Over the course of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Annual Legislative Conference, Black creators, small business owners, and policymakers came together for two high-profile events showcasing how TikTok is influencing the creator economy, helping drive representation, amplifying cultural impact, and creating economic opportunity in Black communities.
On Thursday, September 25, the U.S. Black Chambers BLACKprint Policy Brunch convened Black business leaders, creators, and policymakers to discuss “From Influence to Infrastructure: Building the Black Creator Economy.”
On Friday, September 26, TikTok hosted a panel at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference, where Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04), Co-Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Tech Braintrust, joined prominent creators and small businesses for “#BlackTikTok: Cultivating Culture, Community, and Civic Engagement.” The panel discussion highlighted how Black creators use TikTok to drive global cultural trends, create economic opportunities, and influence civic and policy conversations.
“In today’s creator-driven economy, leaders can’t be spectators – any communities without a seat at the table have no say in how the digital future will be defined, and who will benefit from it. I was honored to contribute to this critical dialogue on the state of Black TikTok at the 54th Annual Legislative Conference,” said Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04 Representative).
The BLACKprint brunch featured a panel with creators including Eni Popoola, a former lawyer turned beauty and lifestyle creator who has built a thriving career on TikTok partnering with global brands. The discussion explored the various ways creators exercise ownership, wield economic power, and exert cultural influence to obtain social and financial capital.
“Black creators are one of the fastest-growing segments of Black entrepreneurs, and we must establish policy that supports their growth,” said Ron Busby, Sr., President & CEO, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. “Platforms like TikTok aren’t just shaping culture—they’re reshaping entrepreneurship. For Black businesses and chambers, engaging with the creator economy is essential, and at USBC we’re committed to ensuring Black creators are at the center of opportunity, ownership, and policy.”
“TikTok has been instrumental in our growth, helping us skyrocket our products to become consistently ranked in their categories on TikTok Shop purely through organic demand,” said Shaina Rainford – Founder & Owner of Bask & Lather, Co. “The platform not only connects us with people who truly resonate with our brand, but has also allowed us to build a strong, diverse team—creating jobs, financial stability, and opportunity within the very communities we aim to uplift. TikTok continues to be a powerful driver of our exponential growth and our mission to be a brand that is strong, empowering, and timeless.”
“I came to understand that content creation isn’t just a passion—it’s a business, and I’m the business myself,” said Eni Popoola, Content Creator. “With a team handling negotiations and partnerships, I can focus on creating meaningful work that adds real value to people’s lives. Platforms like TikTok have been key in helping us grow sustainably, proving that success comes from consistency, not just chasing viral moments.”
At the CBCF ALC panel, DJ Hunny Bee, who launched her DJ career after going viral on TikTok, La’Ron Hines known for his viral “Are You Smart?” series, and Daria Rose, an attorney and social media personality, each shared stories about how TikTok has helped them grow influence, visibility, and impact.
“TikTok has been such a powerful force for creating community, said Daria Rose. “Through it, I’ve been able to connect with people as young as 15 and as old as 70, having real conversations about issues that matter—from democracy to the economy. It’s been an incredible resource for access and information, and I’m deeply grateful for the community I’ve built there. I don’t think I could have done it on any other platform. As TikTok continues to grow, I’m excited to grow with it and to help be a voice for the next generation in our democracy.”
Together, the events underscored how TikTok has become a powerful engine for economic growth and cultural representation in the Black community. According to a report from Oxford Economics, small and midsize businesses (SMBs) on TikTok have contributed $24.2B contribution to the US GDP, with Black creators and entrepreneurs playing a leading role in shaping culture, influencing consumer trends, and advocating for policies that advance equity.
The report says for Black-owned small businesses, the platform’s impact is particularly substantial – 93% of Black-owned SMBS say TikTok has improved their ability to reach new, diverse audiences within the US, and 86% say they have expanded the number of stores/websites where they sell their products and services due to their TikTok activity. And 83% of Black-owned businesses say their business’s sales increased after promoting their products and services on TikTok, and 76% sold out.
Additionally, #blackownedbusiness has over 1.5M published videos, attracting more than 3.3B views and 177M minutes of watchtime in one year alone.
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