Your kids are absorbing messages about who gets to be smart, funny, creative, athletic, and successful from every screen they touch. The algorithms are teaching them who matters, who's worth listening to, and who's "normal." And unless you're being intentional about it, those algorithms might be serving up a pretty narrow view of the world.

Research shows that kids who see diverse role models—especially in fields they're interested in—have broader ideas about what they can become. A kid who loves gaming and sees Valkyrae (Rachell Hofstetter, who's Filipino-American) or CoryxKenshin (a Black gaming creator with 17+ million subscribers) isn't just being entertained. They're seeing that gaming content creation isn't just for one type of person.

And let's talk about what kids are actually watching and playing. If your middle schooler is on YouTube, they might already know Mark Rober, but do they know Simone Giertz? Wait, wrong example—do they know Marques Brownlee (MKBHD), who's been reviewing tech since he was a teenager and now has 19+ million subscribers? That's a Black creator who built an empire doing something your kid might think is cool.

Here's where it gets practical. These are people your kids might already know, or should know, across the platforms they're actually using:

Actually, let's be more specific: If your kid plays Fortnite, they should know that Black creators and players are all over the competitive scene. If they're into Roblox, there are Black developers making serious money creating games within the platform—that's entrepreneurship in action.

The honest truth? Black creators in STEM education content for kids are underrepresented on YouTube. That's worth acknowledging and something to actively seek out.

Ages 5-8: Focus on shows and content made for kids. Ada Twist, Scientist on Netflix features a young Black girl scientist. Alma's Way on PBS centers a Puerto Rican family, and while not Black-focused, shows diverse communities. Look for Doc McStuffins reruns—that show was groundbreaking for representation.

Ages 8-12: This is where YouTube gets big. CoryxKenshin is genuinely appropriate for this age. Marques Brownlee is educational and clean. If they're into sports, watch documentaries together about athletes who've made a difference beyond their sport.

Ages 13+: Teens can handle more complex conversations. Talk about Issa Rae's journey from YouTube to HBO. Discuss how Tyler, The Creator built a whole creative empire. If they're into fashion, talk about Virgil Abloh (who passed away in 2021 but whose influence is everywhere). Watch Beyoncé's Homecoming together and talk about the HBCU culture and artistry on display.

The algorithm isn't neutral. If your kid's YouTube recommendations are all white creators, that's not an accident—it's based on what they've been watching and what the algorithm thinks they want. You can actively diversify their feed by watching content together and engaging with creators from different backgrounds.

Representation in gaming is complicated. Yes, Roblox has Black developers making bank. But also, a lot of popular games have pretty homogeneous player bases and creator communities. Talk to your kids about who they're watching and following, and actively seek out diverse creators in the games they love.

Black History Month shouldn't be the only time. This is the big one. If you're only talking about Black excellence in February, you're doing it wrong. Make it ongoing. Subscribe to diverse creators. Buy books by Black authors. Watch shows created by Black writers and directors. Make it normal, not special.

Your kids might push back. If you're suddenly suggesting new creators or shows in February, older kids especially might see right through it. That's okay. Be honest: "I realized we've been watching a pretty narrow slice of content, and I want to change that. Not just this month, but in general. Here's someone I think you'd actually like..."

Black History Month is a starting point, not the destination. The goal isn't to check a box or make your kid watch "educational content" they'll resent. It's to expand their world so they see excellence, creativity, and innovation in all its forms—on the screens they're already using.

Your kid's favorite YouTuber, the athlete they idolize, the game developer whose work they love—these are the modern role models. Making sure those role models represent the full spectrum of humanity isn't about being politically correct or performative. It's about showing kids the truth: that brilliance comes from everywhere, and they should expect to see it everywhere.

The screens aren't going anywhere. Let's make sure what's on them reflects the world as it actually is—full of brilliant, creative, complicated people from every background imaginable.