Action in Many Forms
Today, we celebrate Juneteenth, and commemorate the 155-year anniversary of the end of slavery in the U.S. Obviously, there’s still more to do.
A tidal wave is sweeping the nation, and the world, putting a spotlight on the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Conversations surrounding racial inequality, systemic racism and police brutality are at the forefront—as they should be—prompting many calls for action.
I hesitated, briefly, on whether to put such “political” words on a company blog. But I’m reminded that taking a stand on what’s right means pushing through the uncomfortable. It means calling out injustice directly and openly.
So what does action look like?
There are a myriad of ways to support the Black Lives Matter movement, whether that’s donating time or money or resources. As an Asian American small business owner, I acknowledge that even people of color have privilege. I recall learning in college about the myth of the model minority—exotic, hardworking, hyper-intelligent, musical geniuses—that stereotype the Asian population. My privilege is that I may be viewed as a dragon lady who enjoys math. The stereotypes of Black Americans are by far more damaging. It’s one thing to be perceived as subservient, it’s another to be perceived as dangerous because of the color of your skin.
At Indie Creative, we’re taking the time to listen and learn from our allies. We pledge to actively take a stand not only now but in the future. We understand that this pursuit is ongoing.
Below are some ways to support and educate yourself about the Black Lives Matter movement. We know this barely scratches the surface, but it’s a start…and we’ve got to start somewhere, right?
CAUSES THAT SUPPORT BLACK LIVES MATTER
Artwork by Creative Mango
ACLU—The American Civil Liberties Union is a nonprofit organization founded in 1920 "to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States.”
Black is Beautiful—Launched by Weathered Souls Brewing Co., Black is Beautiful initiative is a collaborative effort amongst the brewing community and its customers, in an attempt to bring awareness to the injustices that many people of color face daily. 740+ participating breweries across the U.S. plan to donate 100% of the beer’s proceeds to local foundations that support police brutality reform and legal defenses for those who have been wronged.
Black Lives Matter—The official #BlackLivesMatter Global Network builds power to bring justice, healing, and freedom to Black people across the globe. You can support your local chapter too. For example, Denver chapter Black Lives Matter 5280 aims to use donations for bail, legal support, and provision of direct services for Black people impacted by the current and ongoing crisis.
Campaign Zero—This police reform campaign identifies and provides policy solutions, research and data organizers and policy makers, advocating to end police violence across the nation.
Color of Change—Color Of Change is the nation’s largest online racial justice organization driven by 1.7 million members. This organization moves decision-makers in corporations and government to create a more human and less hostile world for Black people in America.
Equal Justice Initiative—Founded by public interest lawyer and social justice activist Bryan Stevenson, the EJI is a 501(c)3 committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, to challenging racial and economic injustice, and to protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society.
NAACP— 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.
The Strategist has also has a comprehensive list of victim memorial funds, bail funds and other organizations.
For those looking to support a little closer to home, 303 Magazine has a comprehensive article about anti-racism, including actions such as where to donate and who to contact in Colorado.
DONATE YOUR CREDIT CARD REWARDS
Did you know you can donate your credit card rewards to social justice efforts and coronavirus relief? The team at Bankrate have put together this resource for individuals looking to help out during these difficult times.
Funding Options for Minority-Owned Businesses
20 places where you can seek grants and funding for your business in 2023.
SUPPORT THE CREATIVE COMMUNITY
Fort Collins-based Graphic Designer Michelle Taylor designed this “Defund the Police” sticker to support the #BlackLivesMatter movement. 100% of the sticker proceeds will benefit the cause.
The street artist known as bunny M is fundraising for Color of Change, along with an opportunity to win a piece of art through a giveaway.
On June 19, Bandcamp will be donating 100% of their share of sales to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. The online music company has a comprehensive list of artists making donations.
SUPPORT BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES AND INFLUENCERS
350+ Black Owned Businesses in and around Denver (article via 303 Magazine)
60+ Black Owned Breweries Across the Nation (article via PorchDrinking)
Black Colorado Musicians You Can Support Right Now (article via Colorado Public Radio)
A List of the Black Owners and Chefs Leading the Front Range Culinary Scene (article via 5280)
75 Black Owned Businesses to Support (article via Forbes)
41 Black Owned Beauty Brands to Support Now and Always (article via Allure)
68 Recipes from Black Creators to Celebrate Juneteenth (article via Food52)
BOOKS TO READ
“Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates
“Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower” by Brittney Cooper
“Nobody: Casualties of America’s War on the Vulnerable, from Ferguson to Flint and Beyond” by Marc Lamont Hill
“How to be an Antiracist” by Ibram X Kendi
“Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption” by Bryan Stevenson
“So You Want to Talk About Race” by Ijeoma Oluo
“When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir” by Patrisse Khan-Cullors and Asha Bandele
FILMS TO WATCH
13th (Netflix)
Becoming (Netflix)
Detroit (Hulu)
Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami (Hulu)
Homecoming: A Film by Beyonce (Netflix)
Just Mercy (Amazon Prime)
Strong Island (Netflix)
Teach Us All (Netflix)
What Happened, Miss Simone? (Netflix)
When They See Us (Netflix)
MORE RESOURCES
What are you reading? What causes are you supporting? Let us know in the comments below!