Our voice as black creatives
Black History Month is a celebration of black culture. It’s a moment to honor our legends and uplift our rising stars. Black creatives have made us laugh, cry, dance, and reflect. We both have been on our fitness journey together for a long time and love our roles as coaches and trainers. Today we are leaning into being black creatives in the fitness space. We decided to interview each other about our newly embraced identities and what it means to have a voice in black culture.
Cacera
There are so many black creative and influencers producing thoughtful content. What do you feel you add to the creative community? What do you feel is your responsibility as a black creative?
I often shy away from the thought that I’m a “black creative” or “black influencer.” The content Black creators are putting out is top tier. I often get lost in the TikTok dances, the voiceover Reels and we haven’t even begun to scratch the surface to the collaborations Clubhouse can bring. We’ve always “influenced” what’s popular, what’s hot, what’s trending and what topics are newsworthy. I feel I’m simply sharing what I enjoy and if it resonates with people, cool! To say I’m on the same level and giving the same creativity as some of those I follow, some of what we see across social platforms, I cannot say I’m there yet. LoL!
In the midst of the past year, and as I have conversations with persons of different backgrounds, one thought that sticks in my head is that we are not a monolith. I feel strongly about black women owning their light and joy. I hope more than anything my page adds joy, inspiration and enlightenment as people scroll down their timelines. Whether it is sharing a workout I’ve created to get people moving, showcasing correct form so people can feel good and confident, highlighting black art or authors, or sharing thoughts on current events, I aim to inspire and educate.
I hope as a “Black creative,” I showcase even more how diverse we are as Black people. I aim to exude joy, show that we can continue to break barriers…and that we as a people are LIT!
When it comes to health and wellness, what do you want to see Black people embrace more?
I could take so many different angles to this question. The best way to sum up my thoughts is diversity - diversity in our workouts, diversity in our nutrition and diversity in mindset. There is truly a workout out there for every person, but you have to be willing to try a few before you get into your groove. It’s an investment in your time.
The number one response I hear from people of all backgrounds when it comes to working out or embracing various lifestyles is, “Oh, I couldn’t do that.” Well, first you have to try.
I also don’t want to ignore the barriers and isolation that come with walking into a fitness studio at times. Much like everything else, we are seeing more and more black fitness groups, black-owned fitness studios, black instructors, black chefs and nutritionists. You can find your community. Let me repeat, you CAN find a community that works for you. It’s closer than you think. That’s one of the great benefits to the social, connected world we live.
Last year, in response to protests and increased awareness of social injustice, we saw a lot of brands reach out to Black creatives. What advice would you give to choosing what brands to work with and maintaining authenticity when promoting yourself?
Be authentic. That’s always number one. Do what feels true to you. The brands that I promote on my page, the ones that I’m considered an official ambassador for, I was sharing before the working relationship came into fruition. If I’m sharing anything on my page, it is because I tried it and genuinely love it
Most of us hear free product or sign a contract for payment and feel that is an amazing perk. However, if your goal is to truly build a following and connect with people in a useful way, you are doing them and yourself a disservice by not being true or posting about something just because you received it in the mail. When I am promoting things I use in real life, it helps me create better content and just have fun with it because I know that brand.
Also, if there is a brand you love and support, don’t be afraid to pitch yourself to them. Your voice is needed.
Finally, do your research. Is that brand already working with people who look like you? Are they supporting causes you believe in and amplifying diverse voices? If not, take stock of how you feel about that. Decide if you want to try to break that barrier or if it’s an indicator that you do not want to move forward with that relationship.
Shawnie
I heard someone say 2021 will be the year of wellness, meditation and recovery. In today's climate, why is overall mindfulness and wellness important for our community?
First, let me say that to know and understand your authentic self is freedom. To say that last year was an emotional rollercoaster would an understatement. It was a year full of chaos, fear, loss, and sadness. Bur for it was also a year of deep reflection, simplicity, and acceptance. Before the historical year that was 2020, I truly felt that wellness and mindfulness are important for black people, but specifically black women. I am surrounded by a tribe full of beautiful, intelligent, accomplished, fun women. With that comes a lot of pressure to be the best, not just for ourselves but for our families and our communities. I've had many conversations with these amazing women where I wondered to myself, how are you taking care of yourself? How am I taking care of myself?
These questions came to the forefront of our lives as we dealt with politics, racial injustice bubbling over into the mainstream, because let's be honest, it's always been there, watching people get sick, lose their loved ones, and our inability to connect with each other. 2020 elevated our need to take care of ourselves physically but most importantly emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Before the pandemic, I was going to therapy to better understand myself, evaluate and come to terms with my past, unlearn habits that no longer served me, and establish a foundation for the life I wanted to create for myself. I am grateful for my therapy journey because it helped me stay grounded through the turmoil.
The pandemic gave all of us time to really reflect on what's important. For many, we looked at our passions, career choices, friendships, and familial relations. I truly believe that everyone should find something that allows them the space for self-exploration, reflection, and self-check-ins. Whether through formal therapy meditation or other avenues, we have to make sure that we're OK so that we can continue to move the needle forward, not just for our communities today but for the generations to follow.
We often hear people say, "I am my ancestors' wildest dream." What does that statement mean to you? What legacy do you want to leave for generations to come?
When I hear the statement "I am my ancestors' wildest dream," I think it means that I am experiencing the freedom to choose my path. Yes, it could be argued that as a people, we have a long way to go. However, the ability to choose our own paths is something that is a true gift provided by years of struggle. We have a history of our lives being dictated by someone else through slavery and outright racism, or less obvious ways like our education system and voter suppression laws. But we continue to break through barriers and jump over hurdles to pursue the things we want for our lives.
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to visit the National Museum of African American History. I left that day in awe of the resiliency of our collective ancestors. Someone had to survive the trauma for us to thrive today. Personally, although this might not be the right thing to say, I cannot trace my own family history very far. Because of that, I have moments of disconnection. But I am determined to change that narrative. I feel it's important to continue a legacy of healing, thriving, resiliency, and boldness. When I say boldness, I mean daring to go after your dreams in the fullest, most authentic way possible.
When you think about black joy, what comes to mind?
When I think about Black Joy, I think black people expressing themselves with no limit on creativity. I think of it as a moment when we forget about the troubles of the world and just enjoy what we are doing in the moment. There is so much amazing content out there from Black Creatives on YouTube to Instagram, it’s so hard to choose.