We launched “TCC: The Series” to highlight the unique challenges that creators of color faced during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, receiving dozens of stories from entrepreneurs, artists, and small business owners. Below are some of their stories, which spotlight the policies that creators will need to survive and thrive beyond COVID-19.
If you’re an artist or creator, please take our survey to share how you’ve navigated the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learn more about Jeannine Cook, what inspired her journey to open Harriet’s Bookshop in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia, and what she’s learned about the importance of owning the spaces we cultivate for community building.
Meet Nick Huff Barili: award-winning director, journalist, and cultural anthropologist. After being told there was no mainstream interest in in depth interviews with hip hop artists, he founded the wildly successful YouTube channel @HARDKNOCKTV. For the last 15 years he’s been having important conversations with some of hip hop’s finest, racking up over 100M views without ever paying for ads.
He’s also navigated the ups and downs of being a YouTube creator today, including having his content undergo demonetization and censorship when he spoke on racial justice.
Meet Quetzal Guerrero, the artist known as QVLN, a formally trained violinist and multi-instrumentalist who had to quickly adapt to the virtual realities of our new normal.
Watch his story of how his family, community, and culture has shaped his creativity, and his take on how digital platforms can better respect working artists.
Jason is an independent science fiction author who understands the value of owning his IP, and he knows firsthand the challenges that creators face navigating Big Tech.
Watch his story and if you’re a creative or entrepreneur, take our survey for your chance to be featured in our series.
Meet SaVonne, founder of Aya Paper Co, an eco-friendly card company. In the wake of the pandemic, SaVonne moved her business online without compromising her core values. Watch her story and if you’re a creative or entrepreneur, take the survey to share your story.