Black Lives Matter: What We Can Do

Like so many of you, I'm pained by these recent tragedies. And I'm exhausted by a heartbreak that never seems to stop. Right now it's George, Breonna, and Ahmaud. Before that it was Eric, Sandra, and Michael. It just goes on, and on, and on. Race and racism is a reality that so many of us grow up learning to just deal with. But if we ever hope to move past it, it can't just be on people of color to deal with it. It's up to all of us-Black, white, everyone-no matter how well-meaning we think we might be, to do the honest, uncomfortable work of rooting it out. It starts with self-examination and listening to those whose lives are different from our own. It ends with justice, compassion, and empathy that manifests in our lives and on our streets. I pray we all have the strength for that journey, just as I pray for the souls and the families of those who were taken from us.

- Michelle Obama 

Pausing Content

In light of the current situation concerning racial justice taking place across the nation, I have paused recipe content this week at Aberdeen's Kitchen.  I have been sharing resources on my Instagram stories but felt I needed to share them here in a more permanent space.

This racial injustice, this violence by the police against black lives and the lives of people of color is not new. I am horrified, enraged, and profoundly sorry. However, my feelings and sentiments are not enough. We (white people), need to step up.

Black. Lives. Matter.

"Well, Don't All Lives Matter?"

I'm nipping this argument the bud before anyone responds to this post with "Well don't all lives matter?":

The point is, all lives do matter. but lives in mortal peril need more immediate consideration than those that aren't. that's not to say there aren't different levels of jeopardy in everyone's lives, all of which need to be addressed. there's always someone with a worse situation, and we get to decide which one to put our energy into. that's how it's always been. yes: all lives matter.

but i have the luxury of getting in my car today, getting pulled over for an expired sticker, and having a reasonable expectation that i'll only receive a ticket instead of four bullets to the torso.

right now, a lot of people don't have that luxury. "black lives matter" never meant "only black lives matter." it means they matter as well. as much as. i am not black. i don't feel devalued by that assertion in the slightest. why on earth would i? - Kris Straub

Resources to Take Action

SO, what can we do?

There's. So. Much. We. Can do.

First off, if you are unable to donate to a cause, here is a great list of things we can do to help support racial justice in our own communities. The post is from a few years ago but is continuously updated: 75 Things White People Can do for Racial Justice.

Campaign Zero is a great resource to work towards ending police violence in America. I have personally donated to their cause and have found them to be incredibly helpful for those looking to take action.

Check out the infographic below for other great organisations to support:

Support Black Businesses

For those local to Seattle, here is a list of Black-owned restaurants in the city from the Seattle Times: How to support Black-owned restaurants in Seattle

When I worked at my old center, Ezell's had a food truck that would park outside on Wednesdays, asolutely delicious!

Here is a list categorized by city of black-owned restaurants across the country from Bon Appetit: Black-Owned Restaurant Lists Circulating the Internet, Organized by City

Not a foodie?

This list from Seattle Refined has a ton of black-owned businesses from health & fitness to home design (and more restaurants): Support Black-Owned Businesses in Seattle

If you're more of an online shopper, scroll through this featured list on Etsy: Black-Owned Etsy Shops

Be Better

I 100% acknowledge that as a white person in America, I get to enjoy the perks of white privilege without even realizing it. I pledge to use this privilege to listen, support, and work alongside BIPOC for racial justice. If you also enjoy this privilege, I hope you will join in me in this pledge and continue to educate ourselves, to take action, and to do better:

• We will not be silent about racism.
• We will go beyond virtue signaling on social media and follow up our words with action.
• We will stand up against racist jokes.
• We will stand up against racist conversation.
• We will invite family and friends into conversations about race.
• We will intervene when we see racism.

- Lindsay Ostrom, Pinch of Yum

BIPOC: I will do my best, I will continue to learn so that I can do better, and I will stand with you. Supporting you from Seattle 🖤.