Initiated by Bozoma Saint John, the Endeavor CMO; author and podcast host Luvvie Ajayi Jones; Glennon Doyle, an author and the founder of Together Rising; and Stacey Bendet, the designer of Alice Olivia, #ShareTheMicNow is a significant social media campaign. Its launch witnesses Black female activists assuming control of Instagram accounts belonging to renowned white celebrities, athletes, and fashion designers. The aim is to bring attention to the crucial work these Black women are doing to combat systemic racism and promote equality. To give you an idea of what these conversations will look like, here's a glimpse into a few of the partnerships.
The essence of the campaign, as stated on the #ShareTheMicNow's Instagram page, is to accord influential Black women an opportunity to share their life experiences, stories, and work. This is seen as a catalyst for change, which can only be accomplished when we genuinely listen to each other's voices.
The post goes on to lament how the world, even though eager to listen to women's voices, turns primarily to white women. Despite Black women having used their voices loudly over centuries to bring about change, they have often gone unheard. In today's times, it becomes imperative to unify efforts that center around Black women's lives, calls to action, and stories. The need to lend an ear to Black women is more pressing than ever before.
Partaking in #ShareTheMicNow are various notable figures such as Julia Roberts, the actress; Diane von Furstenberg, the fashion designer; and Megan Rapinoe from U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT). They will join hands with influential members of the Black community like Rachel Cargle, writer and activist; Tarana Burke, founder of #MeToo; and Lindsay Peoples Wagner, editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue. For an exhaustive list of participants, refer to the campaign's Instagram page.
Latham Thomas and Gwyneth Paltrow
Latham Thomas, the founder of MamaGlow and a master doula, joined forces with Goop's Gwyneth Paltrow, both renowned figures in the wellness realm. During her takeover of Paltrow's Instagram account, Thomas planned to demonstrate instances of racial bias she has faced in her professional journey as well as discuss the changes she wants to see in the future.
Thomas confessed on Instagram: "Being a prominent figure in the wellness industry for over two decades, I have personally faced the struggles of making my way in a field that often marginalizes the voices and contributions of people of color. As a Black woman championing the cause of maternal health, I am acutely aware of the difficulties faced by birth workers of color in furthering their careers while advocating for crucial issues—birth equity and reproductive justice."
It is important to note that Black women are disproportionately impacted by complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
Alexis McGill Johnson and Elizabeth Warren
During the 2020 presidential campaign, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren highlighted the importance of women's reproductive rights. This emphasis is reflected in her decision to hand over control of her Instagram account to Alexis McGill Johnson, acting president and CEO of Planned Parenthood. In an Instagram post, McGill Johnson expressed her intention to use this platform to "celebrate Black brilliance and discuss our fights for justice and freedom." At Planned Parenthood, McGill Johnson works towards ensuring access to crucial sexual and reproductive healthcare, information and education for everyone - irrespective of their race, income, insurance, gender identity, sexual orientation, abilities or immigration status - without any judgement or shame. In a video shared on Warren's feed, McGill Johnson further discusses systemic issues. She points out that the disregard for Black people's humanity is ingrained in the foundations of American society for more than 400 years. This systematic over-policing extends beyond law enforcement and into workplaces, schools, public institutions, and even healthcare systems. She emphasizes that if Black people cannot exercise bodily autonomy in their daily lives or protests without fear of murder or violence, achieving justice or reproductive freedom is impossible.
Ibtihaj Muhammad and Alex Morgan
American fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad, an integral part of the United States fencing team, is on board to manage USWNT player Alex Morgan's Instagram account. Announcing the collaboration, Morgan unveiled a video on her profile revealing what she anticipates gaining from this experience. "Ibtihaj is in a unique position to address racism in our nation [and her own experiences being] subjected to it," Morgan stated. "As a Caucasian woman, I have never been a victim of racial prejudice. Therefore, it is crucial for me to lend my platform to Black women who I can genuinely learn from. In one of her initial posts on Morgan's Instagram, Muhammad conveyed her experiences as the first Muslim American woman to clinch an Olympic medal and being the first woman of color representing Team USA in her preferred weapon category in fencing. "Fencing has predominantly been a white sport and for many years was inaccessible to communities of color," Muhammad expressed. "My goal was to alter that. I wanted to demonstrate that not only could I fulfill my dreams of securing an Olympic medal, but also that sports is an area where everyone belongs, irrespective of your race, gender or faith." Being a proponent of diversity and inclusion in sports, Muhammad emphasized the importance of acknowledging and applauding these milestones as driving forces for comprehensive change. "Instances like mine inspire our younger generation that they possess everything required to succeed already within them."