Nicki Minaj and TikTok partnered for an exclusive Black History Month event, creating a platform to meet black creators and celebrate Black History Month. Some community members were frustrated after the event was “invaded” by non-black creators who reportedly dominated the conversation, according to BuzzFeed.
Some non-black TikTok users were apparently trying to defend themselves by saying they are “black by association”. Others were claiming that they were entitled to the conversation because they were trying to learn about black history. “It’s interesting to me that they’re kicking off Black History Month but after this Zoom all the non-Black creators are very excited and all the Black creators are very upset,” said TikTok user, Noah. “I’m a part of TikTok’s own Black TikTok and we have a group chat together and so I know firsthand there were multiple people that did not get links or were unable to log in because the Zoom was so full. I believe they ended up fixing it a little bit. I was able to get in. I know some people couldn’t. Those of us that could get into the Zoom, we were very interested to see that many of the creators in there were actually non-Black. Maybe that’s not inherently wrong but the majority of questions, did go to non-Black creators. It’s very ironic and frustrating to have a Black History Months event and not give a safe space to Black creators.”
Also, there were some interesting words from another Black Tik-Tok creator, Niccoya. “I’m so happy that you have a choice; the choice to be interested in my culture,” she shares. “I’m so happy for you because as a Black woman, I don’t have a choice to be interested in Black history. I live Black history. I am Black history. And since you’re so interested in Black history, I hope you’ve done your research. Black people have constantly been silenced and white people have been made the face of our movement.”
Nicki: “I hear you guys.”
Our favorite (and only) ‘Barb’ has seemingly responded to the backlash following the BHM event. She appeared to address the fall-out during an Instagram Live session. “I had a really great call, a really great Zoom, with TikTok today. Shoutout to everybody that was on there,” she told fans. “I hear you guys. I heard what y’all were saying and let me see if I can schedule something else for you guys.”
My take: Leave Nicki Out of It
It’s no secret that Nicki takes care of her fans and her people. I truly believe this was something out of her control. She (more than likely) trusted TikTok to handle the event with delicacy and detail enough to ensure that it was carried out correctly.
Unfortunately, it looks like TikTok is the one who may have just ‘thrown something together’ to celebrate Black History Month. As much as I love the app, I can’t help but wish they took the time to make sure that the event would have connected with Black TikTok-ers. Otherwise, it does come off as opportunistic.
