WHM'24: #Shoutout to The Amazing Creators
Joseph Watkins: Da Watcha
It goes without saying that women run the world in the content creation market. Don’t believe me....it’s okay, sometimes the data helps, makes it more believable. According to the 2024’s Collabstr’s marketing report, females make up approximately more than 50% of the digital creator ecosystem.
SideNote: Collabstr is a marketplace connecting brands and creators. Brands can use it to find creators based on a social platform, niche, and follower count.
This trend isn't merely a phase; it shows a significant and important shift in the landscape of content creation. Women are not only participating but leading in various niches, from lifestyle vlogging to gaming, from educational channels to comedy skits. Their influence is undeniable, and their contributions are shaping the digital sphere in profound ways with each bringing a unique perspective, voice, and narrative to various media outlets, and enriching the online community with diverse content that rings with audiences worldwide.
There are so many, but here are a few whom I’ve followed that have entertained, enlightened, and elevated my ideas, thoughts, and opinions in ways that I could never imagine, with each bringing a uniqueness that enriches both myself and the digital/physical landscape. I would like to give a shoutout to them as they continue to grind and provide insight to the world, letting the universe know that their content matters and can change lives.
Pop Culture Commentary
Karama Horne
Karama Horne also known as The BlerdGurl, is a prominent figure in the online community known for her work in promoting and celebrating Black nerd culture. She is known for her insightful commentary, reviews, and advocacy within the realm of geek culture, particularly focusing on representation and diversity in media and entertainment. Through her platform, The BlerdGurl, she is a respected voice and influencer in the Blerd and geeky space, engaging with fans and creators alike to amplify their voices and foster a more inclusive geek community.
Karama Horne is also an author, having written Protectors of Wakanda: A History and Training Manual of the Dora Milaje (2022). This book dives into the lore and training of the Dora Milaje, the fierce-female warriors of Wakanda. As the name suggests, it's a one-of-a-kind manual that helped shape characters like Okoye and many others within the Dora Milaje’s ranks. It's not only informative; it's an engaging read, offering deeper insight into the world of Wakanda and its protectors.
Frankey Smith
Frankey Smith is the fearless force behind Fantastic Frankey, a multi-platform dedicated to amplifying the female voice in the world of nerd pop culture. Frankey launched her platform with a mission to normalize the presence of Black women in the underrepresented pop culture digital space. Through her alias, she has created a series of forums on social media, igniting conversations about the latest in anime, movies, and comic book culture. Labelled “The Fanboy Fighter,” Frankey has earned widespread acclaim for her insightful commentary and her fearless approach to addressing issues of representation and diversity within media. By fearlessly confronting stereotypes and advocating for inclusivity, she has effectively leveled the playing field, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and celebrated in the realm of geekdom.
Nadya Martinez
Nadya Martinez also known as Gotham Geek Girl is a native New Yorker and comic book enthusiast who is captivating audiences with her unique style and passion for reporting and storytelling. A GOAT in the pop culture industry, Martinez, has attended and reported numerous comic cons, movie premieres and pop culture events, and as her unwavering love for pop culture has placed a foothold within the industry, many rely on her insight for upcoming comics, movies, and video game premieres. For her, her journey into the world of pop culture goes beyond just mere fandom; it's a lifelong passion that has shaped her vision and journalism career.
Salute.
Twitch/Clubs/Gaming
Tiffie Starchild
Tiffie Starchild – Welcome to The Star Cloud. Located on Twitch, Tik-Tok , IG and other social media platforms, Tiffie’s energy is ultra instinct levels as she shares incredible content, ranging from in-depth opinions and reviews to immersive vlogs, and entertaining reactions. She’s an amazing creative and what sets her apart from others is her genuine passion and enthusiasm she brings to every project (check out her X-Men ‘97 review). Whether she's diving deep into the latest movie releases, embarking on exciting adventures on her channels, or reacting with infectious joy to fan-favorite moments, Tiffie's love for her content creation shines through captivating audiences on international levels.
