
Along with Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, there have been a host of other powerful men and women who have followed in their footsteps in terms of making our world more equitable.
You should follow these new-aged Black activists on social media right now.
Charlene Carruthers
Charlene Carruthers, Founding National Director, Black Youth Project 100 (BYP100), speaking at the news conference for the Black Womens Roundtable Summit, at the U.S. Capitoll.
Every activism campaign needs a strategy and Charlene Carruthers is known to be a strategic, forward-thinking advocate for the Black experience. The author who is also a prominent advocate for racial justice has crafted a niche out of being outspoken and using a grassroots approach to tackling injustice.
She often uses her social media platforms to share insightful perspectives on systemic issues and is an active participant in conversations surrounding social justice.
Follow her on Instagram at @charlenecarruthers.
Brittany N. Packnett Cunningham
With over 700,000 followers on Instagram, Brittany N. Packnett Cunningham is an advocate and an educator who believes in the transformative power of education.
She is also the co-founder of Campaign Zero, a policy solutions framework that is dedicated to addressing vast societal issues affecting marginalized people.
She was also formerly a member of President Barack Obama's Task Force on 21st Century Policing and previously served as an analyst on the podcast Pod Save The People, addressing culture, social justice, and politics.
Follow her on Instagram at @mspackyetti.
Da'Shaun L. Harrison
Da'Shaun L. Harrison throws up the peace sign.
There is often a blurry intersection between anti-Blackness and fatphobia.
Da’Shaun Harrison’s work has helped to bring awareness that these issues are not mutually exclusive. In their award-winning book, Belly of the Beast: The Politics of Anti-Fatness as Anti-Blackness, they delve into some of the ideas of Blackness, gender, and other nuances.
Of his work, he once said: "I continue to write not only as a means of survival but with the belief that if oppressed people wish for a future where our history is depicted accurately and our stories are told correctly then we must document them," Harrison told Forbes. "That is why I wrote Belly of the Beast."
Follow them on Instagram at @dashaunlh.
Jerome Foster
If you're not familiar with the tireless efforts of Jerome Foster, an advocate for environmental justice, it's time to get locked in with the incredible work he's spearheaded.
Along with being the youngest member of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council, he has devoted a substantial part of his career to creating awareness about the profound impact of organizations working towards social change.
Through his work, it is evident that Jerome is actively shaping a future where the principles of justice and sustainability intertwine seamlessly.
Follow him on Instagram at @jeromefosterii.
The author’s content and opinions have not been pre-reviewed, approved or endorsed by Discover.
