Social Media Influencers Call For Equal Pay

The pay gap along racial lines is pervasive across all industries, including for social media influencers. At the Black Girl Digital Awards in Atlanta, content creators shed light on their advocacy for equal pay.

As influencers are becoming more profitable by funneling billions into the global economy, they are now calling out industry insiders for the inequitable split. As the pay gap is at a significant 35% for pay received by white influencers as opposed to Black ones, the awards event is set to raise awareness on this issue, as reported by 11Alive.

The show’s producer, LaToya Bond, emphasized to the audience that Black women are often the trailblazers for the culture, and their pay should reflected in that.

“Black women, Black culture, we drive pop culture, but a lot of the times in this industry, we don’t get the acknowledgement, we don’t get the equal pay. So if we don’t do it for ourselves, then who will?” said Bond.

This battle cry for pay transparency and equality was echoed by fellow speaker, Youtuber Simone Sharice. Sharice has built a following of hundreds of thousands by marketing her skillset in hairstyling while emerging as a media personality as well. In her speech, she encouraged brands and creators to ensure rates don’t range by race,

“Equality, when it comes to payment, when it comes to campaigns, when it comes to sponsorship. Sometimes it is hard for Black women to get the same amount as white people, so I think equality needs to be spread more throughout the industry.”

As influencing extends to the next generation, Black Girl Digital’s founder, LaToya Shambo, believes that change will start with the youth to advocate on behalf of their work. As for her tips on earning one’s worth, Shambo encourages creators to negotiate confidently, build a vast network, and make sure brands know what you bring different to the table.