I’ve been trying to find a way to communicate my feelings about what is happening in America. I can’t imagine anyone watching the video of George Floyd’s murder and not being moved to tears. Sadly, it was one of many, many, many injustices that demonstrates how horribly people of color have been treated for hundreds of years.
Being a business that cares so much about its impact on the planet means we are a business that cares about all the people on it. We believe that Black Lives Matter and now more than ever, we must commit to Anti-racism.
So many have expressed their feelings and beliefs more eloquently than I could ever dream of. That’s why we decided to share their stories with you.
We hope you will watch this video, read these articles and donate to organizations who believe like ME.
DONATE
Donating money, if you have the ability to, is a great way to show your support. Your dollars aid organizations that are well-versed in advocacy work—they’ve done the groundwork and already have staff and volunteers, networks, research, and campaigns in motion. Your contribution will amplify their important anti-racist work. A good way to expand your donation’s impact is by asking friends to match your donation, or by sharing the fact that you’ve donated within your network.
We have only listed a handful out of the hundreds we believe in. We hope you’ll continue to read our blogs to learn more about charities doing great things to change our world and eliminate racism.
Black Lives Matter “Founded in 2013 during the wake of Trayvon Martin’s murder, this organization has been fighting for structural, community-based change ever since, advocating for an end to the violence and injustice inflicted on Black people in the US.”
NAACP’s Legal Defense and Educational Fund “Founded in 1940, this organization uses litigation, advocacy, and public education to work towards racial justice and equality for all Americans. The organization is fighting to protect voting rights, reform the criminal justice system, and improve equal access to education, among other civil rights causes. In donating, you can pick where your money is directed (for example, towards police reform, education, or voting rights) or simply choose ‘Where it’s needed most.'”
ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) “Founded in 1920, this nonprofit works in the courts, legislatures and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to all people in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States.”
Color of Change “Founded in 2005, this organization leads campaigns that build real power for Black communities. They challenge injustice, hold corporate and political leaders accountable, commission game-changing research on systems of inequality, and advance solutions for racial justice that can transform our world.”
The Committee to Protect Journalists “The arrest of CNN correspondent Omar Jimenez is only the most prominent example of widespread attacks on journalists right now, not just those covering the protests that erupted in the aftermath of George Floyd’s killing but those who’ve been tirelessly speaking truth to power for the last four years. The Committee to Protect Journalists is a lifeline for members of the media to continue pursuing their important reporting at a time when the freedom of the press is under siege.”
DIVE INTO BOOKS / ARTICLES
White Fragility by Robin Diangelo
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
Me and White Supremacy by Layla F Saad
When They Call You a Terrorist by BLM co-founder Patrisse Cullors & Asha Bandele
Road Map for Revolutionaries by Elisa Camahort Page, Carolyn Gerin & Jamia Wilson
Believer Magazine – Long Time Woman Article by Niela Orr
SUPPORT DIVERSE BUSINESSES
Supporting black-owned businesses can empower communities in the long run, with stronger local economies, and an environment that fosters greater job creation. (To discover black-owned businesses in Chicagoland, click here.)
SHARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
It is time for all of us to practice love, peace and solidarity. Not just for a week but forever.
Committing to Anti-racism is the ONLY way we can move forward.
We must have zero tolerance for racist behavior and speech.
No more staying silent.
Speak up and if you can’t find the right words, share one of the links above that impacts you the most with those who need it most.
Join ME and remain diligent. I promise we can do this.
– Germaine Caprio, MAJAMAS EARTH Company Owner & Designer
Let ME know:
What are your favorite informative resources?
Please share your own thoughts with us – let’s get a conversation started in the comments below!