(ThyBlackMan.com) Bloggers of Color have untapped influence in their communities and the nation. BoC can impact their communities in so many diverse fields ranging from promoting educational attainment (why school is important), obtaining financial growth and stability in their communities; encourage political activism (why voting is important), importance of family stability, community unity projects and development and helping to provide intellectual escalation (being smart is cool).
Bloggers of Color are influential, can inspire and inform and a great
way to promote those in the community doing great things. The concept of “It Takes A Village” is on a digital level.
Looking at #Ferguson and seeing how the media is manipulated, guided and even coerced in reporting events, BoC are vital to understanding the grass roots of issues where is matters. During protests, meetings, collaborations and even what is happening in homes BoC can develop a unique trust and confidence to tell the truth were mainstream media either is not interested or does not have access.
The platforms available can touch lives to meet people where they are, from email lists, webinars, Google Hangouts, online classes, BlogTalkRadio, Podcasts, Vblogging, Microblogging and even the simplest of texting. Mobile technology has opened doors to content that can be accessed through mobile devices as people are on the go.
The power of mobile technology can be seen in developing situations on the ground. The growth of mobile technology shows that 63% of consumers have Smartphones (Business Insider 2014) and it 
continues to grow. These devices when applied correctly can tell a story that does not require editing or an “expert” the truth is seen and heard.
The growth of Bloggers of Color (BoC) is evident as news agencies
continue to put a slant and a skew on stories that have cultural overtones.
When truth and facts are blurred by video snippets and audio bites used to give just enough information to create a digital emotional response.
The news media can manipulate their audiences emotional and psychological expressions and responses. Malcolm X’s statements have historical value and prevalence when speaking on how the media can manipulate our emotional and psychological reactions.
Bloggers of Color through their content can link conceptual ideas that
people share, being a “friend” has a different meaning in an online
environment. The networking concept allows and encourages connections that increase the sharing of information, expanding of ideas and open doors for intellectualism.
Bloggers of Color should take advantage of a new concept coined by
Leisa Reichart “ambient intimacy,” keep in touch with people with a level of regularity and intimacy that you wouldn’t usually have access to, because time and space conspire to make it impossible.” So using technology to stay connected continuously has benefits and detriments. BoC must learn to make known the difference between what is vital and important and what is personal and intimate for them. State by Reichart, “It (Social Media) makes us feel closer to people we care for but in whose lives we’re not able to participate as closely as we’d like.”
Points for Bloggers of Color (BoC)
1. Create a Platform for Unity and Unification.
2. Create Opportunities for Collaboration – “Bloggers cannot view each other as competition, but as collaboration to completion.” Lamar Blogging While Brown Conference 2015.
3. Create opportunities to dispel intimidation, foster acceptance and
respect for other bloggers.
4. Create a Niche where your space is one of safety, support and trust.
5. Create an atmosphere of approachability where those who have
questions feel comfortable in asking them.
6. Create a Brand that has a “visual identity” don’t just base your Brand on text content, people need to see who you are and the direction you are going. Creating a “visual identity” means using the right graphics and photos.
7. Create the understanding that your Brand is your promise, when you make a promise don’t break it.
8. Understand the Visual Identity is important in the age of digital content to separate you from others that try to duplicate and imitate you.
9. Create opportunities for engagement, allow for open discussion so people can reach you and reach out to you. Your intelligence and intellect are valuable assets to influencing people and situations.
Bloggers of Color can create awesome and transformative paradigm shifts in their communities and on a national and even international levels if they apply their creative and intellectual abilities in the right direction. Collaboration – Cooperation – Alliances – Associations
Staff Writer; William D. Jackson
Find out more about this talented writer over at; OCS For Education.
