Ep. 79: How to Speak up in Times of Controversy

2020 has been quite a year. One that will surely be documented in the history books. It’s only June, yet we find ourselves facing another major division in our country. We are waking up and becoming more aware of the violence and injustice against black people in our country. 

 

I’ve found myself caught in the crossfire of having a black fiance and stepson, and a brother who is a cop. It’s been challenging for me to not only face the feelings and the reality of the world my fiance grew up in, and the one we’re raising his son in...but it’s been intimidating to speak out against it. 

 

The fear and discomfort that I feel facing the issues is nothing compared to the discrimination and oppression that has plagued the black community for over 400 years. 

 

For that reason, it’s vital for me to push my discomfort aside to not only educate myself, but to take action. We must not remain neutral, we must become anti-racist. 

 

Angela Davis said, “In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist.” 

 

As a business and brand that stands for love and equality, I feel it is my duty to get involved in this conversation and to encourage you to do the same. Black Lives Matter. 

 

And to the black people in my community: I see you, I’m here for you, and I will take action and stand alongside you as your ally. 

 

To my fellow white allies: Here is a list of resources to help get you started. Keep in mind that there are a TON of resources out there, and this is just a very basic list.  

Podcasts to listen to 

• • Code Switch 

Books to read 

• • Antiracist Reading List 
  • Becoming by Michelle Obama
  • Born a Crime by Trevor Noah 
  • The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish 

News sources to follow 

• • The Skimm

Articles to view/websites to look into 

• • Police Joining Protests in solidarity 
  • White Privilege 
  • NAACP (stands for National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), the largest grassroots civil rights organization

Donate to

• • Black Lives Matter
  • Black Visions Collective
  • Minnesota Freedom Fund
  • Loveland Foundation