29 More Black Social Media Influencers

Posted by Mitch Mitchell on Aug 10, 2011

Yup, I’m back again with another list of black social media influencers. Of course, like last time, I have some things to say before I post this list of very qualified people.

Why 29? The first time I did this I wanted to find 50 people to create my list. However, once I got started I found that the search was more difficult than I had expected it to be, and thus I could only come up with 21. The search was difficult this time around as well, but mainly because I pumped the parameters up a bit.

Once again I had my set of rules, and this time I stuck with them. I used Klout to help me select people and the lowest Klout score I was allowing was 60. Also, every person had to have a blog, and I had a couple of decisions to make about that.

One, About.me isn’t a blog but more of a resume service, if you will, so I excluded those.

Two, I don’t consider Tumblr a blog either. I’ve never seen anyone use it as a blog, but as a place to put a lot of pictures and quick thoughts. Sorry, that’s not really blogging, per se, although a couple of blogs here that deal with fashion have lots of posts that are mainly photographs, but some of their posts are actual posts as well so there’s a differentiation. I also included blog platforms I don’t particularly like, which I did last time as well. However, sticking with my own rules about the types of blogs I won’t subscribe to for new folks, it means some of these folks I only follow on Twitter.

Three, as long as it took me to put this thing together, if I had to go off and research to find out who someone’s real name was or to find a blog, I just wasn’t doing it. This left some folks with really high scores off the list but so be it. I can’t figure out why people won’t put either their websites or blog links on their Twitter page. I did check out business pages looking for blogs if one was listed, but some folks linked to their LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter pages. I mean, what the heck, why are you linking to your Twitter page on Twitter? People are already there and see what your Twitter link is!

Four, no “real” celebrities. That sounds odd on the surface until you see one of the names I put on the list who’s kind of a celebrity and kind of not, at least at this juncture of his life; Hey, I got to make the call, right?

And five, I stuck with my rule about no group blogs. At least I don’t think any of these are group blogs. They can be business blogs, but the idea was to highlight individuals, just like last time.

I will say this. The previous post got a lot of response, and I was happy about that. It was great finally giving a group of people largely ignored some well deserved press. I hope it goes as well this time around but truthfully, I’m expecting it to drop off. That’s too bad, but history shows that the first “Dream Team” always outperforms the second Dream Team, even if the players are just as good. But who knows, since Ileane will probably help push this baby strongly; after all, many of the people on this list are on a list on Twitter she created and talked about in a comment on the previous post, Black Social Media Heroes.

So let’s get to it. Very short descriptions, much shorter than last time, and links to people’s blogs to make it easy for you to get there. And for those of you who know that I normally write my articles very fast, this post took me 4 hours including research. This will be the last time I do a list like this; I’ve hit 50, so now someone else can take up the cause. And, like last time, I’m not going out and telling any of these folks I put them on the list, so I hope some of y’all will let them know; I’m tired! lol

Rohan @365thingstododc 63
Writes about the happenings around Washington D.C.
http://district365.com/

Anise Smith @AniseSmith 73
Writes about online and offline technology
http://anisesmith.com/

Tami Highbaugh @AriesGDIM 70
Writes about graphic design, internet marketing and the internet in general
http://ariesgdim.com/

Baratunde @baratunde 74
He writes about politics and happenings around the world from a comedic point of view
http://www.baratunde.com/

Carolyn Edgar @carolynedgar 68
Writes about her life and opinions as a lawyer
http://carolynedgar.wordpress.com/

Rene Syler @ReneSyler 60
Writes about relationships and life in general
http://www.goodenoughmother.com/

Monique Neeley @InspiredMomma 68
Writes about social media
http://moniqueneeley.com/

Mark Anthony Neal @NewBlackMan 61
Writes about civil rights and diversity issues
http://newblackman.blogspot.com/

Mike Street @streetforce1 61
Writes about entertainment
http://http://greasyguide.com/

Adria Richards @adriarichards 69
Writes about the internet and technology
http://butyoureagirl.com/

Marshawn Evans @marshawnevans 62
Writes about media
http://marshawnevans.com/blog

