As a parent, my heart bleeds with this nation. As a human, I am hopeful that we can come together and create a more loving society.
Black Lives Matter is a movement to ask that the world understand the pain. The cartoon below illustrates it so well.
Black Lives Matter is not a movement to try and say ONLY Black Lives Matter, but rather, Black Lives are in danger, and instead of sweeping it under the rug, please acknowledge it, and let’s see some change.
By the way, I saw this and have to quote it: “Having white privilege doesn’t mean that your life isn’t difficult, it simply means that your skin color isn’t one of the things contributing to your life difficulties.” – Shola Richards
I had to include that little tid-bit, because I am always hearing about how someone is offended by being called privileged, and they recite a laundry list of the challenges they have faced. Life is hard for everyone, however, the color of your face shouldn’t make it harder. That is the point.
Yesterday, I received this Activism and Allyship Guide. It has many fantastic suggestions. It was created and sent out by Airbnb. I recommend joining the organizations that support equality, mentioned in this PDF.
The book also mentions helping with protesting.
Since I cannot feel comfortable asking you to go into a big crowd, during a pandemic, I am finding things that I can feel comfortable asking, in order to invoke change. One of the things we can do is support black owned businesses. Closing the racial wealth gap, strengthening local economies, fostering job creation, and celebrating black culture serves communities!
Kat and I will keep a list of strong, black owned businesses we, and our friends recommend on this page.
Black Owned Businesses You Can Support
Karla HIGHLY recommends Lashes Honey – Carlena is fun, sweet, amazing artist with lash extensions. She is SO FAST, and her extensions look natural!
Karla HIGHLY recommends Charlene’s Baskets & Bows – Charlene will create custom gift baskets based on your budget for corporate and personal needs – They are located in Edgewood, WA.
Karla HIGHLY recommends Shaun T. Fitness – I’ve worked out with Shaun, since the Insanity days. Shaun is a wonderful person, who is caring and motivational. Being around him for any length of time is very empowering.
Karla HIGHLY recommends ONYX ART – ONYX is organized by the voluntary efforts of a group of artists and supporters committed to celebrate and promote the visual artwork of Pacific Northwest artists of African descent.
Kat found this database of black and indigenous owned businesses
Our West Seattle Women’s Group recommended the following local black owned businesses,