Which 'Black Lives Matter' Twitter accounts should you follow?
The tragic killing of George Floyd on 25th May 2020 reignited the Black Lives Matter movement around the world. Twitter has always shown itself to be the best social media platform for learning about news, opinion, social movements, and can help anyone get involved in activism.
At the East African Herald, we have compiled a list of our favourite Twitter accounts which are speaking about Black Lives Matter to keep you up to date on everything you need to know:
1. Lupita Nyong’o @Lupita_Nyongo
Mexican-born Kenyan actor and all-round superstar Lupita Nyong’o is, without doubt, one of the most loved figures in Hollywood today.
Since she launched herself out of obscurity with her breath-taking (and Oscar-winning) performance as Patsey in 12 Years a Slave, Nyong’o has barely put a foot wrong. She’s gone from strength-to-strength, even penning her own children’s book, Sulwe, which manages to navigate the intricacies of a mature subject-matter couched in child-friendly prose. Currently, she has thrown herself wholeheartedly into the Black Live Matter movement, honoring Breonna Taylor and George Floyd among others.
2. Larry Madowo @Larry Madowo
The BBC’s former Africa Business Editor and all-round journalist jokester extraordinaire, Larry Madowo has been featured on UK and American news channels, offering his insight into race relations in Africa and the West.
His 1.9 million Twitter followers are treated to his wit as he picks apart the Trump administration and razor-sharp intelligence on #BLM. He is a must-follow!
3. Opal Tometi @opalayo
As one of the original three co-founders of the #BlackLivesMatter movement, Opal is the real deal. Born in Arizona but maintains strong links to her African heritage, Opal is the brains behind the largest civil rights movement of the 21st Century and consistently features in ‘Most Influential People’ lists around the world.
She keeps her 63.5k Twitter followers up to date on the latest news and always offers advice on how to get involved.
4. Toyin Saraki @ToyinSaraki
In the league of wildly impressive black female activists, Toyin Saraki cannot be beaten. As the founder of The Wellbeing Foundation and the Global Goodwill Ambassador for The International Confederation of Midwives, Toyin is at the forefront of improving female sexual health and childbirth practices for Nigerian women and black women internationally.
To show your support for #BLM, join her 80.5k followers, and help improve black female health.
Photo: Reuters
Left to Right (Twitter Profiles): Opal Tometi, Toyin Saraki, Lupita Nyong’o, Larry Madowo.
