TikTok is once again recognizing the diverse communities finding support and connection on the app, as the social media platform announces its Latin Heritage Month celebration and first Latin Visionary Voices list.
The list includes popular creators, musicians, and small business owners who "inspire and shape their communities for the better," the platform explains. "Latin Heritage Month celebrates the wide array of identities and cultures hailing from Latin American communities. We are excited to take this opportunity to recognize and celebrate the Latin creators and community leaders who are breaking boundaries, inspiring others, and creating space for diverse voices," TikTok wrote in its announcement.
SEE ALSO: 'Forgiving Johnny' review: Exploring a paperless framework for restorative justiceAs with TikTok's previous cultural celebrations, the platform will host in-person events and in-app activations, including Latinx-owned business spotlights through #CasaTikTok and music features on the Spanish Sounds Page and #MusicaLatina tag.
The celebration includes an expansion of TikTok's #CreciendoConTikTok program, a grant opportunity for small business owners in collaboration with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF). First started in 2021, this year's cycle includes a $200,000 grant pool, with TikTok awarding individual cash awards of $5,000 to 40 Latinx small business owners "who have championed perseverance, resilience, and entrepreneurship in their communities," the platform explains.
"TikTok creates a space for Latino business owners and creators to thrive and have a positive impact on their communities. HHF and TikTok share a joint mission to promote cultural pride and economic opportunities for Latino entrepreneurs and leaders," wrote Jose Antonio Tijerino, president and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation.
TikTok will also partner with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation on a small business research effort focused on the Latinx community, as well as HHF's coding program, Code as a Second Language (CSL), which introduces computer programming and provides tech career path connections to Latinx youth.
Credit: TikTokThe full Visionary Voices list can be found below.
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Creators
Adam Barrera (@AdamTheFlop), an internet culture and music industry creator blending personal commentary and news about songs, charts, artists' careers, and other pop news.
Enasha Bondurant (@enashaolivia), a lifestyle influencer who focuses on self-care and soft living through vlog-style videos.
Jesus Nalgas (@jesusnalgas), a TikTok comedian known for his POV skits, storytelling, and popular livestreams.
Maria Legarda (@misslegarda), a Colombian actor and content creator who makes videos centered around cultural exchange and entertaining food content.
Brian Brigantti (@redleafranch), a gardener and content creator known for sharing his love of nature, cooking, and bountiful produce harvests with his followers.
Industry Disruptors
Alex Ojeda (@alexojeda), a travel influencer focused on sharing the world's most thrilling travel experiences.
Eslabon Armado (@eslabonarmadooficial), a Mexican music group from Los Angeles known for their global hits, "Ella Baila Sola" and "Con Tus Beso," and more.
Stephanie Valentine (@glamzilla), a beauty and body positive creator known for her unedited and unfiltered content.
Myke Towers (@myketowersmtyk), a four-time Latin Grammy Award-nominated rapper and singer from Puerto Rico recognized for his viral TikTok hit "LALA."
VRYWVY (@vrywvy), a DJ and event producer from Mexico City with a mission to inspire the next generation of musicians and creatives.
Small Owned Businesses
Jazz and Sam Sears (@aztaco.king), content creators and owners of Phoenix, Arizona-based restaurant AZ Taco King.
Alexandra Lourdes (@ilovesainthonore), an entrepreneur, co-founder of Refined Hospitality Group, and owner of Saint Honoré Doughnuts & Beignets in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Mike Alfaro (@millennialloteria), a content creator, entrepreneur, and Guatemalan immigrant who created the popular game Millennial Lotería.
Eddie Sandoval (@pinoleblue), creator and founder of the Pinole Blue brand, inspired by Indigenous blue corn recipes from his own family and the Tarahumara community in Chihuahua, Mexico.
Julissa Prado (@rizoscurlshair), a cultural changemaker and the founder and CEO of clean hair care line Rizos Curls.
