Dear Friends,

I am by far not one to talk about racism, illness or politics. I am not an expert on any of those things. My expertise is in Hair and sewing. However recent events have shown me that Silence is not an option.

Black Lives Matter. We believe this in our home. Saying it doesn’t mean we matter less, but it starts the conversation. It puts it out there and it needs to be put out there by as many voices as possible. I know that the simple fact that I have to educate myself on racism is a privilege. Luckily there are hundreds of ways to educate yourself. Here are some resources you can go to if you don’t know where to start. I found these on @la_disneybee instagram page

YouTube

 Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire  (also available as a podcast “Unfiltered with James O’Brien” look for the Akala episode)

Why “I’m not racist” is only half the story by Robin DiAngelo | Big Think

 Deconstructing white privilege by Robin DiAngelo

Feelings on racism in Britain – Is Britain Racist?

Podcasts

1619 by the New York Times

Code Switch

The Echo Chamber

Black Gals Livin

Say Your Mind

About Race by Reni Eddo- Lodge

Reports and publications

 the Runnymede trust is an independent race equality think tank who have several publications on racial inequality in the UK.

an Independent review by Baroness McGregor-Smith considering the issues affecting black and minority ethnic (BME) groups in the workplace.

an independent review commissioned by David Lammy MP into the treatment of, and outcomes for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic individuals in the criminal justice system.

Articles

IS “WHITE PRIVILEGE” A USEFUL CONCEPT IN THE CURRENT UK CONTEXT?

White privilege: a primer

10 Habits of Someone Who Doesn’t Know They’re Anti-Black

Race for Justice

UK Charities

Runnymede

Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust

Stand Against racism and inequality (SARI)

UK Black Pride 

Race Equality First

Black Minds Matter

Stand up to Racism 

US Charities

George Floyd Memorial Fund

Minnesota Freedom Fund

Black Visions Collective

Reclaim the Block

Campaign Zero

Unicorn Riot

We have a lot of work to do and it’s going to take a long time. You may feel helpless, like your voice doesn’t matter but it does. “By small and simple things are great things brought to pass.” Alma 37:6 I believe this 100% to be true. Change has to start somewhere so why not with me? Right now. I feel completely inadequate but if I can change just my small family for the better, that will effect generations to come.

So much has changed since March. My youngest son asked a few weeks ago when things were going to get back to normal. This pretty much sums up my feelings on that. We need to take this opportunity we’ve been given and use it for good.

Actress Jennifer Edwards said, “The beauty in life is, while we cannot undo what is done, we can see it, understand it, learn from it and change so that every new moment is spent not in regret, guilt, fear or anger but in wisdom, understanding and love.”

Much Love,

Koe