November 7th 2023.
At the Black Girl Digital Awards in Atlanta, content creators shed light on the pervasive pay gap along racial lines that continues to exist across all industries, including for social media influencers. Influencers are becoming increasingly profitable, funneling billions into the global economy, yet the inequitable split between white and Black influencers is still significant.
The show's producer, LaToya Bond, took the opportunity to emphasize to the audience that Black women are trailblazers for the culture, and their pay should be reflective of that. She stated, "Black women, Black culture, we drive pop culture, but a lot of the times in this industry, we don’t get the acknowledgement, we don’t get the equal pay. So if we don’t do it for ourselves, then who will?"
Youtuber Simone Sharice also echoed this battle cry for pay transparency and equality, encouraging brands and creators to ensure that rates are not varied by race. She said, "Equality, when it comes to payment, when it comes to campaigns, when it comes to sponsorship. Sometimes it is hard for Black women to get the same amount as white people, so I think equality needs to be spread more throughout the industry."
Black Girl Digital's founder, LaToya Shambo, believes that change will start with the youth advocating on behalf of their work. Shambo gave tips on how to earn one's worth, encouraging creators to negotiate confidently, build a vast network, and show brands what they bring to the table.
The Black Girl Digital Awards provided a platform for content creators to bring attention to the issue of unequal pay and to inspire change. With the help of influencers and the next generation, the conversation is sure to continue for a more equitable future.
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