These Historic Trailblazers Would’ve Broken the Internet — And the System

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Alyssa Guzik
March 25, 2025

Social media connects us and spreads our messages worldwide with the click of a button. Influencers have immense power at their fingertips. How would Black historical figures have influenced the world today?

The Black Forager: George Washington Carver would dominate when it comes to teaching people how to forage for food and the importance of agricultural knowledge. He may be best known for his work with peanuts, but his influence on gardening, farming, and agriculture is still abundantly evident today.

Human Rights Sundiata Keita, who built the Mali empire, would impress and inform the world as a human rights influencer. He was one of the first kings to create a human rights charter that abolished slavery, gave access to education, and eliminated food insecurity.

Spirituality Dona Beatriz sought to unite the people around her in God’s light. She channeled the spirit of the saints to alert those around her that the honeyed words of colonizing Europeans weren’t of God or trustworthy.

Although the times may have been different, if these brilliant Black minds had social media today, they’d be power players in the influencer world. How can you use your brilliance to set the stage for the future?

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