Special thanks to Daphne Love... for giving me the push I needed to speak out.
As a white woman, it’s impossible for me to understand all of the hardships and discrimination Black people face. But, here’s what I DO know for sure… NOTHING about this is okay. Racism is NOT Okay. The senseless loss of Black lives is NOT okay. I am deeply saddened by the deaths of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery. I am saddened that we are still a nation full of hate.
None of this makes sense to me. And, yet, here we are. In the year, 2020… a deeply divided nation…turning our backs on the fundamental principle on which we were founded… that All Men (and Women) Are Created Equal.
Despite knowing all of this… I feel somewhat paralyzed. What can I do? Does my voice matter? Do people really want to hear from ME on this issue? I am sure many of you feel the same way so I decided to figure out an actionable plan for all of us. Below you will find a list of 10 ways WE can help combat racial injustice.
#1 | Take This Quiz
Ignorance is what perpetuates hate. It is possible that we aren’t even aware of our inherent beliefs. Harvard created the Implicit Bias Test to shed more light on your conscious and unconscious bias. They cover race, religion, sexual orientation, and weight. The test takes about ten minutes to complete. Self-awareness is key!
Here is another quiz by the United Nations to test your knowledge of human rights and discrimination.
#2 | Talk To Your Kids
Children do not hate naturally. It is learned. Make sure you talk to your kiddos about what is going on. I shared the story of George Floyd with Gage and Elizabeth at dinner last night. I told them that he is one of many who have been killed senselessly and that this violence against Black people needs to stop. I asked them what they think and how they feel. It was really powerful. Children are like sponges. They will soak in ALL the knowledge and information you give them. Make sure you are teaching them, love.
#3 | Buy a Book
I just downloaded the audiobook version of “White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People To Talk About Racism.” I also picked up this book, “A Kids’ Book About Racism” for the kids. There are SO many great books if you want to educate yourself. The New York Times put together a great anti-racial reading list here.
Be sure to also read this article on Medium.com that gives 75 other ways you can be proactive in the fight against racial injustice.
#4 | Donate Money
There are several funds you can donate to… to help the cause.
– Official George Floyd Memorial Fund: To support this family and their fight for justice
– I Run With Maud: A fund supporting Ahmaud Arbery’s family in their struggle for justice for the murder of Ahmaud Arbery.
– Color of Change: They design campaigns to end practices that unfairly hold Black people back and champion solutions that move them forward.
– NAACP “We Are Done Dying” Campaign: a campaign by the National Association for Advancement of Colored People to expose healthcare inequities. You can also sign several petitions including one lobbying for income inequality.
#5 | Watch
There’s something about video that stays with you… George Floyd’s last pleas for his life will stay with me forever. Be sure to watch the video of what happened to George Floyd… no matter how uncomfortable it is to watch.
Here are some other recommended pieces you might consider watching:
– The House I Live In (PBS documentary)
– 13th (Netflix documentary)
– The First Time I Realized I Was Black (First-hand experiences)
– Roots
– 12 Years a Slave
– Black Lives Matter Myths Debunked (YouTube video explaining the movement and common misconceptions.)
– Neil Degrasse Tyson (talking about his experience pursuing the field of science as a Black man)
#6 | Sign The Petition
You can sign a petition to get justice for George Floyd. The goal is to get three million signatures. When you sign, the platform will send your message to County Attorney Michael Freeman, who has the power to arrest and charge the police officers involved.
#7 | Buy From Black Businesses
Support and buy from Black businesses. I found this awesome list on WhoWhatWear.com
– Brother Vellies: Handcrafted, sustainable shoes designed in Brooklyn and made by artisans from Nairobi to New York
– The Folklore: Online store delivering Africa and the diaspora’s top contemporary brands
– Pyer Moss: Mens and womenswear fashion label concerned with building a narrative that speaks about heritage and activism
– McMullen: Boutique and online store dedicated to global designer brands
– Telfar: Unisex brand including logo bags beloved by the fashion set
– Cushnie: Luxury women’s ready-to-wear and bridal brand known for sculptural, clean silhouettes
– Christopher John Rogers: Colorful, dramatic eveningwear that won the 2019 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award
– Jade Swim: Luxe, minimal swimwear made of sustainable fabric
– Heron Preston: Award-winning workwear-redefined separates and accessories for both women and men
– Sami Miro Vintage: Limited-run clothing line made from upcycled vintage fabrics
– Slashed by Tia: A modern take on Renaissance-inspired clothing by a young NYC-based designer that has been worn by everyone from Lizzo to Gigi Hadid
– Maki Oh: Womenswear brand that fuses traditional African techniques with detailed contemporary construction
– Wales Bonner: Luxury womenswear and menswear brand focusing on “soulful tailoring”
– Monrowe NYC: Handmade hats inspired by nuances of jazz culture
– Fe Noel: Vibrant, colorful brand inspired by the designer’s Caribbean heritage
– Victor Glemaud: Statement knitwear designed for all people, genders, races, sizes, and personalities
#8 | Share On Social Media
You can also support black men and women online. Use your platforms to educate and share pertinent information. It was a tough decision for me to speak out. I honestly didn’t think people would want to hear my thoughts about racism. But, I am so happy I did and will continue to do so. Your voice matters too!!
Here are some Black fashion bloggers you should follow:
@awedbymoni
@cherrypickedstyle
@titispassion
@iambeauticurve
@influencingincolor
@ijeomakola
@itspaulameida
#9 | Volunteer
You can volunteer to help your local community or virtually through organizations like the UN. Here is a link to UN volunteer opportunities.
#10 | Share the Love
Love and welcome all those around you. Encourage your kids to befriend Black kids at school. Expand your own friend group to include Black men and women. Be loving and kind to everyone, regardless or race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. Love conquers all.
I LOVE you all!! Thank you so much for reading this. I am so grateful to have such a beautiful, intelligent, and loving community of women that can make such a huge impact on the world.
What else can we do?? Is there something I missed? Is there something you discovered that you think is very powerful? Please share in the comments below.
Thank you for stopping by!
