Ever felt like you're screaming into the void while the walls keep closing in? That's exactly what it's like being a Black creator trying to combat racism on platforms designed to silence you.

When I started creating content in October 2022, I never imagined that simply responding to racist comments on my videos would lead to multiple account bans and being kicked out of TikTok's Creator Fund. The pattern became painfully clear: I would call out racism, my content would be flagged as "violating community guidelines," yet the original racist content remained untouched despite numerous reports.

The breaking point came when I changed my profile picture to an AI-generated image of myself as a white woman—and suddenly my banned account was restored within an hour. This wasn't coincidence; it was confirmation of what many Black creators have long suspected: that "community guidelines" function more like "Black people guidelines," applied selectively to silence those challenging the status quo.

What makes this struggle especially exhausting isn't just fighting the racism itself, but simultaneously battling the platforms supposedly designed to protect users. It feels like running repeatedly into a brick wall while being told to just keep going. And when I expressed needing a break for my mental health, I was met with well-intended but harmful comments urging me not to stop fighting—often from those not actively in the struggle themselves.

Finding your voice only to have it systematically silenced is triggering, especially after doing the internal work to overcome being talked over. That's why I'm shifting my energy to spaces where my voice can truly flourish: this podcast, YouTube, and Instagram. It's not about giving up the fight; it's about fighting smarter on battlegrounds where Black voices aren't automatically penalized.

Join me in these spaces where we can continue these important conversations without constantly being silenced. And remember: supporting Black creators means respecting their boundaries and understanding when they need to prioritize their wellbeing in hostile digital environments.