Digital creation among Black women is a lively and varied field where innovation, expression, and advocacy intersect. Black women artists, designers, and content makers use a variety of digital platforms and technology to tell compelling stories that question conventions and elevate underrepresented voices. From the fields of art and design to social media impact and technological innovation, Black women are making an everlasting mark on the digital world.
In art and design, Black women use digital means to explore topics of identity, race, and gender, pushing the limits of creative expression. Their work ranges from visually striking graphics to multimedia projects, expressing a diverse set of experiences and opinions. They use their art to express their presence in settings typically dominated by mainstream narratives, creating a platform for self-representation and empowerment.
According to CARDIFF Dr Francesca Sobande, based in the School of Journalism, Media and Culture at Cardiff University, has shared key findings from her five-year project which aims to fill a knowledge gap in the digital and everyday lives of Black women in Britain. Her research evidences how Black women in Britain are using digital tools in creative, collaborative, and cutting-edge ways. The project also highlights the pervasiveness of online abuse that is directed at Black women over social media, as well as how Black women’s digital creativity and labour is commodified and co-opted by others.
The digital experiences of Black women in Britain are often distinctly affected by vitriolic online abuse that is aimed at them and is a result of interconnected antiblackness, sexism, misogyny, classism, colourism, xenophobia, and other intersecting oppressions.
“Although Black women are increasingly identified as digital ‘trendsetters’ by businesses, they are also simultaneously erased and hyper-visible as creators, knowledge-producers, and social movement builders. The digital creativity of Black women is often exploited by commercial organisations, including brands that attempt to ‘diversify’ their image due to its potential profitability.”
Cardiff
Furthermore, Black women hold significant influence on social media platforms, using their digital presence to build networks, spark important conversations, and campaign for social justice causes. They mobilize audiences on topics ranging from racial equality to LGBTQ+ rights, whether through thought-provoking tweets, visually appealing Instagram posts, or entertaining TikTok videos, elevating underrepresented voices and galvanizing collective action.
In addition to their creative activities, Black women are driving technological innovation, breaking down boundaries in sectors such as computer science, engineering, and entrepreneurship. They provide cutting-edge apps, software solutions, and digital platforms to address critical societal issues and empower neglected people. By promoting diversity and inclusion in the technology sector, they pave the path for future generations of innovators from varied backgrounds.
Digital activism is also a key component of Black women’s digital involvement, as they use online platforms to organize protests, raise awareness about structural inequalities, and push for legislative change. Through social media campaigns, online petitions, and digital storytelling, they rally support for topics ranging from police brutality to reproductive rights, resulting in meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
Finally, digital innovation among Black women acts as a catalyst for empowerment, representation, and social change in the digital era. Their perspectives and talents enrich our cultural environment by challenging prejudices, altering narratives, and driving good change throughout society. As they continue to leverage the potential of digital platforms and technology, Black women solidify their position as trailblazers, innovators, and agents of advancement in the digital realm and beyond.
