I’m listening, learning and acting…

It took me a week to get up the courage to watch the footage of George Floyd. I knew I’d cry. What human being with a conscience couldn’t. As sickening as it was to watch, and as painful as it felt to watch it, I know that that kind of emotion ignites action. And so I read, I listened and I watched. I added Black colour to my IG account, listening to their stories and learning more than I ever have before about systemic racism. I watched documentaries and movies based on the disparity and profit in the US prison system. I shared all of this on my IG stories and talked to my girlfriends, family and clients about what I had learned. There was open debate and so much growth and love in those conversations. And then I thought, now what? I knew I needed to do more than just follow, read and post. And that’s where the need to do something as an artist came in. I am running a promotion of my print sales and the discount proceeds will go to @blackwomenconnectvancouver , @actblueorg and @nwac_ca. Why did I chose these groups to donate to? Having spent time this last few weeks listening and learning I still found it impossible to decide where to donate my money in the United States. Until I found ActBlue.org. They distribute your donation to 71 groups across the United States. Primarily the funds are for bail $ for those that can’t afford even the smallest amount of bail. Secondly, where I live on the west coast of Canada, there is a very tiny population of black people. It is especially hard for them to connect and find support and that’s exactly what Black Women Connect Vancouver does, helps them unite as a community. And lastly, I know this recent moment puts the necessary focus on BLM but I cannot ignore the fact that I haven’t enough about the vast disparity amongst Canada’s Indigenous Peoples. This one is near and dear to my heart because this is the racism I have witnessed my entire life, blatantly in front of my own eyes, here in my own town. And I’m inspired to take more action to being anti racist here in my own country. Thank you for participating! Let’s bring more love and awareness and support into this world! Xo⠀