Digital Activist: Tracee Ellis Ross

At the American Music Awards last week, host, Tracee Ellis Ross, changed outfits multiple times and every outfit was designed by a black designer. Ross said that she specifically planned this to use the spotlight of the night to highlight designers that she supports. Designers of color are commonly marginalized in the fashion industry and struggle to make headlines or be worn on major red carpets. Other celebrities have done this in the past and it increases the support and recognition of designers of colors. For example, Michelle Obama wore dresses from largely unknown designers, like Jason Wu, and then more people began to support his products. When celebrities use their platform to discuss social issues or push an activists agenda, people listen.

This relates to the term digital activism, that we discussed in class. Digital activism is the use of electronic communication technologies such as social media, e-mail, and podcasts for various forms of activism. Ross is using her social media platform to advocate for more representation and using her power as a celebrity to influence her followers to support designers of color.