Dear friend,
I am deeply inspired by the fearless activists of the Black Lives Matter movement who have motivated thousands of people around the world in a call to action. Let's not forget that BLM was founded by three Black women: Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi.
As a white American, teacher, and performer, it is my responsibility to continue my own anti-racist work. Anti-racist work requires an immense amount of honesty, self-reflection, and self-education. There is no way to the other side but through. Through the discomfort of understanding my own existence and my role within systemic racism. It is from this raw place that progress comes.
Please consider the links listed below. Included are nonprofits, entrepreneurs, community centers, and projects that need your ongoing support.
And remember to vote.
Black Lives Matter.
Yours,
Amanda
NONPROFIT
Black Women's Blueprint
"We engage in progressive research, historical documentation, policy advocacy and organizing steeped in the struggles of Black women within their diverse communities and within dominant culture."
The Audre Lorde Project
A Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two-Spirit, Trans and Gender Non-Conforming People of Color community organizing center, focusing on the New York City area.
Center for Black Equity
Promotes a multinational LGBTQ+ network dedicated to improving health and wellness opportunities, economic empowerment, and equal rights while promoting individual and collective work, responsibility, and self-determination.
Loveland Therapy Fund
Brings opportunity and healing to communities of color, and especially to Black women and girls. "Through fellowships, residency programs, listening tours, and more, ultimately we hope to contribute to both the empowerment and the liberation of the communities we serve."
GirlTrek
Pioneers a health movement for African-American women and girls grounded in civil rights history and principles through walking campaigns, community leadership, and health advocacy.
Essie Justice Group
A nonprofit organization of women with incarcerated loved ones taking on the rampant injustices created by mass incarceration. Our award-winning Healing to Advocacy Model brings women together to heal, build collective power, and drive social change. "We are building a membership of fierce advocates for race and gender justice — including Black and Latinx women, formerly and currently incarcerated women, transgender women, and gender non-conforming people."
EDUCATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Rachel Cargle
Rachel Cargle is a public academic, writer, and lecturer. Her activism and academic work are rooted in providing intellectual discourse, tools, and resources that explore the intersection of race and womanhood.
Rise Up: Visionary Business for These Times
Led by Andréa Ranae (www.andrearanae.com)
"With our planet at risk and socio-political tensions high across the world, within our governments, our media, our schools and communities, we’re tasked with a vital question: How can we co-inhabit the earth in ways that, at minimum, are sustainable and, at best, cultivate a world where all living things have access to the resources they need to flourish?"
COMMUNITY
SoHumanity
"The next big wave of change in community is in how we show up, recognize and gain the most from the diversity within the group. We teach individuals and organizations how to activate their unique strengths for themselves and those around them, listening deeply to the body for guidance." I recommend taking Tanya Birl-Torres' virtual yoga classes at www.breadandyoga.com.
Third Root Community Center
"At Third Root Community Health Center, social justice is at the core of healing. Among our goals are to challenge systematic health disparities, hierarchies within different modalities of healthcare, and to provide a different model of care that grows out of love." Third Root has offerings for BIPOC folks as well as a building solidarity virtual workshop series.
Beyond Reproach Podcast
Beyond Reproach is a comedic history podcast about scandals and scandalousness in politics and government. Each episode hosts Stephanie & Tux explore the sordid stories of America's past, all while drinking heavily, talking too much, and generally making fools of themselves. They hope that these stories entertain you, teach you a thing or two, and maybe even draw parallels between the mistakes of the past and the quagmire that is American politics today.