BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES TO SUPPORT

With everything that’s been going on in the world right now, I thought it would be appropriate and necessary to address the Black Lives Matter movement as well as list Black Owned Businesses to support right now. Before we dive into that list, I want to first say that I have no tolerance for racism and I am in complete support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Don’t ignore something if it makes you uncomfortable. ⁣

If you are not angry about the the injustice that happened to George Floyd, then you’re not paying attention. The #BlackLivesMatter movement is not new and enough is enough. ⁣What people are mistaken in the argument that All Lives Matter, is that they are not seeing the actual issue that is taking place right now. We all understand and can agree that yes, all lives do matter but that’s not the point. The fact of the matter is that Black people have been oppressed for years and have been fighting for equality for decades without much progress or change. There hasn’t been enough attention or reform in their treatment, especially in the United States. This also goes beyond police profiling and brutality and is rooted in systematic racism.
⁣
Having a social media platform and a public blog means that I have a responsibility to talk about this matter because I think we should all be using our voices and help others understand how we can help and do better. ⁣

Staying silent in times of justice is privilege.⁣
⁣

Here are 5 ways to take action for all non- black people:⁣
1. Know your history: educate yourself on anti-blackness, systematic oppression, privilege, and the role you and your communities play in upholding white supremacy.
2. Calling in: call your friends, family and community leaders in dialogue around anti- blackness and violence against the Black Community⁣.
3. Stop appropriation: stop picking apart pieces of Black Culture for your convenience, profit and social currency ⁣
4. Listen. Don’t labor: listen to resources from Black women, Black community, Black leaders, Black activists, Black authors, Black podcasters. *Do not put the black labor to educate you!⁣
5. Stay updated: follow the hashtags to stay updated on continuing action #BlackLivesMatter

Another simple way to contribute in a positive way to this movement is by supporting Black Owned Businesses by replacing brands and products that you already own and use with black-owned alternatives. There have been tons of great resources online so I want to credit Sarah Mian for sharing the below graphics as well as brands and products.

FASHION:

@riotswim @omathelabel @salonemonet @coldlaundry @smallneeds @eliavintage@houseofaama
@brothervellies @omiwoods @laitdecocostudio @fenoel @__edas@mahnal @localeuropean
@cushnie

HOME:

@claudehome @greyremedyco @linotodotcom @lollylollyceramics @potterybyosa @nur_ceramics @mudbellyceramics @tracie_hervy @isatuhyde @lichennyc @ekuaceramics @epoquehome @estellecoloredglass @bylianarae

CANDLES:

@thekoopnyc @frolicandsage @joeandmonroe @seventhandoak @prettyhonestshop @antiklakay @predominantlyblack @thealexandrawinbush @labotica @unlaxcandles
@airincandles @glowcandlebar @secandleco @harlemcandlecompany @theartofbodycare

HEALTH &WELLNESS:

@golde @thehoneypotco @peakandvalleyco @cupofteshop @freedom.apothecary@healhaus
@blkandgrn @foodheaven @movitaorganics @adjournteahouse @thatschelsea @veganwhat @herbalgods @yasminecheyenne @spicedsugahla

BODY:

@flaunt_body @terra_tory @apprentiorganik @lihabeauty @hanahana_beauty @skinbuttr @alaffia @redouxnyc @honeydippedessentials @organicbath @ouithepeople @handmadebykae @alchemybodyshop @bellurelle @bekurabeauty

SKINCARE:

@anitagrant @klur.co @betranscendentskin @blackgirlsunscreen @jentl.co @nolaskinsentials
@nakedflamingoskin @skinbynequai @gethyperskin @rosenskincare @beneathyourmask
@eparaskincare @basebutter @essentialsbytemi @dehiyabeauty

BEAUTY:

@thelipbar @patmcgrathreal @pearnova @kncbeauty @propabeauty

HAIR:

@briogeo @adwoabeauty @edenbodyworks @mysunday2sunday @eternallyinamber

I am personally making it a priority to also look at these brands and start purchasing items from these Black Owned Businesses. I want to reiterate that I am happy this movement has proved to be working as there has been progress after two weeks of global protests but it’s important to remember that work still needs to be done and we should all make continuous strides to educate ourselves and support the Black Lives Matter movement. ⁣

I hope that we can all contribute in some way, shape or form to a better, safer, and more inclusive and accepting world. 2020 has been a rough year so far and who knows what else is in store for the remaining half of the year, but what I can say is that this will be a monumental year. This will be the year of progression, of change and of reform. I feel it. And the best part in knowing that is that you can be a part of that change. So think about that and remember that you have a voice and your voice matters.