Black Lives Matter
We did a #blackouttuesday post on Instagram, and reflected on the unjust death of Breonna Taylor as we made a bouquet for what would have been her 27th birthday. But we did these things only on Instagram, and I want to make sure you know that I, and therefore my business, stand with the Black Lives Matter movement. I have attended some amazing online panels and discussions, and have been deeply humbled by hearing from local, national and international Black people who have shared stories of deep pain, racism, and struggle.
At one of these panels (which you can watch here), the most uplifting words I heard were from a wedding industry friend (and neighbor) Raquita of Pinxit Photo: “diversify your life, and the rest will follow.” Here are the steps I am taking to diversify my life:
– Including Black and POC non-profits as part of my monetary donation abilities
– Reaching out to Black and POC neighbors and people I know to let them know DIRECTLY that I’m with them and care about them
– Amplifying Black voices
– Reflecting on the disease that is racism, that I have it, and that I have to work on being anti-racist. This includes taking action with time and/or money and/or resources.
I hope you can join me in these attempts to raise up Black people. We are all humans on this earth together, and saying Black Lives Matter is an important distinction that is necessary to move towards equality. If you prefer the phrase, “All Lives Matter,” please open your heart and mind to what Black Lives Matter might mean. I would be happy to talk with you about my journey to understanding, accepting, and standing with Black Lives Matter.