I have been donating, signing petitions, and calling to help bring awareness, change, and justice to the racial inequalities that exist in our country. I am committed to being a better ally and am in the process of examining truly what that means and what that will look like going forward.
I am making a commitment to donate money immediately, and I’m also setting up recurring donations to organizations that support/uplift the Black community. I’m making a commitment to shop and support more Black owned businesses, and follow and engage with more Black creators on social media channels. I will be holding the brands that I work with accountable to ensure that all campaigns and events that I am fortunate to be a part of are diverse and inclusive. This is what you’ll see on my site and social media channels, but also know that I will be working towards a more fair and just world in my everyday life by actively being anti-racist.
Below I am listing some important organizations that need support as well as highlighting a few of my favorite independent retailers and brands that are Black owned and operated. As someone who spends I was encouraged to share how I can effect change with my wallet (and encourage others to spend). If you have additional ideas or would like to mention more organizations, retailers, or brands, please leave a comment for me. This list is not comprehensive…it is just a start.
ORGANIZATIONS TO SUPPORT:
When researching how to get involved and donate, I was looking for trusted, credible organizations that not only provide support, but create opportunities, and/or seek justice for those who are effected by systemic racism.
NAACP // Their mission: The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons. I have set up a recurring donation to the NAACP, you can donate here.
The National Black Justice Coalition // Their mission: The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) is a civil rights organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and same gender loving (LGBTQ/SGL) people, including people living with HIV/AIDS. NBJC’s mission is to end racism, homophobia, and LGBTQ/SGL bias and stigma. I have donated and you can donate here.
Black Girls Code // Their mission: Black Girls CODE is devoted to showing the world that black girls can code, and do so much more. By reaching out to communities through workshops and after school programs, Black Girls CODE introduces computer coding lessons to young girls from underrepresented communities in programming languages such as Scratch or Ruby on Rails. Black Girls CODE has set out to prove to the world that girls of every color have the skills to become the programmers of tomorrow. I have donated and you can donate here.
100 Black Men of America // Their organization: The 100 Black Men of America, Inc. is recognized as the nation’s top African American led mentoring organization. I have donated and you can donate here.
The Innocence Project // Their mission: The Innocence Project’s mission is to free the staggering number of innocent people who remain incarcerated, and to bring reform to the systems responsible for their unjust imprisonment. I have donated and you can donate here.
Black Vision Collective // Their mission: Since 2017, Black Visions Collective, has been putting into practice the lessons learned from organizations before us in order to shape a political home for Black people across Minnesota. I have donated and you can donate here.
ACLU // Their mission: The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) exists to preserve and protect the liberties and privileges guaranteed to each individual by the Bill of Rights. These liberties include freedom of speech and expression, equal protection under the law, due process of law, and the right to personal privacy. I have set up a recurring donation to the ACLU, you can donate here.
RETAILERS AND BRANDS TO SUPPORT:
I will dedicate more of my dollars spent as well as links/highlights to Black owned shops and designers. This is by no means an exhaustive list below, but just a small place to start and be inspired. I will continue to share.
Image via Instagram
Christopher John Rogers // Christopher has quickly become one of my favorite designers through his use of volume and color. His pieces are like works of art that are meant to be worn and seen…and can be purchased at McMullen or Net-A-Porter. Follow the brand on Instagram here.
Image via Instagram
McMullen // Speaking of McMullen, this is a store curated with some of the best brands, designers, and pieces. Sherri McMullen opened her namesake boutique in Oakland 2007 and the edit is beautiful and ensures African and African-American brands and designers are represented. Follow on Instagram here.
Image via Instagram
Brother Vellies // This luxury brand started in 2013 has the ‘goal of keeping traditional African design practices, and techniques alive while also creating and sustaining artisanal jobs’. They create beautiful accessories that are crafted to last. I just ordered these gorgeous shoes and can’t wait to wear them! Follow on Instagram here.
Image via Instagram
Style Temple // Og Okonkwo is the force behind Style Temple. Their designs are ‘feminine yet edgy’. I spotted this dress on Asiyami Gold at the Veuve Clicquot polo match fell in love. I ended up buying this piece and this piece. You can shop the full collection here.
Image via Instagram
Stella Jean // I bought my first Stella Jean piece back in 2014 and it is still one of my favorite dresses I own. I am also have deep regret not buying this raffia skirt I have now tried to track down for years. The colors, the prints, the texture – see the full spring 20 collection here. You can shop pieces directly here.
Image via Instagram
Semicolon // Many of us have been ordering books and are spending more time reading these days, so it is a great time to focus on small bookstores, and specifically those run or owned by POC. Semicolon is a Chicago based bookstore owned by DL Mullen. They also have two amazing initiatives for the Boys & Girls Club of America and Liberation Library! I purchased a gift card for the Liberation Library. Follow on Instagram here.
Image via Instagram
Autumn Adeigbo // A follower of mine actually sent me this brand and I immediately fell in love with the colorful pieces that Autumn creates. Her beautiful line consists of everything from dresses to pants to headbands. P.S. I am eyeing this one! Follow on Instagram here.
Image via Instagram
Linoto // Linoto makes incredible linen items for the home and everything is produced in the United States. Jason Evege started the brand in 2007 and his passion for his work is unmistakable (read about it here). I have been searching for a new lightweight comforter/topper for my bed and am so excited for this coverlet to arrive. Follow on Instagram here.
Image via Instagram
Fe Noel // The line designed by Felicia ‘Fe’ Noel is inspired by her love of travel and color – and it is so apparent in the pieces she brings to life. You know I love a big sleeve, and this red ruched top was very quickly added to my cart. Follow on Instagram here.
As I mentioned above, this is a start to how I can be more mindful of the brands I am sharing as well as my wallet spend. I also recognize this is a challenging time financially for many, so I want to share the actions you can take to help break the cycle in non monetary ways. Again these are not a full and comprehensive list, but simply a start.
- VOTE! Ensure you are registered to vote and when the time comes do your own research and ensure you are voting individuals into office who represent anti-racism and are invested in true change. If you don’t know who represents you now you can find out here and here for the House of Representatives and the Senate. You should be able to find your local reps through your local .gov site (mine are here and here). Research what actions they are taking in office and reach out to them directly to voice your concerns.
- EDUCATE! I shared this document of valuable resources on Instagram and am sharing it again here.
- FOLLOW! Follow, share and like the Black organizations, brands, and creators you love on Instagram and Facebook. How does that help? It helps amplify their message and reach more people through the algorithm. As a creator, higher follower counts and engagement helps to attract more brand partnerships and demand higher rates.
I will be sharing more this week on the creators I love and follow.
