WeMojis Founders on Creating Emojis for Blacks

Brothers Trey and Donovan Brown promote inclusion in app.

The Brothers Behind WeMojis - How are you feeling today? Whatever your mood, there's a good chance you'll find the perfect emoticon to express yourself in the new mobile application, WeMojis. Two years ago, brothers Trey and Donovan Brown, 26 and 24, decided to create the app as an alternative to Apple's popular emoji collection by showcasing Black American and Latino experiences. BET.com spoke with the Howard graduates about the challenges they faced, their feelings on Apple's latest emoji update and more. — By Patrice Peck (Photo: Wemoji) 

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The Brothers Behind WeMojis - How are you feeling today? Whatever your mood, there's a good chance you'll find the perfect emoticon to express yourself in the new mobile application, WeMojis. Two years ago, brothers Trey and Donovan Brown, 26 and 24, decided to create the app as an alternative to Apple's popular emoji collection by showcasing Black American and Latino experiences. BET.com spoke with the Howard graduates about the challenges they faced, their feelings on Apple's latest emoji update and more. — By Patrice Peck (Photo: Wemoji) 

Technical Challenges - What types of technical and entrepreneurial challenges did you face when creating and launching the app?"We first had to find the right artist to bring the images to life. Sean Perkins was crucial to that balance. Another issue we had was that the keyboard version would have to wait until IOS 8 came out before we could implement it. When that happened, we were one step closer to getting cultural representation across all platforms."(Photo: Wemoji) 

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Technical Challenges - What types of technical and entrepreneurial challenges did you face when creating and launching the app?"We first had to find the right artist to bring the images to life. Sean Perkins was crucial to that balance. Another issue we had was that the keyboard version would have to wait until IOS 8 came out before we could implement it. When that happened, we were one step closer to getting cultural representation across all platforms."(Photo: Wemoji) 

Something Original - What elements set WEMOJIS apart from the other emojis on the market, like Oju Emoticon or Apple’s new offering?"Oju and Apple are similar in that while they are a great first step, they do not provide the plethora of images needed to accurately express the African American/Latino experience. People want images that both look like them and represent their culture. Not necessarily images that were already around. They don’t want seconds. Give them something original.”(Photo: Wemoji) 

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Something Original - What elements set WEMOJIS apart from the other emojis on the market, like Oju Emoticon or Apple’s new offering?"Oju and Apple are similar in that while they are a great first step, they do not provide the plethora of images needed to accurately express the African American/Latino experience. People want images that both look like them and represent their culture. Not necessarily images that were already around. They don’t want seconds. Give them something original.”(Photo: Wemoji) 

The Entire Spectrum - How do you feel about the fact that it took so long for Apple to release a more diverse emoji offering?"We applaud Apple for their attempt at diversity. It’s not something easily tackled, but they have made the first step. The next step should be partnering with a company such as ours that could bring the entire package. That step would signal to users that diversity is actively changing the culture in the tech industry. It would be Apple reaching out to a minority company, who not only has Black images, but covers the entire spectrum. Its them saying, 'We know you have something great here that reflects your culture and we want to work with you to bring it to all platforms.’"(Photo: Wemoji) 

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The Entire Spectrum - How do you feel about the fact that it took so long for Apple to release a more diverse emoji offering?"We applaud Apple for their attempt at diversity. It’s not something easily tackled, but they have made the first step. The next step should be partnering with a company such as ours that could bring the entire package. That step would signal to users that diversity is actively changing the culture in the tech industry. It would be Apple reaching out to a minority company, who not only has Black images, but covers the entire spectrum. Its them saying, 'We know you have something great here that reflects your culture and we want to work with you to bring it to all platforms.’"(Photo: Wemoji) 

Inclusion Is Healthy - What’s your response to those who argue that seeing one’s reflection in an emoji isn’t that important of an issue?"We personally feel that inclusion is healthy for everyone. Furthermore, our demographic consists of those that want to see themselves and their culture across all platforms regarding emoticons. Fifty years ago, people had the same argument against Black Barbies with African features. This is not a deterrent for us and we will continue to work with the major platforms on achieving our ultimate goal."(Photo: Wemoji) 

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Inclusion Is Healthy - What’s your response to those who argue that seeing one’s reflection in an emoji isn’t that important of an issue?"We personally feel that inclusion is healthy for everyone. Furthermore, our demographic consists of those that want to see themselves and their culture across all platforms regarding emoticons. Fifty years ago, people had the same argument against Black Barbies with African features. This is not a deterrent for us and we will continue to work with the major platforms on achieving our ultimate goal."(Photo: Wemoji) 

Make Connections - Do you have any advice for other app developers or any entrepreneur aiming to reimagine a popular product for a Black audience?"We advise entrepreneurs to make connections everywhere you can. It’s up to young minority artists, coders and managers to create a tight network that can make an idea grow. That’s what they do in Silicon Valley and it’s no different for you. Be a part of the change you want to see!"(Photo: Wemoji) 

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Make Connections - Do you have any advice for other app developers or any entrepreneur aiming to reimagine a popular product for a Black audience?"We advise entrepreneurs to make connections everywhere you can. It’s up to young minority artists, coders and managers to create a tight network that can make an idea grow. That’s what they do in Silicon Valley and it’s no different for you. Be a part of the change you want to see!"(Photo: Wemoji)