Respect.
Victoria L. Johnson
Victoria L. Johnson aka Sailor Victoria – is a writer, host, and podcaster with over a decade of experience of making waves in nerd culture. With an impressive portfolio boasting contributions to esteemed outlets like Complex, Teen Vogue, and Vulture, Johnson's latest endeavor, the Sailor Moon Fan Club Podcast, has garnered widespread acclaim and recognition for its celebration of the Sailor Moon fandom and its diverse array of guests. Additionally, the podcast has earned accolades from industry peers, with Nerdist naming it one of the "18 Geek and Nerd Podcasts with Outstanding Black Hosts" and Audible recognizing its impact, listing it among "The Best Anime Podcasts for Enthusiasts and Newcomers Alike." Johnson is a conversationalist who creates insightful dialogue, showcasing the magic and depth of the Sailor Moon franchise.
SheisBoogie
SheisBOOGIE – Content Creator, Streamer, and amazing human being, SHEISBOOGIE stands on business. She is a D.C. based cosplayer, Esports Coach and was also crowned by the GAMEHER Awards as Coach of the Year. She brings a joy to Twitch and when it comes to shooters, she stands on business.
SideNote: The *Gamehers is the first and largest media platform and social networking community of women and femme-identifying gamers.
Beyond her achievements in gaming, BOOGIE's impact extends far beyond the digital realm. Through her coaching, content creation, and community engagement, she continues to inspire and uplift others, leaving a major mark on the gaming industry.
Respect.
Dr. Sheena Howard, PhD
Dr. Sheena Howard, PhD - The GOAT in the pop culture literary world, Dr. Howard is one of the first Black women to win the Eisner Award, for her research in Black comics, Black nerd culture and Social Justice. She has appeared on national channels highlighting the importance of being Black and creative within this pop culture space. To me, she’s an international gem and a pop culture and literary treasure. Her examination into the World of Wakanda through her literary work, Why Wakanda Matters: What Black Panther Reveals About Psychology, Identity, and Communication (2021) features a collection of essays from leading experts in a variety of fields who offer insightful perspectives on topics such as Intergenerational trauma and resistance, Social identity, Collective identity, and Cultural and Racial Identity. Dr. Howard has been through the flames and back and is, in my opinion, an ICON. Salute to this amazing person as she continues to write her destiny and showcase how strong and resilient a person can be. RESPECT!!!
Dr. Robin R. Means, PhD
Dr. Robin R. Means, PhD - Vice President and Associate Provost for Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer and the Ida B. Wells and Ferdinand Barnett Professor of Communication Studies at Northwestern University. Her notable works include Horror Noire: Blacks in American Horror Films from the 1890s to Present (2011) and African-American Viewers and the Black Situation Comedy: Situating Racial Humor (2000), among others. She has also served as editor for Say It Loud! African American Audiences, Media, and Identity (2002) and co-editor for Fight the Power! The Spike Lee Reader (2008).
Beyond her literary achievements, Dr. Coleman's research and commentary have garnered attention from various international and national media outlets. Her documentary film, Horror Noire, premiered internationally in 2019, receiving widespread critical acclaim. Notably, Horror Noire has been honored with the 2019 FearNYC Trailblazer Award. She has also written, The Black Guy Dies First: Black Horror Cinema From Fodder to Oscar (2023) an examination into the history of Black horror films from the classic film Spider Baby (1967) to the Oscar win of Get Out (2017). An Amazing Read.
These creators represent only a fraction of those who have left a lasting impact on my digital journey over the years. Their creativity, passion, and dedication to pop culture serves as an inspiration for aspiring female content creators everywhere. Through their achievements, they challenge stereotypes and contribute to a more inclusive creative environment. With each new wave of emerging talent, and as the digital ecosystem continues to evolve and expand, offering fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to content creation, I look forward to their continued success and welcome the new wave of voices that will shape the future of creative content. I’ll be watching….
Respect.
