Like many, I’ve taken the past week to hit pause on my content to listen, learn and digest conversations about how we can create long-term change and #amplifymelanatedvoices that have been silenced for way too long.
To address my thoughts and the changes that I am committing myself, my life and my business to, I thought it would be most appropriate to write a dedicated post here on my blog.
I also would like to use this post as a resource for anyone looking for more information on supporting the Black Community. I included a list of movies/shows you can watch, book recommendations I’ve come across / read so far, as well as organizations & accounts that could really use our (ongoing) support.
STEPS I AM TAKING:
+ I have made donations to Black Lives Matter, Color of Change & The Freedom Fund and will continue to make regular contributions to non-profit organizations taking action to fight for justice.
+ I will continue to add my signature to important petitions that need our attention.
+ I will be more intentional to support & promote more black-owned businesses and influencers moving forward.
+ I will also be committed to continuing uncomfortable conversations online & off with friends, family and peers about racism & inequality.
A few influencers who I found to be helpful resources last week & really helped give me a deeper understanding of the racism that still very much exists, include the following amazing ladies:
@sashaexeter
@ayanagabriellelage
@seekwisdompcw
@moemotivate
@therealkamie
@pegcitylovely
I hope you’ll take a moment to check out their accounts and give them a follow! I’ve really been loving getting to know them better and have already learned SO much from the valuable insight & information they all share to their channels.
RESOURCES + ORGANIZATIONS:
Black Lives Matter: a space for resources, education, and links to important petitions.
BLM Vancouver: supports the work of black folks and allies working in solidarity with communities seeking justice from racialized violence.
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP): their mission is to secure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights in order to ensure a society where all individuals have equal rights without race-based discrimination.
Color of Change: the nation’s largest online racial justice organization that lead campaigns to help people respond effectively and make a difference to injustice in Black communities.
The Freedom Fund: posts bail to secure the safety and liberty of people in jail and immigration detention. They also work to build a critical mass against the mass detention of LGBTQ individuals.
Campaign Zero: this platform uses research-based policy solutions to end police brutality in the U.S.
The Innocence Project: this organization exonerates people who have been wrongly convicted through DNA testing and work to reform the criminal justice system to prevent future injustice.
Black Visions Collective: committed to dismantling systems of oppression and violence, and shifting the public narrative to create transformative, long-term change.
Black Women in Motion: is a Toronto-based, youth-led organization that empowers and supports the advancement of black women and survivors of sexual violence.
Canadian Black Life Youth Helpline: primary focus is the prevention of social, psychological breakdown in communities through a focus on education, health and community development.
National Bail Out: provides fellowship and employment opportunities to those they’ve bailed out to support their growth and create a national community of leaders who have experienced incarceration.
MOVIES + SERIES:
“Fruitvale Station” is based on the events leading to the death of Oscar Grant, a young man who was killed in 2009 by BART police officer Johannes Mehserle at the Fruitvale district station of the Bay Area Rapid Transit system in Oakland.
“When They See Us” is based on the true story of 5 teens from Harlem who were falsely accused of a brutal attack in Central Park.
“Selma” is based on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches.
“The Hate U Give” is based on the novel by author Angie Thomas and follows the fallout after a high school student witnesses a police shooting.
“13th” is based on the 13th Amendment. Scholars, activist and politicians analyze the criminalization of African Americans and the U.S. prison boom.
“Dear White People” (netflix series) follows a group of Black students at a predominantly white Ivy League college as they’re faced with cultural bias, social injustice, misguided activism and slippery politics.
BOOKS:
White Fragility: Why It’s so Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Good Talk by Mira Jacob
How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
PETITIONS TO SIGN [IF YOU HAVEN’T YET]:
*If you are international and aren’t able to sign here are some zip codes to use:
90015 – Los Angeles, California
10001 – New York City, New York
75001 – Dallas, Texas
Pass Georgia Hate Crime Bill – Justice for Ahmaud Arbery
I firmly believe that #BlackLivesMatter and I am committed to supporting and participating in the change that needs to take place. I hope that you’ll join me in taking action to make lasting change.
Now and forever.
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