We are listening. We are learning. We are finding ways to be actively anti-racist. And we are also unlearning. This Juneteenth, we at Jezuba want to use our platform to speak out in support of Black voices. Particularly, Black female and LGBT voices. We strongly believe that intersectionality is at the root of every movement for justice and equality. Now, more than ever, we must amplify the voices of our Black siblings. In the wake of the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless others, our country has risen up in fierce solidarity. The call out for America to reckon with and dismantle the systemic racism this country was built upon has rippled not only across all 50 states, but has been heard all around the world. It is uncomfortable, even unbearable at times, to hear and learn about the unfiltered version of American history. But no one has ever grown from stewing in comfort and complacency. It does not change the fact that slavery and the oppression of Black, Indigenous, and people of color, were a very real part of America’s past. We must reckon with our past in order to understand how and why racism is still pervasive today, to unlearn our perspectives that uphold white supremacy (which we've long adopted in order to "assimilate" in America), and to make lasting changes for true equality in the future. Today, I would like to highlight the works of three Black voices I greatly admire: writer and professor Roxane Gay, marine biologist and environmentalist Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, and activist and academic Rachel Cargle. I encourage you to follow them on social media, to listen to their talks, and to actively learn from them. Today, I will also be participating in #NewBlackFriday. In their article, Cian Saunders and Myra Deng call to do the following: 1) buy from Black businesses, 2) share Black businesses with friends and family, and 3) advocate for racial diversity in the workplace. #BlackLivesMatter is an ongoing movement that can only grow stronger. We must not forget the valiant efforts of our civil rights activists. We must forge ahead undaunted by channeling our emotions and energy into sustainable and accountable efforts. We must fight for equality for all races, gender identities, and sexual orientations. All lives can't matter until Black Lives Matter. Other helpful resources: 1619: a Podcast from the New York Times. BOOKS White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism (Robin Diangelo, PhD) So You Want to Talk About Race (Ijeoma Oluo) I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (Maya Angelou) Race for Profit: How Banks and the Real Estate Industry Undermined Black Homeownership (Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor) Our Time is Now: Power, Purpose, and the Fight for a Fair America (Stacy Abrams) A list of black-owned bookstores you can purchase from online. NETFLIX 13th (Ava Duvernay) American Son (Kenny Leon) Dear White People (Justin Simen) See You Yesterday (Stefon Bristol) When They See Us (Ava Duvernay) Iris Hsu Co-founder & Head of Content Strategy credit Paula Champagne |
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