WEEKLY ROUND-UP: SUPPORTING BLACK BUSINESSES AND #BLM RESOURCES
It’s clear that the unrest we have seen in the U.S. for so long has reached a breaking point. The protests continue over the death of George Floyd, and the fear, anger, and frustration felt is incredibly justified. As a woman of color, it has been hard to put into words how I feel, and so I’ve taken to writing, donating and supporting the best way I know how.
The weekly round-up is a new series I’ve started that encourages the support of small, primarily black-owned businesses. It came from a realization that I was not conscious of the products and brands I used, which overwhelmingly did not support my community in the way that is needed. And so I’ve set out to change that. In light of recent events, this week’s round-up is a resource that is compiled of black-owned businesses to support, as well as a list of organizations and educational platforms to learn from and donate towards.
Information and Education:
Institutes that provide valuable resources on the justice system include the Vera Institute of Justice and The Marshall Project. A newly released series entitled "Talking About Race" from the National Museum of African American History and Culture presents tools and guidance towards education, including important conversations about race that are needed.
Use this resource for anti-racism articles, organizations, reading material, and more to help educate yourself, and others. And this article 75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice is constantly being updated. Lastly, Bookmark this: What should we do with videos of police brutality? by Kemi Alemoru for Gal-Dem.
Organizations to Donate towards:
Official George Floyd Memorial Fund directly supports the family of George Floyd, as well as memorial services and court proceedings.
Reclaim the Block works to allocate funding away from the Minneapolis police department, and towards community initiatives.
Black Visions Collective supports healing and the creation of safe spaces for black leaders in Minnesota.
Black Lives Matter has been active since 2013, when the killing of Trayvon Martin ignited pain and fury across the nation. Support the foundation, and sign the petition to Defund the Police. In addition, they have multiple resources on ways to fight COVID-19 and more.
Brooklyn Community Bail Fund supports bail and raising funds for those who otherwise would not be able to.
Black Owned Businesses to Support:
Regardless of your city, one way to support the black community is through our products. While times are considerably turbulent, self-care is even more evident, as we must now learn how to take care of ourselves amidst a pandemic and incredibly unjust times.
Linoto : Founded by Jason Evege in 2007, Linoto offers linen bedsheets, napkins, and towels for any home, event or hotel space. The brand produces it’s products locally, and offers several colorful hues that evoke places far away.
Harriet’s Bookshop.
Harriet’s Bookshop : An online bookstore located in Fishtown, Harriet’s is dedicated to women authors and activists. The bookstore also curates and creates a safe space, both online and in-person.
Ancient Blends : A Bed-Stuy locale since 1991, Ancient Blends recently opened an online shop. Dedicated to plant based care, the shop is the epitome of a comforting small business, owned and operated for decades by a black woman. They’ve opened for limited hours if you’re in the neighborhood, where the smell of sage, potted plants outdoors and decorative homewares can draw anyone in.
Uzo Art.
Uzo Art : Uzo Njoku creates beautiful, alluring and colorful prints that speak to my soul. Sensual patterns and prints that I can envision in my own home, the young student has a way of transcending each piece, and I often see myself in the works created.
As the weeks go on, it’s important to me that this resource will continue to be updated, as more articles, organizations and brands need support. One of the most important things I’ve learned from current situations is a lack of education. Stay informed, and learn. Please feel free to comment any additional resources, and stay safe.