Instagram’s #ShareBlackStories
To celebrate Black History Month and honor the Black community, Instagram launched #ShareBlackStories, an initiative that was “conceptualized by Black voices at Instagram.” Through new creative tools, themed shorts on IGTV and much more, users are able to #ShareBlackStories.
As a part of this initiative, the company used its own Instagram account to highlight the work of creators like Uzumaki Cepeda, Tawny Chatmon, and Paola “Pao Pao” Mathé. Instagram also launched new effects in Stories that were “inspired by the rich cultural history of telling stories through African mud cloth patterns.” Custom templates were designed by community illustrator Loveis Wise and a #ShareBlackStories sticker was made available within the Stories sticker tray.
To celebrate the launch of #ShareBlackStories, Instagram hosted a night of melanated excellence:
Recently, Instagram held an event in Los Angeles to celebrate the power of storytelling in the Black community. Attendees included a variety of local Black artists, entertainers, journalists and marketers. This event included a screening of shorts from Instagram & Overbrook Entertainment around uplifting and supporting diverse Black perspectives followed by a dynamic panel of creators.
Each panelist present had a unique backstory which made for rich dialogue:
Lala Milan (@lalamilan) is an influencer, comedian and actress who has gained a following by writing, filming, directing, and editing her own comedic content for various social platforms. Recently, her work landed her a role on Boomerang, a TV series that premiered on BET earlier this month.
Brehanna Daniels (@brehannadaniels) made history three years ago when she became the first African-American woman to pit a car in one of NASCAR’s top three series. Daniels, who is a tire changer for Stephen Leicht’s №55 Toyota in the Xfinity Series continues to make history. Sunday, she became one of the first women to pit a car in the prestigious season-opening Daytona 500.
Mike Holston (@therealtarzann) is an internet sensation who specializes in animal education, conservation, and works to raise awareness for animal rights to over four million followers on social media. His Instagram is full of fluffy, prickly, cute and unique animals that he takes care of because of his endless passion for all kinds of animals.
Dougie Cash (@dougiecash) is a creative executive at Overbrook Entertainment which was started by partners Will Smith, James Lassiter, and Jada Pinkett Smith. Dougie’s work includes “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before” and “Cobra Kai” where he acted as producer.
The shorts screened Tuesday night featured both Brehanna Daniels and Mike Holston, highlighting both of their individual journeys. Lala Milan’s short is also set to premiere at a later time on IGTV.
#ShareBlackStories is a month-long initiative that features Black art and creations while encouraging social media users everywhere to use effects, filters, and the hashtag to participate in the celebration. To hear other Black stories, search the hashtag, #ShareBlackStories on Instagram and visit @Instagram’s IGTV to watch the shorts that premiered.
