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With the current political climate of America in mind, many turn to social media for answers and knowledge. Activism on social media allows for the amplification of voices to be heard on matters on inequality and injustices that occur every day. Activists hold power in their words and can spark change through just an Instagram post. It is important now more than ever to use social media activism as a tool spreading awareness, resources, and knowledge to inspire action. Here are the top activists on social media today.
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1. Greta Thunberg
- @gretathunberg
- 10.3M followers
Greta Thunberg is a 17-year-old climate and environmental activist with Asperger’s. Her work in bringing awareness to climate change by using her social media platform has caught not only Swedish attention (where she is from), but attention from celebrities, activists, political leaders, and organizations worldwide. In her race to save the planet, Thunberg has raised money alongside UNICEF, attended climate strikes worldwide, spoken at mass forums and assemblies, and was named Time’s Person of the Year in 2019. Based on her activism on social media, it is clear her work isn’t done and at only 17 years old, it is clear there is no one that is going to stand in her way.
Greta Thunberg’s Top Accomplishments:
- Time’s Person of the Year (2019)
- Friday’s For Future (Climate Strike)
- United Nations General Assembly (Speaker)
- Key to the city of Montréal
- No One is Too Small to Make a Difference (Book)
- World Economic Forum (Speaker)
- GQ’s Game Changer of the Year (2019)
2. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- @aoc
- 4.6M Followers
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, best known as AOC, is so much more than a Congresswoman in New York. Despite that already prestigious title, her role as an activist on social media is where she really showcases her work in politics. AOC’s tenacity and fearlessness in every realm of political activism can be seen in how she fights for people. As a young, Hispanic woman of color who has grown up in the working class, she not only understands the struggles of everyday people, but she is willing to represent them. Her platform is built on human rights and when she is not working as Congresswoman or using her voice on social media, she is on the front lines of protests, rallies, and more fighting alongside the people.
3. Laverne Cox
- @lavernecox
- 4.1M Followers
Laverne Cox is a Black Trans Lives Matter activist on both social media and mainstream media. Her role in both the black community and LGBTQ+ community has shown her two different sides of adversity and injustice, however, she has shown strength in using it as a way to showcase her voice. On social media, Cox has used her platform to share stories of black and trans people and advocate for change. She is also promoting her new film, Disclosure, coming to Netflix on June 19th. Disclosure is a documentary film that lets trans men and women share their own stories and take control of the narrative for the whole world to see.
Laverne Cox’s Top Movies/TV Experience:
- Orange Is the New Black (2013-2019)
- Disclosure (2020)
- Can You Keep A Secret? (2019)
- The Rocky Horror Picture Show (2016)
4. Colin Kaepernick
- @kaepernick7
- 3.8M Followers
Colin Kaepernick is a Black Lives Matter activist who used his platform as an NFL star to spark change within the country. Back in 2016, Kaepernick’s choice to kneel during the national anthem at a preseason game caused a wave of both backlash and activism on social media. This very public protest was Kaepernick’s first step in bringing attention to the many injustices happening in America. Since his kneel, his football career has been retired and he has founded the Know Your Rights Camp, a legal defense initiative to provide legal resources to those in need.
5. Jameela Jamil
- @jameelajamilofficial
- 3M Followers
Jameela Jamil is primarily a feminism activist on social media, however, her platform has expanded to showcase activism in LGBTQ+, BLM, and more. Jamil is an actress and podcast host for I Weigh. I Weigh, founded and hosted by Jameela Jamil, is a podcast (and Instagram account) dedicated to amplifying voices who advocate for body positivity and inclusivity in their field. Her ability to navigate all social issues on her platforms has allowed for her to actively use her voice and the voices of others for change.
I Weigh Platforms:
| Platform | Stats | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Podcast | 4.7 Stars | Podcast dedicated to radical inclusivity and amplifying voices on different social issues. |
| 1.1M Followers | Quotes, resources, and stories shared in line with promoting inclusivity. | |
| YouTube | 27.4k Subscribers | Visual recording of I Weigh podcast episodes. |
| Book Club | 5 Stars | List of books as additional resources that discuss body positivity and inclusivity. |
6. Amber Tamblyn
- @amberrosetamblyn
- 371k Followers
Amber Tamblyn is a social media activist and co-founder of the Time’s Up Movement. Tamblyn’s voice on female empowerment and sexual harassment has led to a storm of voices telling their stories in the entertainment industry. In her most recent book, Era of Ignition, Tamblyn discusses enacting equality, how to be an ally, and what it means and feels like to be a woman. Her voice on these matters has taken over her social media while amplifying her stance on equal rights.
7. Shirien Creates
- @shirien.creates
- 288k Followers
Shirien is a social media activist who uses her artistic talents in graphic design to amplify social issues. Her work has spread all over social media by people reposting her content worldwide. Her account has dedicated posts to victims of police brutality, such as George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, while also using her art to speak to movements such as BLM protests, supporting healthcare workers facing COVID-19, self-love affirmations, and more. Her work resonates with people and has the ability to bring people together in times of uncertainty.
Top Artist Activists on Instagram:
- @thesweetfeminist
- @domrobxrt
- @blcksmth
- @shopsundae
- @coolbeenart
Other Notable Social Media Activists:
| Instagram Handle | Followers | Movement |
|---|---|---|
| @adwoaaboah | 939k | Feminism/Human Rights |
| @chellaman | 434k | LGBTQ+ |
| @iamderay | 213k | Black Lives Matter |
| @chasinggarza | 195k | Black Lives Matter |
| @xiyebeara | 24.3k | Climate Justice |
For more information on social media activism, check out our blogs on the 15 African American Influencers You Should Be Following and Activism on Social Media: BLM. You can also download our complete Resource Guide for the Black Lives Matter Movement.
