Ten TikTokers have just been given a potentially life-altering grant!
The TikTok for Black Creatives initiative formally launched alongside the popular app and MACRO, a media company. The program's focus is providing 101 Black creators with resources to help them develop connections and succeed in the industry.
As an extension of this initiative, participants had the opportunity to apply for the MACRO x TikTok Black Creatives Grant. This endowment will allow creators to expand their brands through a business pursuit of their choice. — Specifically, the selected TikTokers would receive $50,000, along with some individualized coaching, to help bring their visions to life.
"Our aim is to ensure Black creatives and artists have the resources they need to reach new heights in their careers and spearhead innovation in their respective industries," stated Kudzi Chikumbu, Director of Creator Community at TikTok. "We are thrilled to partner with MACRO to continue this important work of supporting creators and making their dreams come true."
"We were blown away by the talent and the drive of these creators. MACRO is so proud to partner with TikTok and play a part in their journey. I look forward to continuing to work alongside them in their future endeavors," affirmed Stacey Walker King, Chief Brand Officer, MACRO.
The MACRO x TikTok Black Creatives initiative recently announced the grant's recipients, and we have a list to showcase the lucky creators!
Denise Francis (@livenaturallylove )
This New Yorker is all about bringing in positivity with self-love content! On top of getting the bag, Denise Francis is also preparing to rack up a graduate degree from New York University! She is also the CEO of The Self Love Organization INC, founded in 2017 to help promote self-love and mental health awareness among women of color.
@livenaturallylove Stop being so hard on yourself ! ##ColorCustomizer
##TargetHalloween
##selflove
##empowerment
##motivation
##wellness
##blacktiktokcreators
##mentalhealth
Joel Bervell (@joelbervell)
Third-year medical student Joel Bervell uses his platform to help call attention to race-centered disparities and biases in healthcare. Utilizing his educational background from Yale and Washington State University, this creator seeks to combat racial injustices within the medical field. He was also notably featured on TikTok's "Changemakers" list.
@joelbervell In the United States, Black women are more likely to die from pregnancy related complications. Even Serena Williams has shared her own story of bias. ##racialbias
##medicine
##disparities
##serenawilliams
##blm
##premed
Vegalia Jean-Pierre (@byvegalia)
When it comes to increased Black representation in digital art, @byvegalia is on a mission! This Minnesota-based multimedia artist recently went viral for developing digital brushes devoted to replicating Black hairstyles and textures–such as braids, twists, and dreadlocks. We love a young entrepreneur who fights for a cause!
@byvegalia What do you think @procreate? No one was doing it like me b4 I came onto the scene so I’d love to work something out ???? ##dayinmylife
##brushbyvegalia
Carlynn Greene (@espdaniella)
Educational TikToker Carlynn Greene seeks to help get college students in the know regarding scholarships and academic success. Additionally, she also offers personalized services and has a book titled The Scholarship Algorithm. In the future, this Texas "scholarship guru" wants to work in the U.S. Department of Education to help make college accessible for everyone.
@espdaniella Share this info with those who want to go to college debt free! #highschool
#middleschool
#halloweenlook
#sfxmakeup
Lynnell Jones Jr. (@felleanimated)
This California creator uses his platform to share animated videos that showcase skits and artistic takes on current events. With his content, Lynnell Jones Jr. hopes to inspire his followers through laughter and creativity–as well as artistic talent, of course!
@felleanimated Wait a minute , you took too much :idea by@Chris Chris ##felleanimated
##animationmeme
##animator
Darlene Octavia (@darlene_octavia)
English ex-pat Darlene Octavia is all about sharing her love of vegan cooking with her viewers! In addition to putting her followers on to some tasty recipes, she also shares her personal routines and other aspects of her plant-based lifestyle on TikTok.
@darlene_octavia Reply to @dia_ishungry I created a highlight on my IG for the full recipes & pinned some on here too❤️ ##vegan
##thanksgiving
##christmas♬ It's Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas – Michael Bublé
Jason Linton (@dadlifejason)
Family is always at the center of this Oklahoma father's content. As an adoptive father of three, Jason Linton uses his platform to showcase his family's day-to-day antics and promote positivity. Additionally, he'll also frequently upload TikToks of himself lip-syncing to various different sounds on the app.
@dadlifejason Had some BIG backyard fun with Clifford and the fam! ????❤️ ##CliffordMovie is in theaters and on @Paramount Plus this Wednesday, Nov 10 ##Ad
♬ Clifford in theaters and on Paramount Plus Nov 10 – DadlifeJason
Lonnie Marts (@lonnieiiv)
This Floridian is mainly known for his humorous skits in which he impersonates God and Gabriel giving life to different creatures. Outside of his TikTok content, Lonnie Marts also runs his own production company called Marts Media LLC. Get that bag!
@lonnieiiv isn’t that just a hoot ????
Grace Hayes (@graceorsomething)
While American Idol alum Grace Hayes may be most well-known as a musician, her TikTok has an array of varied content for plenty of different interests! In addition to music videos, the Nevada native also does skits, makeup videos, affirmations, and more. We love a queen who wears many hats!
@graceorsomething Garage choir ##acoustics
##natureisbeautiful
##NeverStopExploring
##singer
KIRBY (@singkirbysing)
As a well-established songwriter who's worked with stars like Kanye West and Ariana Grande, KIRBY is a force to be reckoned with! This TikToker unsurprisingly mainly created content focused on her singing and performing. It's also worth noting that she dropped an EP titled Sis back in January 2020.
@singkirbysing
It's currently unclear how exactly each recipient will utilize the $50,000 grant. Do you see any names that you recognize from your algorithm?
