Hey y’all! Hope your Thursday afternoon is going well.
I'm one of eight TikTok creator-plaintiffs challenging the U.S. TikTok Ban. A petition was filed with the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit today. You can read more about the specifics in The Washington Post.
If you’re subscribed to this newsletter, you’re most likely following me on TikTok.
Like many of you, I joined TikTok as a user in March 2020. I, an 80s baby, resisted joining the platform. I only saw the app as a place for Gen Z and their silly, yet catchy, 15-second dances. But the world shut down, and I needed an escape from all the heaviness of a pandemic and the Summer of Racial Reckoning.
I fell in love with TikTok instantly. It’s truly for anyone looking to see people who look and live like them, entertain and educate themselves, and become a better person. Not only is TikTok my first stop and go-to for search, it’s where I fell in love with #BlackBookTok and reading, planned amazing vacations to Las Vegas, New Orleans and South Africa, and renewed my enthusiasm for living in the DMV post-2020.
I don’t think I posted an actual TikTok for another year. I was intimidated by the learning curve. My first viral video wasn’t until late 2022. The rest is history, and my life have been forever changed.
Maybe I haven’t lived enough life, but it’s been the honor of mine to connect with you over books, travel, Black-owned businesses and living in D.C. while being my true and authentic self.
I’ve been on the Internet for a long time. I’ve been creating content and fostering community on the Internet for a long time. Most of didn’t gain much traction. Listen. I’ve tried. TikTok was different.
This platform has afforded me so many opportunities:
Features from news media outlets like Buzzfeed, the Wall Street Journal and HuffPost
Campaigns with companies like Hulu, Autotrader and Poppi
Working on paid partnerships with some of my favorite Black woman-owned brands like Ami Colé, Elle Vie and Brown Sugar Babe
Speaking and hosting opportunities
Living more comfortably as a single first-time homeowner in one of the country’s priciest metro areas
But above all, it’s given me y’all. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to show how grateful I am for your unwavering support and love. I hope you know you’re the reason any of this is possible.
Every day, I look forward to talking to you in daily lists and conversing in the comments. I look forward to Monday’s newsletter and Talia Talk Tuesdays. I’m over the moon every time I meet one of you in real life here in DC. I’ve met y’all in different U.S. cities and abroad! That’s a testament to the global reach and impact of TikTok.
There are too many moments to name, but here are just a fraction of the types of TikTok and in-person comments that remind me of my why and what we’ve been able to build:
I got diagnosed with with the same corneal disease you have. I’m scared about CXL and wearing scleral lenses. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Your book club Fros & Prose inspired me and friends to start our own book club.
I purchased a product from a Black-owned business you featured (fun fact: More than 140 Black brands have been mentioned on my TikTok). Thank you for putting us on!
I read XYZ book by an independent author because of your book reviews. It didn’t disappoint!
Thank you for featuring my small business in a Black-owned haul. It means a lot to me and my business.
I’m new to D.C. and trying to make new friends. Your monthly event guides have been super helpful.
Thank you for doing it for the plus-size girls!
I’ve been scared to travel solo, but I think I’m ready seeing you doing it.
A U.S. TikTok Ban threatens all of this. There is a lot to lose with this law—community, representation, information, livelihoods and freedom of expression.
And if this can happen to TikTok and its 170 million users, what social media app is next? What other instances will the government tell us how to and with whom we can communicate? I can’t stand for that.
I had to get involved among this group of creators, all representing different walks of life, and share the positive impact the app has had on me as a small Black woman content creator and my online community.
Let’s see what happens!
-T
Thank you! I hope it is successful!