Franchesca Ramsey, also known as Chescaleigh, is a YouTube personality, comedian, and talk show panelist. She is on "The Nightly Show" with Larry Wilmore and is the host of MTV's web series "Decoded." She is also known for her viral video "Sh-t White Girls Say to Black Girls," which highlights racial microaggressions. Clearly, Franchesca Ramsey is making a name for herself online and on television. Here are 11 reasons why the world needs to know about this amazing woman.
1. She uses comedy to constructively talk about social issues.
Ramsey's video "Sh-t White Girls Say to Black Girls" set YouTube on fire in 2012. People have written dissertations on this video, and Ramsey was featured on Anderson Cooper as a result of the video's popularity.
2. She is a killer impressionist.
Ramsey did stand-up comedy for several years before she made it big on YouTube. Every now and then, she still whips out impressions of some of the biggest names in pop music, including dead-on impressions of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.
3. She has an excellent web series.
Ramsey is the host of MTV's web series "Decoded," which discusses sensitive topics such racism and religion in a creative, engaging way. Her videos in the series range from skits spoofing Pixar's "Inside Out" to describing a hypothetical world without Black History Month.
4. She cares about her community.
As part of a sponsorship with Ford and the PBS special "Finding Your Roots," Ramsey filmed a series of videos asking citizens of New York about their various backgrounds, their life goals, and their hopes for the future.
5. She has lent her voice to animated educational videos.
One of my favorite collaborations the Ramsey has done is with fellow YouTuber Kat Blaque. Their video "Sometimes You're a Caterpillar" highlights how each of us has struggles to some degree, and how each of us should be supportive even when obstacles arise.
6. She's not afraid to call out ignorance.
7. She gives great tips for aspiring artists.
Ramsey has a BFA in graphic design and has designed advertisements for Anne Taylor and L'Oreal. Last December, she made a video on the lessons she's learned as an artist in an effort to help up-and-coming graphic design artists break out more easily.
8. She includes her fans in her videos.
Ramsey has a strong presence on social media, and responds to her fans' comments whenever she can. Occasionally, she incorporates her fans' Snapchat messages into her content to provide multiple perspectives on a controversial topic.
9. She's transparent about her feelings.
Ramsey's vlogs are thought-provoking discussions about insecurities such as comparing yourself to your peers. As an actress in New York City, she has channeled her feelings about rivalry into motivation to advance her career.
10. She's written inspiring articles for Upworthy.
Before her work with MTV and "The Nightly Show," Ramsey was a prolific writer for Upworthy. Her articles include shedding light on Planned Parenthood's non-controversial services, Winnie Harlow's success as a model with vitiligo, and Uzo Aduba's love for her Nigerian heritage. Ramsey's articles extend her audience beyond television and YouTube.
11. She welcomes allies in the fight for equality.
Ramsey has made it clear in her content that while allies are necessary in the fight for equality, their voices should not overpower the voices of those who are oppressed.
Franchesca Ramsey is one of YouTube's most influential voices for covering social issues in a creative way. Her exuberant personality and myriad experiences in the entertainment industry only broaden her audience to make her movement unstoppable. I expect to keep hearing about great accomplishments from her for years to come.
