Blog post

Black Lives Matter

I am standing in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and taking a stance against racism and police brutality. Demanding justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless others is completely necessary. I recognize my white privilege and know that I will never live the experiences or fully understand what it is to be a black person in America, but I respect and stand with you.

“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” – Desmond Tutu⁣

Police brutality must end now. Racism must end now! My heart is broken. I don’t want to see more lives lost. 💔⁣

The murder of George Floyd (and countless others), the riots and protests, and witnessing further police brutality because of this brought to light a lot for people around the world. 19 million squares were posted on Tuesday for Black Out Tuesday in support of Black Lives Matter.

Come Together

It’s been tremendously moving to see so many people come together to fight racism and inequality. Although the black squares encourage conversation it’s not enough to just post on social media or to write about it. We must take action so history does not continue to repeat itself. Quite frankly, I’m tired of seeing white people posting they feel “hopeless” or “helpless” when there is so much action that can be taken right now. Imagine if each person that posted a square donated $1 to the Black Lives Matter movement. That would be an additional 19 million dollars on top of what is already being donated by individuals and corporations that could be allocated towards healthcare, education, anti-racist legislation, and additional resources for black communities.

Take Action

I’m taking action, and hope that my dear readers are too. I’ve donated to bail funds for protestors and to Black Lives Matters. I’ve peacefully protested, signed petitions, I’m registered to vote, and prepared to vote for change. This is not a trend for me, however the past few weeks have showed the deeper importance of using our voices and actions to demonstrate and support what we believe in. I will continue to fight for justice and equality.

I encourage my readers to:

  • Amplify Black voices and support Black owned businesses
  • Protest (Non-violently)
  • Register to vote, and to show up at polls
  • Donate
  • Fill out the census
  • Sign petitions
  • Call and email your representatives
  • Educate yourself and others by reading, watching, conversing
  • Call out injustice when you see it (especially in your industry/specialization)

Amplify Black Voices

It’s important to amplify black voices in all industries and to support black owned brands. By amplifying black voices you’re sharing experiences and stories that need to be heard and by supporting black businesses you’re intelligently allocating your dollars towards economic equality.

Support Black Business Owners:

Island Tribe

KNC Beauty

HHomec

House of Aama

Lem Lem

Galerie LA

Coco and Breezy

Temper Hair

The Wrap Life

Kahmune

Support Black Creators:

Miss Enocha

Juliette Foxx

Candace Hampton

The Notorious Kia

Amanda Finesse

Folake Kuye Huntoon

Indira

Onyi Moss

Asiyami Gold

Nyane

I’ve been amplifying the voices of black creators through my podcast, Nomad Moda The Podcast, and will continue to do so. Check out these episodes specifically to hear from these beautiful and inspiring black women:

The Beauty Beau Owner Candace Hampton – “Stay True to Your Brand”

Wardrobe Stylist Shernae Nichole – “Your Biggest Asset Is Organization”

Author Charmel Catrell – “Don’t Allow Fear to Take up Residence”

Wedding Photographer Regina Fleming – “Photography Is Like Dancing, You Better Catch The Beat!”

Fashion Stylist Karis Battle – “Fear Should Motivate Not Deter”

 

 

Find and Attend Protests

Check out the ACLU People Power website

March and Rally LA

Follow Movement for Black Lives On Twitter

Some Protests are listed on Event Brite

 

 

Register to Vote

Register to Vote

Be sure to register to vote to make your voice heard and vote for change on the county, state, and federal levels.

Donate to Non-profit Organizations

Black Lives Matter

NAACP

Use your Sephora Beauty Insider points to donate – Many have said this isn’t the ideal way to donate, and I agree. The funds go through Sephora first and then to the Black Justice Coalition. However, if you have points sitting around and you don’t have another way to donate I still believe that this is better than not donating at all. You need a minimum of 500 points to donate.

Fill Out The Census

Fill out the Census

Filling out the census is a good way to make sure that you and your family are accounted for. This helps the government decide where to distribute funds.

 

Sign These Petitions

Justice for George Floyd

For Breonna Taylor

& Ahmuad Arbery

Educate Yourself and Others

Watch:

13th

Do the Right Thing

Blacks Brittanica

Malcom X

Fruitvale Station

Freedom Riders

Slavery By Another Name

Eyes on The Prize

Soundtrack for a Revolution

Dark Girls

LA92

Read:

Feel Free by: Zadie Smith

Beloved by: Toni Morrison

The Weary Blues by: Langston Hughes

And I still Rise by: Maya Angelou

Buck by: M.K. Asante

Between the World and Me by: Ta-Nehisi Coates

A Burst of Light by: Audre Lorde

Sister Outsider by: Audre Lorde

Such A Fun Age by: Kiley Reid

Well-Read Black Girl by: Glory Edim

Listen to:

Code Switch

The Nod

1619

There Goes the Neighborhood

Uncivil

National Resource List

The National Resource List provides a plethora of helpful links and support for black people experiencing trauma, and for others who wish to be better allies.

Every Voice Is Needed

Don’t underestimate the power that you have as an individual to create change. If everyone does their part we can conquer racism together. The support for Black Lives Matter (during a pandemic I may add) has shown what happens when everyone comes together for a common cause. Please promote and share these resources. Encourage your friends and family to educate themselves, join the conversation, and to support the cause. I will continue to share resources in my Instagram stories under the “justice” section and let this post serve as a master list of resources that will be updated regularly.

Diversity is what makes this world a beautiful place to live in. With much power, respect, and love to the people fighting the good fight, let’s keep the momentum going and end racism together <3.

 

Resources:

https://time.com/5847912/movies-to-watch-about-racism-protests/

http://www.pbs.org/black-culture/explore/10-black-history-documentaries-to-watch/

https://bellocollective.com/16-podcasts-that-confront-racism-in-america-f8f69baf529d

 

Who is the Founder of Black Lives Matter?

Opal Tometi, Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza

When was Black Lives Matters Founded?

July 13, 2013

What does BLM stand for?

Black Lives Matter

 

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2 comments

  • Jennie Schacht

    June 20, 2020 at 12:36 pm

    Thank you, Deena, for this thoughtful and ACTION-ORIENTED post and great resources. May I also suggest the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund (https://www.naacpldf.org/). Keep up the activism and thanks for voting!

    1. Deena Danielle

      June 22, 2020 at 11:49 am

      Hi Jennie! Thanks so much for your reading the post, your response and advice to add the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund. What a great resource!

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