Patrick Allmond @patrickallmond 68
Writes about search and social media
http://allaboutfocus.com/the-full-blog/#

Elon James White @elonjames 75
Writes about black issues from both a serious and funny angle; creator of videos “This Week In Blackness” on YouTube
http://bccostudios.com/blog/

Candice N. Mackel @CandiceNicolePR 63
Writes about fashion, entertainment, and public relations
http://www.candicenicolepr.com/

Danyelle L. @TheCubicleChick 70
Writes about relationships, pop culture and even HR issues
http://www.thecubiclechick.com/

Kris Cain @LittleTechGirl 67
Writes about technology and lots of cool stuff
http://littletechgirl.com/

Brent Leary @BrentLeary 63
Writes about business & CRM (customer relationship management; had to look that up)
http://crm2.typepad.com/

Kevin Powell @kevin_powell 69
Writes on social issues, and as a sidebar is one of the original Real World folks
http://www.kevinpowell.net/blog/

Sharnell Tull @therealSharnell 63
Writes about music, poetry and art
http://therealsharnell.com/

Charlie Gilkey @CharlieGilkey 64
Writes on business and being successful
http://www.productiveflourishing.com/blog/

Alicia Gibbs @LaFashionChica 64
Writes about fashion
http://www.chica-fashion.com/blog.html

Olivia Brown @OliviaBrown82 61
Writes about entertainment
http://oliviabrown82.blogspot.com/

Jose Vilson @TheJLV 70
Writes about politics, education and race
http://thejosevilson.com/

Kimberly C. Ellis, Ph.D @drgoddess 71
Writes about politics, media and entertainment
http://drgoddess.com/

Miranda Parker Dee @deegospel 62
Writes about literature

http://www.mirandaparker.com/blog/

Douglas Idugboe @douglasi 71
Writes about social media
http://www.smedio.com/

Denene Millner @MyBrownBaby 70
Writes on family issues and black parenting
http://mybrownbaby.com/

Stanford Smith @pushingsocial 63
Writes about blogging and social media
http://pushingsocial.com/

Rosetta Thurman @rosettathurman 68
Writes about nonprofits, leadership & motivation
http://www.rosettathurman.com/

Tags: black bloggers, blacks in social media, blogs, influence, influential blacks social media, Klout, Social Media

38 Comments »

Cristian Balau:

Great list, noted some of them and even added a couple to my google reader. So thanks for the share, oh yeah, you forgot yourself!

Mitch Mitchell Reply:
August 10th, 2011 at 4:13 PM

Cristian, I can’t go around putting myself on lists now. lol But I do hope you check some of these folks out.

August 10th, 2011 | 10:31 AM

Vernessa Taylor:

Hey Mitch,

You know I loved that first 21 Black Social Media Influencers post. I met some really neat people as a result of it and the subsequent comments.

Let’s see, from that list I met (and now interact regularly with) Fields Jackson Jr (@fleejack), Beverly Mahone, Shallie Bey, and Marlee Ward (@marldble). Unfortunately, a few of the other folk turned out to be unresponsive, igged you on tweets and comments … can’t win them all.

And of people on your new 29 Media Influencers list, I know Rohan (@365thingstododc) courtesy of GrowMap, and Tami Highbaugh @AriesGDIM and Rosetta Thurman as a result of Ileane’s #BSMHeroes Twitter list. I encountered Adria Richards a long time ago (couple of years?) when searching for a tech answer and found a very useful tutorial she’d written.

You’ve given us bunches more folk to check out, maybe follow, and get to know. Thanks for those 4 tough hours!

Mitch Mitchell Reply:
August 12th, 2011 at 1:34 AM

Thanks Vernessa. I went back to the last post to see some names that had been recommended to see how well they ranked and most are included on this particular list. I’m glad to do it and bring new people to the attention of other bloggers, and that makes me feel pretty good. A lot of people on the first list at least stopped by and said something, but you’re right, after the first connection there wasn’t much after that. But that wasn’t the intention anyway; I had my reasons for doing it, but the reason wasn’t necessarily to make more friends, but to try to honor the group.

