Black Businesses Matter
Our country is in trouble. We are experiencing another pandemic. However, unlike the novel Coronavirus, this virus is fueled by choice and it’s far from new. Oppression toward black people has gone on for centuries. It targets and kills the black community. And we have done nothing.
Meanwhile, doctors and scientists are out there day and night, fighting to find a vaccination for Covid. We’re taking preventative measures—social distancing, wearing masks and staying home—to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus. This has to raise some questions: what have we done about racism? Why haven’t we found a cure? Why haven’t we done more to protect black lives?
We’ve had ample time and sure, we’ve taken “preventative measures” throughout history to help the problem, but it’s not enough. The virus remains and it’s taking the lives of black people every single day. This doesn’t sit well with me.
As a privileged white male living in the United States, I am embarrassed. Not only for the outwardly terrible acts of violence I’ve witnessed the last few weeks, but for my silence and stagnant stance on the matter during my lifetime. I can pull the “I have black friends and I’m not a racist” card all I want—and while true—it doesn’t do a damn thing for anyone other than me. Before, I thought these words would give me a pass. That showing a vote of confidence would be enough to clear my name from being associated with the virus. Again I say, it’s not enough.
It took me awhile to realize this. The Black Lives Matter movement isn’t about me. If I want to help make an impact, it has to be about black lives and all POC. It’s time for me to amplify non-white voices. It’s time for me to sit behind the curtain and listen.
This is where I use my platform to amplify black voices. If you disagree, you’re free to go. If you share the same sentiment, then join me in sharing black voices.
We want to feature you
This is an incredibly difficult time for many, especially for people of color. I believe it's my responsibility to take action against oppression and racism. One of the ways I’m going to share my support is by showcasing black business owners of the Dubsado Community on the Dub-ins website.
If this pertains to you and would like to be featured, I’d be honored to have you.
If you’d like to donate toward the Black Lives Matter Foundation, I have limited edition of “Make Your Mark”er pouches that are up for sale over on my Crayligraphy website.
How can you help?
Before Covid, I traveled the country hosting in-person calligraphy workshops and each attendee went home with one of these pouches. I hand lettered and designed the phrase printed on the pouches which were meant to hold lettering and calligraphy markers (hence the play on words). However, you can see from the photo above, they can be utilized to house everyday items (including cosmetics!).
The phrase resonates so much more these days, so I decided to change the pouch color and send 100 more into production. All proceeds from the sale of these pouches will go towards the Black Lives Matters Foundation which is a global organization in the US, UK, and Canada, whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes.
Make your mark and join the movement to fight for freedom, liberation and justice. Oh and with this pouch, now you can finally separate your adult markers from your children’s 😎
Not interested in a pouch? Here are some other ways you can help.
