Behind the Hashtag #SharetheMicNow
Social media can be an overwhelming place with its endless hasthtags, challenges, and viral videos, but a recent initiative taking over Instagram is one seeking important social change. While the social media site is often home to idyllic images of sunsets, cut creases, and puppies dressed as influencers, in the wake of the killing of George Floyd, it has become a powerful platform for sharing stories and connecting with people around the world. That’s the beauty in the recent Instagram hashtag “Share the Mic Now.”
If you’ve been seeing this on your feed but aren’t exactly sure what it all means, “Share the Mic Now” is an initiative launched by author Luvvie Ajayi Jones (@luvvie), fashion designer Stacey Bendet Eisnet (@aliceandolivia), author Glennon Doyle (@glennondoyle), and Endeavor CMO Bozoma Saint John (@badassboz), to amplify the voices of Black women. #SharetheMicNow consists of white women with large Instagram followings, with a combined audience of over 300 million followers, sharing their accounts with Black women who may not have the same reach to speak on matters of race, privilege, and accountability in today's world. In the midst of protests against the plague of police brutality in America and in support of Black lives, these are necessary conversations to be had, not just now but as long as millions continue to fight for their lives and true equality.
The 46 women sharing their accounts include Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow, soccer superstars Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan, fashion icon Diane von Furstenberg, and many more passionate advocates for equality. The 46 incredible women utilizing these major platforms are writers, actresses, activists, and so much more. Author Elaine Welteroth, Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad, and founder of the #MeToo movement Tarana Burke shared their stories and experiences as Black women in the entertainment industry throughout Instagram posts and videos.
As Share the Mic launched June 10th and nearly 100 inspirational women participated for the day, this initiative is more than a hashtag, but the start of a broader movement to continue amplifying the voices of marginalized women in certain industries in order to enact real change.
Share the Mic seeks to foster a community of understanding and activism as thousands of viewers have taken the time to listen to people they ordinarily might not have come across on their feeds or in their line of work and were hopefully inspired by the stories they heard. While many people may fear speaking up and saying the wrong thing, staying silent does not lead to change. This hashtag is not just a single moment, it can be a continued initiative that sustains itself on the actions of those dedicated to change who are willing to speak up for their peers.
