The Rise of Black AI Influencers

Also: Black Women's Equal Pay Day, Dove x Khia, Essence Fest x Jumpman, Angel Reese Reebok Promo, Doechii x British Vogue, Foodification of Beauty Products, #Blackgirlsinstem

Happy Friday and welcome to Beauty Bureau!

Today’s Letter: The rise of Black AI influencers, Dove x Khia (Yes that Khia), Successful IRL beauty activations by Shea Moisture and Jumpman, The 90s are so back in Angel Reese Reebook Promo Ad, Doechii x British Vogue, Threads Sponsored Posts are rolling out, Foodification of Beauty Products continues, Jones Road Beauty launches sunscreen and another edition of #Blackgirlsinstem

Black Women’s Equal Pay Day was yesterday July 10th. This means it takes 191 days for Black women to earn the same as white men this year. On average, Black women earn 64 cents for every dollar white men earn. But this isn't the news I wanted to share, out of curiosity I wanted to see if there was a significant change over the years. In 2023, Black Women’s Equal Pay Day was July 27th, but in 2022 it was September 21st (264 days). Pay equity is a systemic issue but I will say the “progress” is because of the work of Black Women. A 2022 study showed Black women were the most educated demographic in the US. Moreover, Black women are the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs in the US, a group that I am proudly a part of. In the midst of systemic racism, pay disparity, microaggressions and more, Black women are still making a way out of no way, with or (mostly) without help. The better conversation should be how Black women can be supported but *looks around and sees the bullsh*t*

Early adoption at what cost? Most people’s aversion to AI is due to valid fears of losing work opportunities, AI feeding misinformation and disinformation (I see it on Threads) and copyright infringement. My thoughts are not completely flushed out but I wonder if we’re considering the fallout of companies using Black AI Influencers instead of human Black beauty influencers.

Whenever a new technology, app, or recipe is released Black creatives are often one of the first to test and explore… I’m sure a percentage are curious, but there is an underlying thought of being twice as good to get half as much that serves as the undercurrent (or motivation) to try new things. In my circle many people are signing up for AI workshops, certifications and classes to “stay on top of things”.

The creator industry is expected to be worth $2 trillion by 2026, but what percentage of the pie will Black creatives have access to? Keep in mind that before the AI boom Black influencers get paid 30% less than white influencers, for the same scope of work and creators are often lamenting about never being paid on time. Moreover there are environmental implications of using AI including the amount of water required to sustain these programs. Not to mention the early findings of AI making people less smarter.

Some people may say brands can use AI ethically but have you seen where we live? I find the inclusion of Black AI Influencers as a possible loophole to avoid paying human influencers. But I could be wrong. If you’d like me to do a further deep dive, let me know. Do you feel good about AI or do you have similar thoughts as I do? Email me at hello@dardencreative.com or respond to the letter with your thoughts. Comments will be shared anonymously.

Dove x Khia? Yes, that Khia Dove’s marketing campaigns are usually home runs like their Real Beauty Campaign, Self Esteem Project or their support of The Crown Act.

A commercial spot for Dove’s whole body deodorant released earlier this year in March, before Beauty Bureau started. I didn’t know it existed, until I saw this thread: