
(I unfortunately don't know the source of this photo - I found it via Tumblr.)
Many people have the belief that companies shouldn't get political, but human rights isn't political. Police brutality and systemic racism isn't something I'm willing to be quiet about. If you don't want to hire a photographer or graphic designer because of their beliefs, then don't. I won't miss your business.
I'm not perfect and I have made mistakes. I am white and privileged and I accept that. I will never understand what it feels like to be judged by the color of my skin, but I will stand with those that do. I can remember when I clutched my purse walking past a group of black men and I'm sorry. I remember when my boss said something racist and I didn't call her out and I'm sorry. I'm ashamed of those kind of moments and I refuse to act like that again. I'm learning and I promise to do better.
If you can't go out and protest, there is a lot you can do. Donate, sign petitions, buy from black-owned businesses and restaurants, educate yourself, contact government officials, vote.
Some organizations to donate to:
Gas Mask Fund - for black youth activists in Minneapolis to raise money to purchase gas masks to wear when cops decide to throw tear gas at peaceful protesters
The Black Trans Protestors Emergency Fund - for black, transgender protestors to raise money for physical resources, bail, and medical care (and if resources aren't needed, will be redistributed to black, trans-led organizations)
NAACP Legal Defense Fund - supports racial justice through advocacy, litigation, and education
Black Visions Collective - a black, trans, and queer-led social justice organization and legal fund in Minneapolis-St. Paul
No New Jails NYC - aiming to keep New York City from building new jails, and divert those funds toward housing, ending homelessness, mental health, and other community services
Communities United Against Police Brutality - has a crisis hotline where people can report abuse; offers legal, medical and psychological resource referrals; and engages in political action against police brutality
Paper Magazine listed bail funds in many cities throughout the country
Black Artists (to support by following them or financially):

Her art is beautiful - it's a combination of mixed media and digital illustrations. She uses bright colors that create the most stunning of portraits.

Brandon is a film photographer and he creates such beautiful shots. Honestly, every picture I've seen of his is so captivating. I read an interview for him from Voyage LA and he says he's done research on photography and film and honestly, it shows.

Daisy is an artist and illustrator (and she's currently working on two children's books!).
I love the colors in her illustrations and am a bit obsessed with her gifs.

Henry Agim is an artist. He's a painter, he draws, he uses oil pastels - he's an artist. He makes incredible portraits (including the one of a dog).
Check out on Twitter, the hashtag #drawingwhileblack for more artists!
What to Watch:
13th (Netflix)
Dear White People (Netflix)
When They See Us (Netflix)
LA 92 (Netflix)
Detroit (Hulu)
If Beale Street Could Talk (Hulu)
The Hate U Give (Amazon Prime with Cinemax)
Books to Read:
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander
How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower by Brittney Cooper
Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde
The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson
White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
Read books by black authors of all genres!
Black-owned Businesses:
This storefront is an all-natural marketplace by black artisans. It features products that are cruelty-free, non-toxic, and plant-based. The categories for their products include: Bath & Body, Skincare, Beauty, Grocery, Hair, Home, Menstrual Care, and Mom & Baby. The next time I need to get a gift for someone - I'm shopping here!
Clare is a paint company. It might seem pretty random to put a paint company in this list, but if you think about it, it's a pretty normal thing that we all need when we redo our rooms or our houses. They offer designer-curated colors, technology to guide you, mess-free paint swatches, and high quality paint and supplies - delivered. The paint is non-toxic to not just humans, but also the environment (it's GREENGUARD Gold certified).
This company is a makeup, beauty brand. They are cruelty-free and are known for their no-smudge liquid lipsticks ("lip whips"). You can find colors named "bowl of cherries" to "raspberry tiramisu" to "I like to chai chai." It's a fun makeup brand that also gives back via Sugar Homes. Every purchase to Beauty Bakerie helps orphanages all around the globe with money, clothes, toys, and whatever else is needed.
This is Chicago's only black woman-owned bookstore and gallery. I believe in books. Books help to educate and inspire. A list of black-owned bookstores has been circulating. This is one I decided to feature (and be sure to check out others as well!) - instead of going to Barnes and Noble or Amazon, buy books from a black-owned bookstore instead. Books help create a community.
Again, support black owned businesses and artists and restaurants. Protest. Vote. Educate yourself. Talk to friends and family. This is the time for change. This is the revolution.
xx
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