We’d be the first to tell you that social media is a mixed bag, beautiful, flawed and often all you can do is laugh at it! But one good thing that the rise of the internet, global connection, and social media has done is elevate and hand an immutable megaphone to voices that need to be heard. For this, we couldn’t be more proud of the industry we thrive in.

With the theme of Black History Month 2022 being health and wellness, we wanted to help celebrate and honor it by shining light on individuals, brands, and projects that are doing an exceptional job utilizing the powers of social media for good. Now, we didn’t want to focus on those who already have massive follower counts and a platform that reaches millions because while they are doing undeniably wonderful things, Betsy Bash has a soft spot for start-ups and those just getting their social sea-legs, if you will. We want to help water the gardens that are just beginning to grow <3

Instagram: Mental Health Advocate @thebrettina

Brettina describes herself as a black healing activist and a mental healing advocate on her Instagram profile. With only 14k followers, Brettina is creating consistent uplifting, relatable, and enlightening content on the 'Gram and TikTok. She focuses on raising awareness regarding mental health issues, the black experience, and everything in between. Whether she's posting about body issues, BPD, or the mental repercussions of work discrimination, she brings a level of honest and insightful truth to every post she makes. We highly recommend you follow her on Instagram or TikTok and share on your social media feeds whenever she hits home for your experience.

Twitter: Non-Profit Organization African American Wellness Project  @TheAAWP

This organization was founded in direct response to the systematic and continual discrimination African-Americans face within this nation's healthcare system. Their mission is to "improve the health of the African-American community by serving as a megaphone for trusted information that enables and encourages African Americans to navigate the healthcare system better, advocate for themselves, and receive improved care, regardless of insurance or circumstances." The AAWP website is filled with health information and resources for the community that can be trusted. Follow them on Twitter to stay in the know of all the significant initiatives they are embarking on!

Instagram: Healthy Living Brand @do_well_brands

When you eat well, you feel well! This local Chicago husband and wife duo, Mike and Malaika, are shaking up the healthy beverage and food industry in more ways than one! They offer unique, bright, and delicious juices available for shipping nationwide, and for Chicago residents, they pair their drinks with handcrafted, fresh, and nutritious salads as well. Another delightful addition to their store's offerings is cocktail kits that utilize their original juices. 

These inspiring entrepreneurs also give back to their community by partnering with other local and small businesses from underserved communities and employing young people with the same entrepreneurial spirit and passion for health and wellness as them. Give them a follow, order a beverage and share the love of healthy eating and living!

TikTok: Black Health Advocate @dor_the_grayt

Ok, we may be cheating a bit against our self-inflicted rule of no significant follower counts, BUT when we found Dorender Dankwa on TikTok, we knew we had to include her. She is a 1st generation medical student who gives an insightful and humor-filled glimpse into what that experience is like for a black woman in America. Hint, it's not a walk in the park! She also shares poignant information and tips for the black community to navigate healthcare and advocate for the respect they deserve. If you are on TikTok, follow her now! If you aren't on TikTok, what are you waiting for? 

Podcast: The Black Doctors Podcast

Podcasts may not immediately come to mind when you think of social media, but they are definitely a part of the equation. The Black Doctors Podcast is an ongoing show hosted by  Dr. Steven Bradley, a board-certified anesthesiologist and medical ethicist on a mission to demystify healthcare and wellness and encourage medical field goals for the black community. "After seeing the power of social media, we decided to harness this power and use it to effect change in the diversity seen in professional fields. An avid musician and novice producer, Dr. Bradley set out to build this podcast as a permanent suppository to host these inspiring stories." Subscribe to this show wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts and follow on Instagram or Twitter to always know when the next informative, entertaining and inspiring episode drops! 

The Betsy Bash team hopes that we've been able to introduce you to some new and stimulating content. If you have any suggestions, DM us on Instagram or Facebook to let us know! We are always in the market for new people to support on social!