This past week has been a huge opportunity for reflection and education. The strength in the BLM movement is awe-inspiring and I have been taking time to reflect on our own practices and beliefs. 

I find myself worried about saying or doing the wrong things. It shows a lack of understanding/discomfort in the uncomfortable that I am ashamed of. I know that I can do more, and I wish I hadn't needed this stimulus to address social inequities in our community. 

I am committed to working towards educating myself and using our platform however small, to elevate voices that need to be heard.  

To start, we have made a financial donation to Campaign Zero, who are on a mission to change policy informed by community input, data and human rights principals. We have also just made live a Turmeric Glow Bar, which was made in collaboration with Nectrous Botanicals. Nectrous is a black owned business from right here in Vancouver BC. We created these bars with their founder Alexandra after meeting at a local market. We have decided together to donate 100% of the profits from these bars to Campaign Zero. Blume will personally match all donations raised through the Turmeric Glow Bar.

DONATE

If you are able to, here are a few organizations who are working towards the elimination of systemic racism in a variety of ways. These are just a few, and by no means a comprehensive list. Any amount helps and is a step in the right direction.

The Bail Project:
Providing funds to prevent incarceration and combat racial and economic disparities in the bail system. They are also providing bail and working with protestors who have been arrested in recent protests.

Black Lives Matter Vancouver:
Working to seek social justice for black people in our community right here in Vancouver.

Georgie Floyd Memorial Fund
The benefits going to George Floyd's family for funeral expenses, his children's education and to cover legal expenses. 

The NAACP
Premier Legal Defence Fund fighting racial inequality.

EDUCATE

If you are unclear on what systemic racism is or what the problem is, now is the time to educate yourself. To have hard discussions with friends and family and to work towards a deeper level of understanding. Here are a few resources to educate yourself and those around you. These are all on my list, to listen and watch. We all,  have a responsibility to our community to be will informed on the issues.

Movies

Becoming, a Netflix documentary following Michelle Obama on her book tour

The hate you give, a film based on the YA novel offering an intimate portrait of race in America

When they see us, a Netflix miniseries from Ava DuVernay about the Central Park Five

13th, a Netflix film that explores the history of racial inequality in the United States,

Podcasts

Code Switch, NPR shines a light on the pervasive nature of racism, from language and workplace culture to social norms.

1619, This podcast is part of an extensive NYT offering insight into the four centuries since American slavery began and the legacy that continues to plague Black Americans.