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Amplifying BIPOC voices in an age of self promotion and misinformation.

Photo by Etienne Girardet on Unsplash

In an age of growing visibility and social movements, the true amplification of BIPOC voices remains an uphill battle. To truly empower our communities, we must focus on elevating those who speak with knowledge, purpose, and integrity. The work for equity and justice demands people committed to public service, not personal promotion.

A few years ago, my husband and I went to see I’m Not Your Negro at the Coolidge Corner Theatre. It was a powerful film, followed by a panel discussion that we listened to intently. But the conversation in the car afterward still resonates with me. We spoke about the state of Black leadership today and how the national presence of strong, selfless Black voices has dwindled. During the Civil Rights Era, leaders stood up selflessly, dedicating themselves to the collective fight without concern for personal gain. Today, we hear a mix of voices—some with the “right stuff” to move us forward and others who bring self-interest into spaces meant for community.

We live in strategically undervalued communities where our voices rarely reach mainstream platforms without dilution or distortion. When we finally gain these opportunities, they mustn’t be squandered. Unfortunately, when people enter these spaces with problematic intentions, they harm our entire community. This is why we need to call out the voices that distract us, those who lead conversations away from community needs and toward personal agendas. The work for equity cannot accommodate those who misuse the platform.

At the same time, we must uplift and stand alongside those who selflessly commit to the cause. There’s room for various approaches, from the calculated to the militant, the vocal to the strategic. However, there is no place for self-centered behavior in the movement toward equality. In recent years, we’ve seen too many instances where voices in BIPOC spaces overshadow the community’s needs with personal ambition. Whether they seek fame, influence, or self-promotion, these actions dilute our movement and distract us from urgent issues.