A growing cultural exchange is unfolding on social media, where Black Americans have begun affectionately referring to Black Scots as their “cousins.” The trend has given rise to a surge in popularity for several Black Scottish influencers, whose content highlights their unique experiences of life in Scotland and offers a fresh perspective on identity and heritage.
Among the most notable voices is Torgi Squire, known online as starboysobersfitness, who has captivated audiences with his fitness content, his distinctive Scottish brogue, and his striking resemblance to singer-songwriter George Ezra of “Paradise” fame. His reach has grown so widely that he recently collaborated with actor Sterling K. Brown, whose wife, actress Ryan Michelle Bathe, jokingly shared a TikTok of her husband speaking in a Scottish accent. “My husband has been speaking with a Scottish brogue all day. Send help and a kilt please,” she teased, adding hashtags like #cousins and #blackangus.
Brown has leaned into the moment by addressing common fan questions in viral videos, including why he consistently portrays characters married to Black women on screen. “All my wives are Black,” he said with a laugh, drawing cheers online for his unapologetic embrace of representation. His playful banter and Bathe’s posts have further amplified the visibility of Scotland’s growing Black creative community.
Comedian and actor Roy Wood Jr., co-host of CNN’s Have I Got News for You, has also joined the wave. On a recent trip to Scotland, he connected directly with Black Scottish influencers, including Squire, filming TikToks and praising the country’s vibrant content creator scene. “Truly been a pleasure to travel this gorgeous country and have conversations with multiple Scottish content creators,” Wood Jr. wrote, promising to share more of his experience in an upcoming segment.
The online exchange has underscored a broader sense of kinship between Black communities across the Atlantic, with humor, culture, and identity at the center. For many Black Scots, the surge of recognition has been a welcome chance to showcase their lives to a global audience, while for Black Americans, the connections represent both solidarity and a joyful celebration of cultural bonds.
