Blavity’s Creators 100 is highlighting 10 individuals who are impacting the world through their duty to journalism and using their gifts to uplift outside of that realm.

Gia Peppers

 

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Gia Peppers is an award-winning on-air talent, entertainment journalist, content creator and podcaster. Whether it’s contributing to NBC’s Today Show, hosting her nationally syndicated podcast, More Than That With Gia Peppers, or interviewing guests on her web series, Give You The Game, Peppers is a vessel for leading the impactful conversation. And she never fails in using her platform to push the culture forward.

Marie Denee

 

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Marie Denee is the creator of The Curvy Fashionista, “a multifaceted media brand dedicated to celebrating plus-size folks with curves, confidence, style and smarts.” Denee began her career working in retail as a stylist, fashion expert and manager. 

Denee has contributed fashion and style tips to publications like ESSENCE, Ebony and Seventeen Magazine. And also works as a plus-size fashion consultant, advocate and advocate for body image and confidence.

David Dennis Jr.

 

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David Dennis Jr. is a senior writer for ESPN and Andscape. His work has appeared in publications such as The Atlantic, The Washington Post, HuffPost, Medium and more. Dennis Jr. is also the recipient of the 2021 American Mosaic Journalism Award and author of the novel The Movement Made Us, released earlier this year.

Justin Tinsley

 

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Justin Tinsley is a senior culture writer for Andscape and is currently a co-host of the platform’s weekly roundtable video series that dissects trending topics, cultural movements and global events. 

Tinsley has frequently appeared on ESPN’s SportsCenter, Outside The Lines with Bob Ley, The Six with Michael Smith and Jemele Hill and is revered for his ability to intertwine the worlds of hip hop, pop culture seamlessly with sports. 

Danielle Canada

 

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Danielle Canada is a seasoned entertainment journalist and managing editor at BOSSIP. She has interviewed the likes of Gabrielle Union, Jada Pinkett Smith, Kelly Rowland and more. And she was even named the “Hip Hop Writer of the Year” by Atlanta’s YGEA association in 2010.

In 2018, Canada was credited as an Atlanta “Visionary Voice.” And in 2020, she was awarded the “Media Maven Trailblazer Award” by the National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications.

Rob Markman

 

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Rob Markman is an esteemed music journalist and VP of Content strategy at GENIUS. His writing has appeared in outlets such as The Source, Vibe Magazine and the New York Post. And he’s even held the titles of Senior Hip Hop Editor at MTV Networks and Deputy Editor at XXL Magazine. 

Despite his dedication to his work as a journalist, Markman proved that he’s not afraid to follow his passions fully — simultaneously pursuing his dreams of becoming a rapper. Markman released his first body of music, Write To Dream, in 2017.

Wayno

 

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Wayno Clark, better known as Wayno, is a longtime music executive presently VP of A&R at Quality Control Music. Wayno started his career as an intern at Roc-A-fella Records and worked his way up to the title of A&R representative. 

Years later, Wayno launched his artist management firm, Triangle Offense Management and worked diligently to establish the famed rapper Dave East’s career. Wayno also appeared as a regular co-host on Everyday Struggle hosted by Complex.

Ivie Ani

 

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Ivie Ani is a journalist, on-air host, editor-in-chief and director of AMAKA Studio, a Pan-African platform dedicated to sharing news for Pan-African women.

Ani’s writing has been featured in The New York Times, Women In The World, NY Magazine, Teen Vogue, VIBE Magazine and more! She’s performed on-air commentary for Entertainment Tonight, Genius, REVOLT TV and more. And she is also the former music editor at Okayplayer and has held positions at Facebook, BET Networks and Associated Press.

Writers of Color

Writers of Color is an organization dedicated to creating and maintaining visibility for minority writers and editors. And it strives to provide easier access to publication and work opportunities.

The platform is run by volunteers who work day and night diligently to ensure that minority writers receive the news, access and community they need to excel.

Nina Parker

 

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Nina Parker is a journalist, fashion designer and Emmy-nominated TV host. Parker co-hosts the late-night entertainment news show, Nightly Pop on E!

Parker began her career at TMZ, then worked as an entertainment correspondent for The Insider. In 2021, she launched her self-titled clothing line at Macy’s. Parker’s brand became the first Black-owned plus-size line released exclusively by the retailer.

This editorial is brought to you in partnership with Nine West