Ready for the Change – #BlackLivesMatter

I’m not quite sure what all I want to cover in this post, because a blog post simply just isn’t enough to cover everything I’ve been feeling and everything that has been going on. But I will start with this

Black Lives Matter.

And as of today (06/15/2020) Breonna Taylor’s killers are still free, and they shouldn’t be.

One of my business faves/inspos Myleik Teele asked her instagram audience last week “When did you know that you were Black?” And for me that was an easy answer, when I was 5. When I was 5 years old, I was in after school care and this little girl who was White told me she couldn’t play with me because I was brown. At 5 years old that was absolutely soul crushing to hear and I remember crying and being so hurt. Mostly because I just didn’t understand why. I had no idea what my skin color had to do with anything and why it was so bad.

I want to say I remember the girl having to apologize but I honestly don’t recall much else of what happened with that. Knowing my Mom, I’m sure she handled it just as any mom would but I can only imagine how it felt as a parent to have to explain why I had experienced racism as a 5 year old. I’m definitely grateful for my mom because she always raised me to be strong, independent, and not reliant on other’s validation.

I share that experience not for you to feel bad for me, because that wasn’t the only time I’ve experienced racism in my life but for you to understand that it is very real and some of us have been in this fight for a LONG time. So if you’re new to joining this fight for justice, and movement towards dismantling systemic racism, Welcome, and buckle up because there is still a long road ahead. Aside from sharing just a piece of my story, I wanted to share some helpful resources below!

First, just to cover a couple of things:

First: When referring to Black people, capitalize the ‘B‘ and NEVER say “blacks” just typing that makes me cringe.

Second, When we say “Black Lives Matter” it is really like saying “Black Lives Matter too” Not saying more than, or instead of, or only. Everyone knows that of course All Lives Matter, but right now we are focusing on the injustices that are disproportionally affecting Black Lives. All Lives can’t matter until Black Lives do. Period.

I wanted to share resources where you can actually take action towards the movement by either, signing a petition, making a donation, watching a youtube video that generates money that will be donated, sending an email or just better informing yourself.

Donations:

I did not create this amazing spreadsheet with resources but Stephanie @stephseemsok on instagram did! This google spreadsheet linked here lists a ton of valuable resources for the movement as well as organizations that need donations/indicates which organizations do not need any at this moment. The last tab at the top has organizations listed by state.

If you can’t donate, you can sign petitions like this one linked here for Justice for Breonna. You can also find petitions for other causes such as the initiative to Defund the police.

Support Black Owned Businesses:

Here are just a few of my personal faves and some that I’m looking forward to trying.

• Urbane Sky – I LOVE these fun, unique and well made pieces of jewelry. I only have earrings from here, but they are some of my favorite statement pieces. I have three pairs of dangle earrings and they are super fun.
• 1929 Galore – Now if you want more simple gold staple pieces of jewelry, there are ton of cute pieces! I just ordered a simple chain anklet and chain necklace.
• Stormy Nesbit Prints – Stormy is an incredible illustrator and her pieces are just so well done. She has limited prints of her various designs, but I can’t wait to get a few of these for my office.
• Mkoby – I just ordered two prints from her and I can not wait to get them! I love the neutral color palettes and the way that she illustrates.
• Mielle Organics – These are some of my favorite products! I am a huge fan of the deep conditioners and leave-in conditioners from the pomegranent and honey line, but I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the product lines!These can also be found at target/walmart etc.
• Eden Bodyworks- they have both body and hair products that I have heard good things about but I really like their deep conditioner. It is a staple of mine. These can also be found at target/walmart etc.
• The Lip Bar– This brand has a lipstick called ‘Bawse Lady’ and I had to get it! It’s an amazing red color. All her products are made for everyday women, The Lip bar is most well known for their lip products but they also have this ‘fast face’ kit that helps you do your makeup in less time! These can also be found at target/walmart etc.
• Elle Vie Body Products – Let me tell you, these products are UNMATCHED. The consistency of these body butters are amazing and unlike any others that I have tried. I have gotten some for both myself and Selwyn! I have the ‘Girls night out’ out scent for me and ‘King’ for him.