June 18th, 2020

By: Madinah Ashamu

Hello again,

last time I wrote we went through some coping mechanisms and strategies to help keep you going. Today as I write, tensions are still high, as they should be. But thankfully, we are seeing some degree of progress. George Floyd’s killers have been arrested and charged. Yay! But there is still work to be done as so many other criminals roam free. Breonna Taylors killers also need to be brought to justice. You can sign the petition here. Do not let up until everyone is brought to justice! State sanctioned violence is unacceptable. Our officers cannot operate under anti-Blackness in Canada or abroad. 

Since the media attention on protests and racism in America, the internet has been buzzing with calls to action. Everyone has a different approach on how to move closer and closer to equality. With the popularity of the #voguechallenge, and the public call out for corporations to publish the percentage of black employees in executive and directing positions, we can see the value of not only representation but also spending power! Black people contribute to the job market and creative sectors but are often overlooked or undervalued.

It may be difficult to pinpoint how you can make a difference. Systemic racism is so ingrained that you may feel powerless. That overwhelming “what difference can I make” feeling is one that is shared. But a huge contribution you can make today is to actively hire black people and support black entrepreneurs around you. If there is a service you need, opt for a black business because despite being just as qualified they tend to get less traction.

Due to bias and prejudice, qualified black candidates are often denied opportunities. Help to uplift these voices by supporting their businesses and sharing your favorites with your community. The more you help to do this the smaller these gaps will become.

We at Run the World Summit have compiled a list of some local black businesses. Feel free to show them love and support, we’ve made it easy. By love and support I mean those dollars ladies!

Here are ten local BLACK businesses for you to show some love to:

1. Tribe Beauty Box
2. Zoba Martin
3. The Success Planner
4. Black Women In Motion
5. Kinky Curly Yaki
6. Fashion Forward
7. The Kscope
8. Please Notes
9. Midnight Beauty Bar
10. Muse Ave 

PS:

Please remember to continue educating and taking care of yourselves. All the resources I shared in the last post still apply. In order to win this fight and see real change we all need to be able to do the work, together. That means, take care of you so we can keep demanding justice.

Sending out lots of love, until next time

Madinah