THE BLACK TAKEOVER

Normally on Twitter, the same topics are popular throughout the week: twerk videos, rap cyphers, Little Einstein dances and the other usual trivialities. However, on March 6, three people decided to take Twitter by storm. Marrissa Sebastian, (20) of Brooklyn, NY, along with friends T’von Green (21) of Valdosta, GA and Matthew King-Varde (36) of New York, NY created #BlackOutDay. The hashtag went viral, crossing all platforms of social media, and even sparking some celebrities to participate. #BlackOutDay involved all those participating posting and re-posting pictures of African-Americans and their accomplishments.
The founders of #BlackOutDay were excited to share how they felt about the success of their day.
“We are completely overjoyed and are quickly taking the steps to keep momentum going,” said Sebastian. “We have continued the Blackout throughout the weekend and are excitedly planning the themes for the coming months.” Sebastian finished.
Although #BlackOutDay was a success, it got some backlash. Some members of the white community felt as though there was no need for a “BlackOutDay”, and that it was reverse racism in a sense. One Twitter user received over one thousand retweets by simply snapshotting her image search of “beautiful women”, which had nothing but Caucasian women on the first few pages. Whites were not the only ones making a mockery of the event, but even some blacks. Some of those who were of lighter skin tones posted pictures of themselves with the caption, “Am I black enough to participate?” The founders of #BlackOutDay accept this question as a challenge.
“We think it’s an important question. It brings to the forefront the habit that people have gotten into of trying to measure blackness as an all or nothing,” explained Sebastian. “We welcomed mixed and lighter black people to participate and encouraged them to step out in confidence. Our goal is to uplift all types of black people. To deter them would be to compromise the integrity of the project,” finished Sebastian.
Sebastain also expressed her feelings on today’s generation of African-Americans, and her belief that they can overcome adversity and negative preconceptions of black culture. She also feels that the general populous should become aware of the different ways racism intertwines with classism, sexism and homophobia.
“Representation is a large part of how we can help,” Sebastian said. “Continuing to push for multi-dimensional black characters in media, supporting and uplifting black people making moves, and dispelling the myth that there is a right and wrong way to be black,” continued Sebastian.
The founders of #BlackOutDay advise the nation to stay tuned, as they are planning to branch off into other aspects other than social media. #BlackOutDay is now set to be the first Friday of every month, and also themed. The theme for April 3 is “Spring and Rebirth”.
For more information on #BlackOutDay, follow the official Twitter page @theblackout2015 and the official website, theblackout.org.