If you don't already know who Tabitha Brown is, well then you are in for a treat (just make sure it's vegan). Tabitha Brown is a black female creative who got her start making vegan recipe videos on Tik Tok. Right now her account stands at 3.4 million followers, and she has rightfully earned her title as, "world's favorite mom." While some frequent her page looking for new ways to expand their culinary horizons, others - like myself - watch her videos to find comfort in her soothing commentary and infectious smile. Her influence has become widespread throughout the Tik Tok community as one can mindlessly scroll through their for-you-page and have their thoughts interrupted by a user's references to Ms. Brown's filled-with-love southern accent or her common phrase, "cause that's your business." Regardless of why you choose to watch her videos, Tabitha Brown will always greet you with her infectious smile, happiness, and utmost respect.

Ms. Brown has not been on Tik Tok long as her first video was made March eighth, only a few short weeks before the world went into lockdown. However, she is a natural with her phone in her hand, building a strong connection between her and her viewers in 60 seconds or less. When you watch Tabitha Brown, there is no screen between your soul and hers. She looks you in the eye, compelling you to do the same to her. She speaks to you with compassion, kindness and understanding in a way that makes you feel like she has known you all your life. An old friend over facetime, as I like to think of it.

During quarantine, Ms. Brown was a welcomed face on my for-you-page since her innovative recipes, and soft spoken messages would never fail to brighten my day. However, it wasn't until a week or so ago that I realized just how important Tabitha Brown, and people like her, is. Right now, regardless of where you live, or what you believe, the world is a very divided and scary place. Graphic photos and videos show up without warning on our every inescapable screen, celebrities with good intention are vilified for phrasing their well intentioned messages incorrectly, and people whom we're supposed to believe in, no longer seem believable. We are in dire need of a leader, a uniter, and most importantly, a peaceful presence to keep us on track for positive change.

Tabitha Brown embodies everything that we need. In a recent video Ms. Brown asked that, "In a world where we are quick to judge (...) let us start being intentional. We're being quick to love, quick to understand, quick to listen, quick to be helpful, quick to make a change, quick to speak up when things are wrong, quick to sometimes be quiet. Let us be mindful of what we're so quick to do. And make sure that whatever it is that you're quick to do is meaningful and it is done in the right light. Okay?" She is not asking us to stop fighting for what we believe in, nor is she asking us to let those who do wrong get away with their actions. Instead, Ms. Brown asks those who listen to her, to lead with love in their heart rather than hate. It is messages like hers that, I believe, will get us through this.

She finished her message with one last piece of advice. She said, "baby, go on 'bout your business, have the most amazing day. But baby if you can't have a good one, don't you dare go messin' up nobody else's. Hear?" I heard you, Tabitha Brown, and I hope that soon, the rest of the world will hear you too.