10 Black Actors to Start Following on Instagram

The Hollywood Blacklist has been a dark shadow on the film industry for decades. From the 1910s until the 1960s, thousands of actors were denied jobs because they were suspected communists or sympathizers. 

But as it turned out, many of these artists were actually blacklisted because they were people of color who spoke up against civil rights injustices. To learn more about each of the most followed Instagram accounts held by African Americans, be sure to read through the content below.

The following 10 actors are some of the top stars in Hollywood right now — and each one is using their platform to speak up about issues that matter most to Black culture and society at large:

Idris Elba

Idris Elba is a great actor and a great person. He's one of the most popular actors on Instagram, with over 1 million followers. He also has a lot of interactions with his fans, which makes him seem like he is genuinely interested in them as people.

Idris Elba is a role model for young people because he often posts inspirational quotes and photos that encourage others to go after their dreams no matter what obstacles they come across along the way.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae is both a funny actress and creator of the hit show Insecure. She also speaks up about issues that are important to her, like feminism and race relations in America. If you're looking for someone who has a lot of personality on Instagram, Issa is your girl!

Sterling K. Brown

Sterling K. Brown is a talented actor who has been nominated for an Emmy, a Tony and a Golden Globe. He's known for his roles in This Is Us, Black Panther (2018) and The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story (2016).

Brown began his acting career with guest starring roles on shows like ER and Boston Public before landing his first major role as Detective Nate Moretta on the NBC drama series Justice (2006). He then appeared in several films including The Express: The Ernie Davis Story (2008), Takers (2010) and Get on Up (2014).

In 2016 he starred alongside Cuba Gooding Jr., Sarah Paulson and John Travolta in Ryan Murphy's highly-acclaimed TV mini-series about OJ Simpson's murder trial titled The People vs O J Simpson: American Crime Story which earned him both an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Limited Series Or Movie as well as another Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance By An Actor In A Mini Series Or Motion Picture Made For Television

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson is a multi-talented actress, singer and model. She's starred in films like Creed, Thor: Ragnarok and Annihilation. Thompson has also been vocal about her support for women's rights. She married actor Chris Pine in 2018 after dating for three years.

Luke Cage

Luke Cage is a Marvel Comics character who was the first black superhero to headline his own comic book. The show, which premiered on Netflix in 2016, is about a man named Luke Cage (played by Mike Colter) who was imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit and later released from prison to become an Avenger.

The series takes place in Harlem and focuses on the relationship between Luke Cage and his friend Pop (Frankie Faison), as well as his new love interest Claire Temple (Rosario Dawson). In addition to Colter and Dawson, the cast includes Alfre Woodard and Mahershala Ali (who won an Oscar this year!).

Lupita Nyong'o

Lupita Nyong'o is an Academy Award-winning actress and fashion model. In addition to being a talented performer, she's also a producer, director and writer.

Nyong'o became known for her roles in Black Panther (2018), Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) and 12 Years a Slave (2013). She won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Patsey in Steve McQueen's historical drama 12 Years A Slave; it was just one of many awards she has received throughout her career so far!

David Oyelowo

David Oyelowo is an actor, producer and director. He was born in Oxford, Oxfordshire, England to Nigerian parents of Yoruba origin.

He has starred in Selma (2014), A United Kingdom (2016), Spottiswoode & the Legend of Tarzan (2016) and Queen of Katwe (2016).

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson is a well-known black actor who has starred in many movies and TV shows, including Pulp Fiction, Die Hard and The Avengers. He has been nominated for an Oscar and a Golden Globe for his work on screen.

Viola Davis

If you're looking for a role model, Viola Davis is your woman. The actress has been nominated for an Oscar four times since 2002 and won in 2012 for her portrayal of Aibileen Clark in The Help (the first time an African-American woman won). She's also been nominated for several Golden Globes and SAG Awards during that time period.

But what makes her so special? Well, she's not just an actress--she's also a mother and civil rights activist! In 2015 she founded the Violet Investment Group to help women find funding for their businesses; it has since grown into a nonprofit organization called VIVA Impact Fund which provides grants up to $100K for women entrepreneurs across America who want to create positive change in their communities but lack access to capital or networks needed to succeed financially.

Donald Glover/Childish Gambino

Donald Glover is a multi-talented actor, musician, writer and producer. He's best known for his role as Troy Barnes in Community and Earnest Marks in Atlanta.

In addition to acting on TV shows like 30 Rock and The Office, Donald also stars in several movies such as Magic Mike XXL (2015), The Martian (2015) and Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018).

He has released three albums under his stage name Childish Gambino including Camp (2011), Because the Internet (2013) & Awaken My Love!(2016).

These 10 actors are engaging, funny and inspiring and they're not afraid to use their platform to speak up on issues relevant to Black culture.

These 10 actors are engaging, funny and inspiring and they're not afraid to use their platform to speak up on issues relevant to Black culture.

• They're passionate about their work: From starring in movies like Selma or Get Out; to creating their own shows like Atlanta; these actors love what they do and it shows in the quality of their work.

• They're passionate about social issues: Whether it's speaking out against police brutality or supporting organizations that help those affected by gun violence; these stars want change within our society and they'll go out of their way to make sure everyone knows it too!

• They care about culture: Whether he's performing at an event honoring Dr Martin Luther King Jr or attending The Grammys with his wife (the legendary Janelle Monae), Mahershala Ali always makes sure he gives back by being a part of something bigger than himself!

Conclusion

They're not just talented actors, but they're also using their platform to speak up on issues that matter to Black people. We hope you'll follow these 10 actors on Instagram and continue supporting them as they continue making their mark in Hollywood!