This Black History Month 2021, meet 100 Black trailblazers redefining the industry

In celebration of Black History Month, we’re thrilled to share our annual list of Black rising stars – as nominated by The Dots community – who are making history, transforming the industry today and inspiring the generation of tomorrow.

We still have a long way to go to diversify the creative, tech and digital industries – which is why it’s important for us to celebrate and be inspired by the incredible Black leaders that surround us.

The list we’ve put together is one that shines with brilliant, talented people and their dedication to positive change. Let’s celebrate their excellence and work! Book them for speaking gigs, interview them, hire them, commission them and support them in any way you can.

Together, we can create a better and more diverse workplace, shaping a new industry for us all.

Aaron Bevan-Bailey – artist & filmmaker

Abdi Cadani – lighting cameraman

Abolade Akintunde – founder & creative director, Acts37

Abraham Abbi Asefaw – entrepreneur

Abraham Adeyemi – freelance writer & director

Adna Ahmed – programme coordinator

Aïda Knipp – art director, musician & model

Akua Afari – graphic designer

Aleah Scott – director & filmmaker

Amber Saunders – film editor

Angel Obasi – creative director, Style Connaisseur

Anthony Vander – film director & CEO of Distortion Movies

Aoki Styles – personal shopper & stylist

Ashanti Bentil-Dhue – founder & CEO, Good Soil Leaders

Ashley Clark – curatorial director, Criterion Collection

Audrey Owusu-Frempong – creative

Ben Duah – fashion photographer

Beth Suzanna – illustrator & designer

Bola Awoniyi – co-founder, Black Ballad

Bolanle Tajudeen – founder, Black Blossoms

Campbell Addy – photographer & founder of Nii Agency & Niijournal

Chantay – artist & tattooist

Chantel King – photographer

Dalia Mae – photographer, creative director & designer

Daniella Gyambibi – illustrator

Davy Charles – director & spoken word artist

Derrick T Kakembo – photographer, filmmaker & consultant

Elainea Emmott – chef, photographer & writer

Emily Nelson – storyteller & strategist

Emmanuel Robert Owusu-Afram – photographer & photographic assistant

Eucharia Wanogho – illustrator

Francis Augusto – photographer

Hali B – producer

Hamidah Duffus – writer & director

Holly Taylor – assistant producer & photographer

Iggy LDN – filmmaker

Israel Peters – director & photographer

Jade Charlotte Cowans – freelance social media, marketing & creative consultant

Jaja Kisses – musician & artist

Jay Harris – journalist, The Athletic

Jasmine Powell – artist

Jeffrey Simmons – sales director

Jhonny Núñez – graphic designer & illustrator

John Glasgow – creative entrepreneur & co-founder, Vault49

Kayowa – musician

Kelechi Okafur – actor, director, podcaster & co-founder, Kelechnekoff Studio

Kelly Richards – product manager

Kenya Hunt – editor & fashion director, GRAZIA UK

Kid Circus – photographer

Kieron Lewis – graphic designer, D&AD judge, Adobe host & Max speaker

Latifah Forrest – stylist

Lauralee Whyte – founder, Spectrum Speakers

Lezleyanne Twang – Stylist

Lisa Lewin – CEO, General Assembly

Lucille Roache – business start-up coach

Lynne Egwuekwe – product designer & creative

Madeline Charles – creative

Michael D Douglas – actor, dancer, singer & host

Nacheal Larelle – researcher

Nadine White – race correspondent, The Independent

Naomi Joda – creative director & founder, JODA.studio

Nate Agbetu – freelance creative strategist

Ngozi Okorie – founder, They Did I Can Too

Nicole Krystal Crentsil – CEO, Black Girl Festival & BIG SIS, angel investor & cultural curator

Nipah – musician & artist

Noramy Kipoto – freelance graphic artist

Philipp Raheem – creative

Puellae – musician & artist

Ramone Anderson – director

Renaissance Studios – broadcasting & media production company

Required Watching – podcast & film festival for new & emerging filmmakers.

Runyararo Mapfumo – writer & director

Sahra-Isha Muhammad-Jones – researcher & writer

Sarah Isabella – artist

Sasha Kluvitse – psychotherapist, project manager & producer

Selorm Torkornoo – LGBT youth engagement & information worker

Seyi Adaobi – broadcast assistant

Shiquerra Clarke – Illustrator/Artist

Shonay Shote – photographer

Sophia Thakur – performance poet, host & speaker

Sophia Ukor – media tech entrepreneur & founder, Violet Simon

Soraya Chumroo – head of design, Tate

Sulay Kelly – photographer

Tapiwa Nemhara – CEO & founder, The17thMedia

Temi Jekennu – creative director & photographer

Thandi Loewenson – architectural designer-researcher

Tiwalola Ogunlesi – confidence & mental health coach

Tolu Farinto – programme director & operations manager

Tomilola Olumide – multidisciplinary visual artist

Toni-Blaze Ibewke – editor-in-chief, Wonderland

Veneisha Hamilton-Loving – choreographer, creative & social media executive

Victoria Onaiyekan – creative

Weyland McKenzie-Witter – audio producer

Yomi Adegoke – journalist & author

With thanks to our brilliant community for nominating their rising stars!

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