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In January 2020, an executive at TikTok reached out to me directly via email about creating a verified page for @150Bison . I spoke with them about my background with founding the page and possible ideas I had for showcasing Howard’s vibrant student life. These plans included -
- working with almost every part of what we know & love at HU. From royal court & student councils, to international students’ fashion shows & College of Fine Arts productions, to highlighting some of our favorite staff & professors, this would have been a monumental opportunity
- to showcase the diversity and culture you can find not only at The Mecca, but also at any HBCU. I even shared plans with this executive to utilize their platform to collaborate with some of the creators at other HBCUs to uplift & bring them to the forefront of what’s -
- now one of the most impactful forms of social media. I also shared that I would not have any problem, since @150Bison was not an official student organization, connecting this executive with university officials to potentially create an official account for the university.
I faithfully followed up with from Jan. to May because I knew how vital it could be for our culture. As a rising senior, I know how to deal with a runaround. However, sending multiple emails for FOUR months with little to no response, after I was contacted first is a lil odd, no?
Now seeing the way TikTok has censored #BlackLivesMatter 
https://abs.twimg.com/hashflags... draggable="false" alt=""> & the names of those we have lost, and is shadowbanning Black users, it is very hard to believe that this was not on purpose. With that said, I’m asking Howard & other HBCU TikTok users to join those who are taking a stand.
& the names of those we have lost, and is shadowbanning Black users, it is very hard to believe that this was not on purpose. With that said, I’m asking Howard & other HBCU TikTok users to join those who are taking a stand." title="Now seeing the way TikTok has censored #BlackLivesMatter https://abs.twimg.com/hashflags... draggable="false" alt=""> & the names of those we have lost, and is shadowbanning Black users, it is very hard to believe that this was not on purpose. With that said, I’m asking Howard & other HBCU TikTok users to join those who are taking a stand.">
& the names of those we have lost, and is shadowbanning Black users, it is very hard to believe that this was not on purpose. With that said, I’m asking Howard & other HBCU TikTok users to join those who are taking a stand." title="Now seeing the way TikTok has censored #BlackLivesMatter https://abs.twimg.com/hashflags... draggable="false" alt=""> & the names of those we have lost, and is shadowbanning Black users, it is very hard to believe that this was not on purpose. With that said, I’m asking Howard & other HBCU TikTok users to join those who are taking a stand.">
If you use TikTok, use your platform to support the Black creators who have been using the hashtags #ImBlackMovement , #ImBlack , #BlackVoicesHeard & use this profile picture for solidarity. Follow & share Black content creators who are uplifting others.
Call out @tiktok_us for their censorship and leave them a review on the App Store. Let them know that we cannot and will not be silenced. The “For You” page is not for us when it profits off of Black creators and won’t push Black content.
In truth and servicehttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="😘" title="Face throwing a kiss" aria-label="Emoji: Face throwing a kiss">
In truth and service
