#WOCAffirmation Emerges After Feminists Call for Silent Twitter Boycott: ‘We Can’t Afford to Be Silent’

While many women decided to abandon Twitter today, non-white ladies decided to blow up the social media platform to make their voice heard. #WOCaffirmation became a worldwide trending topic, firmly placing the focus on Black women and other non-white women.

It’s purpose: to put a bullhorn to the struggles and aspirations of women of color (WOC). The hashtag emerged hours after #WomenBoycottTwitter sprung up Friday, Oct. 13. That’s when ladies like Ava DuVernay urged white women to put the spotlight on Black women — whose voices aren’t always heard.

I tweet today because we can’t afford to be silent. #WOCAffirmation

— Christina Coleman (@ChrissyCole) October 13, 2017

#WOCAffirmation
You may have no connections, no family in the business, no family in ANY business. It’s okay you’ll be the first.

— Michaela Coel (@MichaelaCoel) October 13, 2017

WOC are silenced regularly. Its happened to me. It happens to others. That has to be recognized. #WOCAffirmation

— Tanzina Vega (@tanzinavega) October 13, 2017

Some also pushed for self-advocation.

Hey Sis! If you haven’t already, tweet your own #WOCAffirmation for YOURSELF. Don’t hide your light under a bushel. pic.twitter.com/rUHl9ShVc8

— Nyasha Junior (@NyashaJunior) October 13, 2017

We outchea. Somebody needs to hire me as their digital media strategist. I’m about that work. #WOCAffirmation is trending worldwide! pic.twitter.com/320vDZjrGU

— April (@ReignOfApril) October 13, 2017

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And several did just that …

Just a black girl from #brooklyn loving #WOCAffirmation. #doula #blackdoulanyc pic.twitter.com/Ib7S6Cammk

— Thamar (@heavenly_nature) October 13, 2017

I don’t do a great job of self promotion, but as a nurse and a doctoral student, I fight health disparities/injustice. #WocAffirmation

— Ebonie Wright (@ms_ebbers) October 13, 2017

i’m an editor, writer, illustrator & creative writing teacher! i have a graphic novel out 2019! https://t.co/JoHn45kpty #WOCaffirmation pic.twitter.com/5jZZdnKWuD

— Wendy witch?✨ (@AngrygirLcomics) October 13, 2017

I’m a lingerie blogger and soon-to-be-published book author. My site, The Lingerie Addict, is the largest of its kind. #wocaffirmation

— Cora Harrington (@lingerie_addict) October 13, 2017

… as well as amplifying their fellow women of color.

#WOCAffirmation is happening? Well, 1st would be @FeministaJones cause she inspired me to help organize #NMOS14, my 1st ever time doing so.

— Fuck You Lookin’ At? (@marvel_girl88) October 13, 2017

So I just wanted to shout out @JamieBroadnax founder of @BlackGirlNerds . Thank you for giving me a platform to write??#WOCAffirmation

— Countess DY (@dyprinzess) October 13, 2017

S/O to @ElloEllenOh and the entire @diversebooks team! Opening doors for marginalized writers. You are appreciated! #WOCAffirmation

— Renee Scare-row ?? (@RmBarrow) October 13, 2017

Even men jumped in.

For @jemelehill @Lesdoggg & other black women on here who deal w/ harassment daily & never get the same support #WocAffirmation

— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) October 13, 2017

My TV writing queens @raesanni @KaraRBrown #WoCAffirmation

— Ira Madison III (@ira) October 13, 2017

Support Black Women
Support Brown Women
Pay Black Women
Pay Brown Women
Defend Black Women
Defend Brown Women
Show em Love#WocAffirmation

— George M Johnson (@IamGMJohnson) October 13, 2017