Black Anime Influencers Changing the Game
Growing up in the 90’s and 2000’s, I was convinced that Justin and I were the only Black people on earth who watched anime, let alone knew what it was. What’s crazy is, the same dudes on my high school basketball team who roasted the hell outta my DBZ shirt, are the same dudes rocking My Hero Academia gear today! In recent years, anime’s influence has trickled its way into African American culture and African diaspora culture as a whole. Pro athletes have been photographed striking anime inspired celebration poses and there are more super saiyan references in rap lyrics than I can count on my fingers.
The moment I really began to notice the Black cultural shift towards anime was when I started seeing Black anime influencers pop-up all over social media. It was as though my childhood wishes had finally come true well into my 20s and there was suddenly an army of Black folks who actually knew what an otaku was! Overtime, Justin and I have connected with a few of these folks through Black Streak, and though I loved my white friends during my school years who openly rocked with anime, Black anime fans interpret anime differently in a way that I can relate to. It’s a cultural thing. Here is a list of the Black anime influencers we follow. This list will continue to grow over time, so make sure to check back!
Black Girls Anime
The devotion that these ladies have to anime is serious! They have a presence on every major social media platform, but personally, I rock with their IG @blackgirlsanime. Their posts cover the latest anime topics from a Black female perspective, they are very engaging with their audience, and their memes are on point, hilarious, and very Black! Make sure to check out their nightly discussions on live too.
Yedoye Travis
I first learned about Yedoye when he was a guest on the My Momma Told Me podcast. This dude’s impressive resume ranges from stand-up comedy and acting, to hosting the Beyond the Bot podcast and Crunchyroll’s Anime in America podcast. He even wrote an issue of Batman! His perspective on anime and American issues as a whole are unapologetically Black, which is why I rock with this cat. Yedoye, if you’re reading this, connect with us bro!
Hiphop and Anime Vibes
Hiphop and Anime Vibes approaches anime from a Black hip-hop cultural perspective. Their IG account is a wonderful fusion of anime and hip-hop. Their daily posts show love to Black cosplayers, Black anime fan art, and very Black depictions of characters that aren’t even human. Any time you can take Kirby and successfully make him Black while keeping him pink, that is an incredible feat!
Black Nerd Problems
These guys aren’t as much anime influencers as they are pop culture news influencers with some anime sprinkled in. Nonetheless, I appreciate how they approach topics of the importance of Black culture in pop culture and entertainment. Check out the articles on their website, and definitely peep their ongoing X-Men meme fan-fiction saga between Cyclops and Storm! You’re welcome, in advance.
Black Ramen Podcast
Simply put, Black Ramen is a podcast featuring very New York Black folks talking about anime. They are like the support group I always wished for as a kid. I listened to their Dear NETFLIX episode while on flight from Atlanta to Cleveland, and it actually made me feel a little better. Only a little though, because, well, I was heading to Cleveland. So, thanks Black Ramen!
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More to come!