I’ll be the first to tell you I am not a perfect person, nor have I been the best ally to the black community in the past. I’ve stayed silent like many – felt it wasn’t my place, I didn’t know enough, nobody wanted to hear from me. Like most white people, I have a lot to learn, but I am ready to do the work. I’m definitely not going to get everything right or say everything correctly, but I am wanting and trying to be better. I’m doing my part to get educated by listening, reading and researching. This week I’ve been amplifying black voices on my Instagram stories, as well as donating to several organizations to support black communities nationally and locally. Tomorrow I’ll do more. And the next day. And the day after that. I’m currently working on ways to incorporate more diversity into my content on a regular basis, and am looking forward to continuing my self-reflection, introspection and education on this matter. Because black lives DO matter. All lives can’t matter until black lives matter.
Today I wanted to highlight a number of anti-racism resources, organizations you can donate to and support, as well as share a bunch of black-owned businesses, black creators and activists, and more so you can join me in this ongoing effort. I plan to do more than just post, donate, and SPEAK UP, but figured this post was a good place to start. I hope you’ll join me in making changes, taking action and speaking out against hate.
ORGANIZATIONS TO SUPPORT + DONATE TO
Whether you donate money or your time, here are several organizations that could use your support! This week I have donated to four of these and will be doing monthly donations to a couple going forward.
SIGN THIS PETITION >> JUSTICE FOR BREONNA TAYLOR
BLACK LIVES MATTER (FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM)
CAMPAIGN ZERO (FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM)
BLACK VISIONS COLLECTIVE (FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM)
NAACP (FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM)
ACLU OF TEXAS (FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM)
COLOR OF CHANGE (FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM)
THE LOVELAND FOUNDATION (FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM)
BLACK MAMAS MATTER (FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM)
NEXT GENERATION ACTION NETWORK (FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM)
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS CAMP (FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM)
DALLAS: DALLAS TRHT, BIG THOUGHT, FAITH IN TEXAS, MOTHERS AGAINST POLICE BRUTALITY, FOR OAK CLIFF
AUSTIN: FOR THE GOOD FIGHT, MUTUAL AID ATX
MINNESOTA: MINNESOTA FREEDOM FUND, VISIT LAKE STREET
HELPFUL ANTI-RACISM RESOURCES & LINKS
ANTI-RACISM RESOURCES – compiled by Sarah Sophie Flicker and Alyssa Klein. This is a giant list of articles, videos, podcasts, books, films + tv, organizations and more anti-racism resources to check out. You may have seen this linked a bunch on people’s InstaStories over the last couple weeks – it is very thorough and a must read!
WHAT IS WHITE PRIVILEGE, REALLY?
75 THINGS WHITE PEOPLE CAN DO FOR RACIAL JUSTICE
WHITE PRIVILEGE: UNPACKING THE INVISIBLE KNAPSACK
AN ESSENTIAL READING GUIDE FOR FIGHTING RACISM – BUZZFEED NEWS
ANTI-RACIST READING LIST FROM IBRAN X. KENDI
A few books I downloaded to my Audible include So You Want To Talk About Race, White Fragility, How To Be Anti-Racist, and Me and White Supremacy. This is a great reading list for how you can explain racism and protest to your kids, and this one is a great roundup of children’s books that celebrate diversity!
SUPPORTING BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES, BRANDS AND RESTAURANTS
Another great way to support the black community locally (and on an ongoing basis!) is to frequent black-owned businesses and restaurants. I focused my research on finding businesses in my area and industry – do some Google research to find lists of black-owned restaurants and businesses in your city! Below are links to some resources with great lists of ones to consider supporting!
SUPPORT BLACK OWNED – Search black-owned businesses by location, category or search terms!
WHERE TO SUPPORT BLACK-OWNED FOOD AND DRINK BUSINESSES IN DALLAS
BLACK BIZ DFW – features a solid business directory featuring every industry!
DALLASITES101 – an awesome list of Dallas black-owned restaurants to support!
NORTH TEXAS BLACK BUSINESS DIRECTORY – includes areas around Dallas!
EAT BLACK OWNED – search restaurants by location nationwide!
BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES TO SUPPORT IN AUSTIN
A TASTE OF KOKO – a list of Austin black-owned restaurants to support!
BLACK FASHION BRANDS TO SUPPORT – from luxury labels like Stella Jean and Cushnie et Ochs, to beachwear and leather goods like Lem Lem and Brother Vellies! While not technically a fashion brand, Estelle Colored Glass is a lifestyle/home brand to check out + shop! Beautiful pieces ideal for entertaining this summer.
This is another great list my friend’s at Shop One Third shared of black-owned fashion labels! There are several on this list I had never heard of!
BLACK INFLUENCERS, CREATORS, AND ACTIVISTS TO FOLLOW AND SUPPORT
Have you noticed your Instagram is only filled with people who look like you? Or maybe you see influencer trips or brand campaigns only featuring white bloggers/influencers? Some easy ways to support your favorite creators is to engage with their content, visit their website/sign up for their newsletter, buy product through their affiliate links and share their content! Encourage brands to include more people of color in their campaigns, runway shows and photoshoots. Below is a big list of great content creators and activists to consider following and supporting!