But there were some good people as well, and I think this list has some good people too. And they’re all accomplished, which means that there’s a lot for people to see and learn. I’m sure you’ll meet some great people this time as well.

August 10th, 2011 | 9:08 PM

Carl:

Nice one Mitch, I will check the list now, quite interested in tech and marketing related blogs and I already spotted few.

Carl Reply:
August 12th, 2011 at 3:00 AM

Quite impressive get more than 20 uniques to one of my websites from one of this tech blogs, again excellent sharing Mitch, blogs are very high quality.

August 10th, 2011 | 9:47 PM

Anise Smith:

Thank you much! I am honored to be in the company of such amazing people and to be listed by you. Thank you so much Mitch!

Mitch Mitchell Reply:
August 12th, 2011 at 1:35 AM

Glad to have you on the list, Anise. Definitely deserve to be there.

August 10th, 2011 | 10:14 PM

rohan:

Oh Thanks for the shout out Mitch, much appreciated. I’m about to go through and meet as many of these folks as I can.

Thank you

Mitch Mitchell Reply:
August 12th, 2011 at 1:36 AM

Glad to have you on the list, Rohan; you’ve done well.

August 10th, 2011 | 10:15 PM

Tami Highbaugh-Abdullah:

Thanks so much for the inclusion. Many of these I already have on my #BLKMM twitter list, the rest I will soon be adding. I have already shared this on Facebook and Twitter. You Rock Mitch! Oh and welcome to “Geeks with Swag”!

Mitch Mitchell Reply:
August 12th, 2011 at 1:38 AM

Thanks Tima, and I’m glad you’re on the list as well. Amazing how names come to you once you take a first step, which was why I created the first one. I hope this one does as well.

August 10th, 2011 | 10:18 PM

Brent Leary:

Thanks for including on your list Mitch. It is greatly appreciated!

Brent

Mitch Mitchell Reply:
August 12th, 2011 at 1:41 AM

No problem Brent; I hope it works out well for you long term.

August 11th, 2011 | 5:49 PM

Maninder @ HackTik.com:

Pretty long list. Thx for sharing this. Will take time out to see these.

August 12th, 2011 | 5:08 AM

jasmine:

Ooh! interesting that there is someone who really takes his time and effort to create such list. Will be taking my time as well to check them out.

August 12th, 2011 | 6:03 AM

OKE:

Hey Mitch!
Awesome job done,i really admire your great efforts for putting this list over here for us,i have checked 5 links from the top of this list while commenting here,i am pretty much excited to check all of them right now.Thank you for sharing this great black social media influencers list.

Good Luck and God Bless!!

With Regards!
Samuel Joshua.

August 12th, 2011 | 8:56 AM

Minerva @ park city ski homes:

Hi Mitch! What you have just listed in this post are all very useful and helpful. I’m quite interested with the technology, business, and fashion social media influencers. Gotta check them right away!

August 13th, 2011 | 6:01 AM

Beverly Mahone:

Another Top Influencers List…alright now! I must admit I don’t know a single person. But like Vernessa, I met some AWESOME folks from your first list and, yes, there were a few ARROGANT ones that I think shouldn’t have been on that list. I reached out to a couple who didn’t give me the respect to respond. That just tells me they are about being an “Influencer” but not ENGAGING.

I will check out some of these folks from your new list—and I agree with Cristian, you should be on the list. Maybe I’ll just create my own. Oh, wait a minute. I already did that and you’re on it AND THE ONLY MALE
http://www.boomerdivanation.org/bdnhome/50-and-fabulous-top-bloggers-named-by-boomer-diva-nation

Mitch Mitchell Reply:
August 14th, 2011 at 8:27 PM

LOL! Thanks Bev, and I do know that some of the people on this list are very nice people indeed. I think overall that the effort I put into it shows that there are black people doing some good things in social media. True, it took some effort, but the reality is that there are a lot of folks whose Klout score was actually high enough to be on this list, but they didn’t fit my criteria of having a blog. It would have taken me a lot less time if I’d just taken anyone with a high Klout score, but in my mind you’re really not relevant in social media without a blog, which offers people the best way to learn more about you and to talk to you.

