So, What's Next?

June 8, 2020

I think we can all agree that the past few weeks were an education. It certainly opened up our eyes to many truths that made us uncomfortable (as they should); truths that said a lot about who we are, what we have been taught, and how the system works. And I want to start off by saying that IT DOES NOT END HERE. I was chatting with a few fellow artisans of the Black community. They were worried that this sudden outburst of support would just be a trend. Let's make sure it is not just a trend and that we continue to do the work.

Now that we are having this conversation, I want to ask you what are you going to do to keep lifting up the black community's voices? Are you having conversations on race with your family and friends? Are you calling out racism when you see it? Are you open to doing better? Are you supporting your local Black artisans and makers? Have you done your research on where major companies stand? Are you actively reading up on Black history, on racial injustice, on systemic racism? Are you offering to lift the Black community's voices and sit down for a change? How is your community working for an equal chance for those that have been time after time put in a disadvantaged spot just because of the color of their skin? Have you donated to different organizations that look to help? It doesn't have to be a one time thing. You can sign up to donate monthly any amount you are able to give. If you can't, that's ok! At least you can spread the word, sign their petitions, listen to their messages. Check in with your local and federal representatives and ask them what are they doing to stand for racial justice in your community. Take that information and use it when you cast in your vote (primaries in NYC are June 23- you can request an absentee ballot here).

I also want to remind you that it's ok to not get it perfect in one go. I think we have all in one way or another been fed forms of systematic and institutionalized racism whether it be through the media, through the type of literature we've been taught to read, through every day conversations and biases, etc. It's going to take time to get it right, but the important thing is that you commit to keep trying to do better. It does not end with re-posting on Insta. Do the work. Hold others accountable to do it too. It's not easy, but we have to. Like I mentioned previously, this is about justice and humanity.

And to finish off this post, I want to thank every single person that rushed over to the site to support sales for the NAACP. Between June 6-7, WE (yes, we the Lilasuds community) were able to donate to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF) to continue fighting against racial injustice through litigation, and education. Below is the receipt. Thank you, everyone. You all came through.

I have put below a list of resources to keep putting in the work. GoodGoodGood Co gathered an incredible list of resources, literature, organizations, and media you can use to continue that education. You can bookmark it and reference it whenever you need to. I also have my running list of organizations you can donate to, petitions you can sign, and local efforts to uplift and fight for the Black community.

BLACK. LIVES. MATTER.

https://www.goodgoodgood.co/anti-racism-resources