CANDACE M. READ – BLOG // INSTAGRAM (do NOT miss this video)
CYNTHIA ANDREW (SIMPLYCYN) – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
ONYI MOSS (MOSSONYI) – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
ALICIA TENISE – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
VENITA ASPEN – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
LEE LITUMBE (SPIRITED PURSUIT) – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
RANTI ONAYEMI BLANCHARD (RANTI IN REVIEW) – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
STEPH TAYLOR JACKSON – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
KAREN BLANCHARD (WHERE DID U GET THAT) – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
SHELCY & CHRISTY (NYCXCLOTHES) – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
COCO BASSEY (MILLENIELLE) – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
NIKKI, MEGHAN, SHAY AND BRANDY (INFLUENCING IN COLOR) – BLOG // INSTAGRAM (SEE BELOW FOR THEIR PERSONAL ACCOUNTS!)
SHAY SWEENEY (SHAY MONÉ)– BLOG // INSTAGRAM
NIKKI GAMBLE (NEWTEXACALIGAL) – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
MEGHAN A. (I’M GOOD LIKE MEGHAN) – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
BRANDY GUEARY (AUTHENTICALLY B) – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
PAOLA MATHÉ (FINDING PAOLA) – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
BRENNA ANASTASIA – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
TARYN NEWTON (GLAMOROUS VERSATILITY) – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
COURTNEY W. (COURTHOUSE COUTURE)– BLOG // INSTAGRAM
HERMON & HERODA (BEING HER) – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
JEN JEAN PIERRE – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
VICTORIA FORD (PREPFORD WIFE) – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
HAYET RIDA – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
ROSE (DADOUCHIC) – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
NNEKA (QUEEN OF SLEEVES) – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
RACHELLE (PINKSOLE) – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
CARMEN MYER (THE GOOD CARMA BLOG) – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
SHIONA TURINI – INSTAGRAM
ADRIANA CICERO (STYLE AGELESS) – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
TAMU MCPHERSON (ALL THE PRETTY BIRDS) – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
ELLIE (SLIP INTO STYLE) – INSTAGRAM
SASHA EXETER (SO SASHA) – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
AYANA LAGE – BLOG // INSTAGRAM (LOVE HER IGTV!!)
MARISSA ALLEN (FIRST AND FULL) – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
MARISSA ALLEN (FIRST AND FULL) – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
AILSA EMMEL (HAPPY GO CURLY) – INSTAGRAM
MONROE STEELE – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
GABRIELLE GREGG (GABI FRESH) // INSTAGRAM
DANIELLE PRESCOD // INSTAGRAM (WATCH THIS!)
COURTNEY QUINN (COLOR ME COURTNEY) – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
DAPHINE BUSH (SIMPLYDAPH) – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
MONICA AWE-ETUK (AWEDBYMONI) – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
NICOLE GREEN (WHAT NICOLE WORE) – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
AMANDA (SEQUINS AND SALES) – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
TIFFANY MOON (THE NORTHERN BELLE OF THE SOUTH) – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
NICOLE (THE LIFE WITH NICOLE) – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
AZANIQUE (LOTS OF SASS) – BLOG // INSTAGRAM
CHARLOTTE WILLIAMS (CHARLOTTE SEVEN SIX) – INSTAGRAM (LOVE THIS IGTV SHE DID!)
DANIELLE COKE (OH HAPPY DANI) – WEBSITE // INSTAGRAM (LOVE HER VIDEOS ON IGTV!)
RACHEL CARGLE – WEBSITE // INSTAGRAM
WHEMBLEY SEWELL – INSTAGRAM
BRITTANY PACKNETT CUNNINGHAM (MSPACKYETTI) – WEBSITE // INSTAGRAM
RACHEL RICKETTS (IAMRACHELRICKETTS) – WEBSITE // INSTAGRAM
LES (BALANCEDLES) – WEBSITE // INSTAGRAM
AUSTIN CHANNING BROWN – WEBSITE // INSTAGRAM
ASHLEY FORD (SMASHFIZZLE) – INSTAGRAM
Thank you again to those of you who submitted your favorites on Instagram last weekend!! I was already following several of these, but not nearly enough. I’ve discovered some new-to-me, talented content creators I’m so excited to now have in my feed! I do want to note that while I am sharing a bunch of amazing creators you guys recommended, I am not following every single person on this list – just like you would with any content you follow on any medium, some people’s style resonates with me more than others. Find accounts you love and will actually engage with – don’t follow JUST to follow!
PS: I’ll be pinning this post to the “Most Wanted” section of my homepage for easy access any time you visit my blog! Also, please email me if you have any organizations, resources, content creators, etc that I missed and you’d like me to add to this page!
I have been following your instastories all week and I just wanted to tell you that you are doing a good job of using your sizeable influence to make people aware of the problem of racism in America. It’s one that we, as comfortably well-off women, often conveniently brush under the rug out of discomfort. If step one is admitting we have a problem, then step two is getting to work on changing hearts, minds and the systems that keep racism in place. America is hurting, but we have to keep the faith that we can make this better, make this right, this generation. I love to see the spotlight shining towards black-owned businesses. Support is one we can show our commitment RIGHT NOW that we are taking this problem seriously and that we are willing to change by lifting people up one-by-one. Buy something today from a black-owned business and spread the word. Let’s talk to our children and parents about our feelings. Don’t be scared to speak truth to power. Also, as women, let’s remember to be nice to each other. Let’s encourage each other to be better and keep doing the work. Let’s vote!
Thank you for this comprehensive list and your posts throughout this week. Today I purchased an art piece from Kim Christopher whom you featured. Reading, listening and learning—there’s a lot of work to do.
Thank yu. <3
Thank you so much for putting this together! I will be printing it and using it daily!
Thank you for this!