And that’s the part of engaging that I feel needs to at least be a part of it all. Let’s see how many folks we all get to meet this go-round.

August 14th, 2011 | 6:58 PM

rohan:

Ha Beverly, bet if you reached out to me, I’d 100% respond. Matter of fact, I’ll hit you up on Twitter now. I absolutely love connecting with folks.

Thanks again Mitch for throwing me on here. Too Awesome!

August 14th, 2011 | 8:20 PM

Brian D. Hawkins:

I started visiting each post and I realized I need to create a new group in my Google reader for Social Media Influencers. There’s a lot to learn from these leaders and I will subscribe to each one. Thanks for putting it all together for us Mitch.

Mitch Mitchell Reply:
August 22nd, 2011 at 11:48 PM

Brain, it was a labor of love, this one and the original list. And making sure everyone on the list had a blog was really important to me so people could talk to them.

August 22nd, 2011 | 11:13 PM

Mika @ Car Hire Portugal:

Awesome list Mitch! I took the liberty to subscribe to their rss feed. I love the resources and ideas I got from visiting each of them.

Mitch Mitchell Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 11:07 AM

Good deal Mika; glad to share these folks with you.

August 24th, 2011 | 8:24 AM

The Cubicle Chick:

Wow, thanks for the mention. I appreciate it greatly. Thank you. And I am going to bookmark your blog to read more of your content

Mitch Mitchell Reply:
August 28th, 2011 at 2:26 AM

Glad to have someone with your credits be a part of the list and I hope it helped to give you a bounce.

August 28th, 2011 | 2:06 AM

Miranda Parker:

Thank you so much for including me in this list. I’m honored.

Mitch Mitchell Reply:
August 30th, 2011 at 1:00 AM

No problem Miranda. You fit the qualifications, of which you should be proud. I hope your blog gets lots of visitors from here.

August 30th, 2011 | 12:26 AM

ann @ french property:

I’m currently checking these sites. and so far I’m enjoying the journey from one to the other!

September 1st, 2011 | 1:12 AM

Sharnell:

thanks for the shout out much love!

Mitch Mitchell Reply:
September 12th, 2011 at 5:07 PM

No problem; glad you finally saw it.

September 12th, 2011 | 2:18 PM

Patrick Allmond:

Wow. What an honor to be listed here. I saw the referral come into my website this morning and just had to come check it out. The fact that I found your site indicates you have created a great list that people are taking advantage of.

I’d like to invite you Mitch (and anybody that wants to come) to list your site(s) on a page I create a couple of week just for people to take about themselves. The page is also: http://allaboutfocus.com/free-business-listing-page

I’ve also got a weekly webinar series on my system called ‘Online Marketing Mojo” that you are invited to watch Mitch.
http://allaboutfocus.com/seminars/#

Mitch Mitchell Reply:
March 23rd, 2012 at 1:03 AM

I’m trying to figure out how I missed your comment on this post Patrick, but I’m really glad you left one and I’m glad you got to see your name listed as well. I hope you’ve been checking out my Friday series called Black Web Friday lately, as I believe tomorrow (later today) will be my 10th installment.
Mitch Mitchell recently posted…Black Web Friday – 3/16/12

Patrick Allmond Reply:
March 23rd, 2012 at 2:33 AM

I had not but I’ll start paying attention. Keep up the great work.
Patrick Allmond recently posted…Video: 4 quick tips on how I stay motivated

September 12th, 2011 | 5:27 PM

Blogs and Self Promotion | Your Time to Shine at Midlife!:

[...] are a couple of examples: 29 More Black Social Media Influencers; Issac Bidwell Interview ; Yasmin Shiraz [...]

September 29th, 2011 | 10:22 PM

Jen@Madbid:

Have taken the liberty to subscribing to each one of these influencers and their RSS feeds. Will definitely be checking back in a years time to see exactly who’s still around and who’s riding high
Jen recently posted…Penny Auctions 2011 – Madbid Next Year

Patrick Allmond Reply:
March 22nd, 2012 at 11:45 PM

Bring it Jen – I’ll be here waiting for you
Patrick Allmond recently posted…New Social Media Coaching Program

March 22nd, 2012 | 5:33 PM

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