Actor Kerry Washington has made a notable investment in SPILL, a Black-owned Twitter alternative, at a moment when many Black Twitter users are turning away from X, formerly Twitter, disillusioned by Elon Musk’s leadership and his increasingly right-wing political stance. Musk’s public support for figures like Donald Trump and his tolerance of rising hate speech on X have driven some to seek safer, more inclusive digital spaces.
The role of Black Twitter and SPILL’s emergence
Black Twitter has long been a powerful force in shaping culture, activism and digital conversation, offering a space for Black voices to thrive. But under Musk’s management, many Black users feel alienated. Musk’s laissez-faire approach to content moderation — coupled with amplifying divisive rhetoric — has caused frustration. This has sparked a migration to platforms like SPILL, where marginalized communities can regain a sense of ownership over their digital identities.
SPILL was founded by Alphonzo Terrell, a former Twitter employee who was laid off during Musk’s acquisition of the platform in November 2022. Rather than being stifled by this setback, Terrell teamed up with DeVaris Brown to create a space explicitly designed to uplift Black users and other marginalized communities.
SPILL’s unique features: A haven for Black users
Since its 2022 launch, SPILL has attracted over 200,000 users, standing out by offering features like SPILL Spades, a multiplayer card game that fosters community engagement. Users spend an average of 30 minutes per session, highlighting how SPILL’s design encourages meaningful interaction and connection — something increasingly absent on platforms like X, where many Black users feel marginalized.
Washington’s investment goes beyond just financial backing. She actively participates in the platform’s community, hosting “Tea Parties,” live discussions that foster engagement and highlight issues relevant to Black users. Washington’s involvement reflects the deeper mission behind SPILL: to create spaces where underrepresented groups feel valued, seen and respected.
The impact of Elon Musk’s politics on Black Twitter
Musk’s alignment with right-wing politics — coupled with his lax approach to combating hate speech — has significantly impacted the experience of Black users on X. As a platform where Black Twitter once thrived, X has become increasingly hostile under Musk’s leadership, with fewer protections against racism and abuse. The alienation of Black users from X has not only fractured digital activism but also pushed the community to find alternatives where their voices can be amplified without fear of marginalization.
Washington’s support and the future of SPILL
Washington has publicly voiced her support for SPILL’s commitment to marginalized communities.
“In a digital world where marginalized groups, especially Black, Brown, and LGBTQIA folks, rarely feel prioritized, Spill stands out,” Washington said in a statement, according to TechCrunch. “I’m proud to be part of this community as both a user and an investor.”
SPILL’s founders are determined to innovate while centering the needs of Black users.
“We’re hyperfocused on an area where there’s just not anything else really like us,” Terrell stated to TechCrunch.
This focus distinguishes SPILL from mainstream platforms like X, positioning it as a sanctuary for users who feel disenfranchised.
Challenges and the road ahead
While SPILL’s growth is promising, the platform faces challenges common to social media start-ups, such as retaining users and competing with behemoths like X. However, the backing of culturally influential figures like Washington lends the platform both credibility and visibility, which could accelerate its rise as a premier space for Black voices.
A new chapter for Black digital spaces
As the exodus from X continues, platforms like SPILL offer a much-needed alternative where Black voices can flourish without fear of suppression. SPILL’s community-driven approach and unique features make it a key player in the future of social media for underrepresented groups, especially as Musk’s politics and leadership alienate more users from the mainstream platform.
