Emoji app tackles Black stereotypes, misrepresentation and inequality

When Artavia Berry, the founder and CEO of Blaqmoji, shared how she went from being raised in one of Chicago’s poorest and most dangerous neighborhoods to becoming the first female college graduate in her family, her voice trembled. She took a pause and pushed through her tears and said, “I had to grow up super fast. It’s amazing how far we could come.”

As far back as she can remember, the Hayward resident has faced all manner of barriers but has always managed to pave a new path and push forward. Berry’s mindset, as well as representation and perception, was the driving factor behind creating Blaqmoji, emojis that celebrate and represent the Black community.