It's dinnertime. You are sitting around a table with your family or friends. You are at a restaurant or at home, and you and a few others at the table are on your phones or some form of electronic device. The modern world technological one, but that doesn't stop anyone from complaining maybe it's your parents who reminisce about a better time where people used to argue at the table instead of sending Snapchats, or maybe it's your hypocrite of a friend whose complaining about everyone being on Facebook, but only because their phone is dead.
While we do spend an excessive amount of time on our phones at the expense socializing with our family and friends, I don't believe that all that time is necessarily wasted, or rather it doesn't have to be. With our nations politically charged atmosphere, and injustice being exposed all around the world, activism has never shined so bright and social media plays a big role in that. Here is a list of activists for you to keep up with, and make sure your time on social media is well spent.
1. Shaun King
Once accused of being another Racheal Dolezal, Shaun King has proved otherwise, his work in exposing racism and injustice across the nation has garnered him much deserved respect and admiration as a writer, activist, and social media personality. He is currently in the midst of a college tour across at country, writing a new book and writing for the New York Daily News.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/shaunking/
2. Kat Blaque
Kat Blaque is a trans YouTuber, blogger, illustrator, and activist. Kat offers commentary on social and political issues displaying intersectionality and feminism worth emulating. You can check her out on Facebook, Youtube, and Twitter.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/kat.blaque.5/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/user/TransDIYer
3. Tim Wise
Tim Wise is by far one of my favorite writers, speakers, and activist. Never holding back when examining racism and bigotry, Tim excels at breaking down the structures of racism and exposing the white supremacy that pervades our society, teaching you some history and about the world around you.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/timjacobwise/
Check out a speech of his:
4. Jessie Williams
Jessie Williams is known for his role in "Grey's Anatomy", but also known for his role as an activist, stunning millions with his moving speech during the 2016 BET Awards, the value of his activism and support for the Black Lives Matter movement has been appreciated even more so since.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/iJesseWilliams
5. Franchesca "Chescaleigh" Ramsey
My secret crush, you may recognize her from MTV's Decoded or The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore. She offers commentary on social justice issues through her many creative platforms and she entertains and teaches. What's better than that?
FB: https://www.facebook.com/chescaleigh/?fref=ts
6. Deray Mckesson
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Seen as on of the many faces of the Black Lives Matter movement, Deray is someone who stands on the front lines of activism, attending protests and using his social media platform he informs people of what's going on and takes a hands-on approach to tackling importing issues (he ran for mayor of Baltimore!).
FB:https://www.facebook.com/dmckesson
Twitter:https://twitter.com/deray
7. Love Life of an Asian Guy
On of my favourite bloggers, LLAG offers intersectional and unfiltered commentary on racism and sexism in America. It's easy for one to forget about injustices being afflicted upon people who don't hold the same identity as you. LLAG reminds us that that is never okay.
FB:https://www.facebook.com/theLLAG
Twitter: https://twitter.com/theLLAG
8. Jose Antonio Vargas
Remember that documentary that came on MTV a few years ago called White People? Remember that guy who went around having white people talk about what it means to be white? Yeah, this is that guy and he's also the Founder and CEO of Define American which seeks to elevate conversations around citizenship and immigration.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/jav/
Site: http://joseantoniovargas.com/
9. Dr Marc Lamont Hill
Along with being an activist, author, and professor at Morehouse College, Marc has been a political commentator for the likes of Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC. It's worth watching some of the panel discussions he has taken part in as he offers compelling opinions about political issues and racism.
FB:https://www.facebook.com/marclamont
Twitter: https://twitter.com/marclamonthill
10. W. Kamau Bell
It's important to laugh in the face of adversity. W. Kamau Bell is here to provide that. Not only his he a comedian, he is also the host of United Shades of America, and co-host of the podcast "Politcally Reactive." I don't believe that all activism looks the same, and when comedians not only care and speak on important issues but also try to find humor in the situations, they provide a special light in a very dim situation.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wkamaubell
Podcast: http://www.politicallyreactive.com/
