Happy Friday of a long weekend!
I always find February to be a long, cold, blurry month comprised mostly of frustrated sighs and “Spring is right around the corner!”s, and now tack on a global pandemic and it can get pretty tough to be positive. So I hope each and every one of you is hanging in there and finding something to smile about every day.
After finishing up last week’s post, I realized I could have continued writing, and writing and writing and writing. While I’ve always been passionate about a multitude of social justice issues, upon my arrival at Western University and throughout my pursuit of a degree in Media & the Public Interest, my intent on bettering both myself and the world around me has intensified. I’ve been fortunate enough to focus my studies at Western on critical race theory; tailoring my education in a way that allows me to learn how to be an effective white ally and actively practice my white allyship is a privilege I am grateful everyday.
Over the past year, Covid-19 has offered us a unique opportunity: more time than ever to scroll on social media. This time can be seen as both a blessing and a curse - but one thing is for sure, it leaves us with very little room for excuses when it comes to our racial awareness (or lack thereof). We all have the time to learn and grow. As such, I wanted to continue to use this platform to amplify the voices of Black womxn - there is no shortage of resources to share. I urge you all to take 20 minutes out of your regularly scheduled Instagram, Facebook, TikTok scrolling to read and/or listening to any or all of the following (in no particular order):
Ashley C. Ford; named one of Forbes “30 under 30 in Media” in 2017.
Give her a quick Google and listen to any of her various podcasts or read any of her countless articles in which she discusses race, sexuality, and body image & check her out on Instagram @smashfizzle
Rachel Cargle; founder of the Loveland Foundation, an organization which prioritizes opportunity, access, validation, and healing for communities of colour, specifically Black womxn and girls.
You can check out much of her work online by searching “Rachel Cargle” or follow her on Instagram @rachel.cargle
Elizabeth’s Bookshop & Writing Centre; an online literary centre curated to amplify and celebrate marginalized voices
2 Dope Queens; a podcast hosted by Jessica Williams and Phoebe Robinson
Rachel Lindsay Abasolo; attorney, online content creator, podcast host, and the first Black Bachelorette in the Bachelor franchise
Currently spearheading the call for action and change throughout the problematic Bachelor franchise (alongside former contestant Taylor Nolan, who I talked about last week), now more than ever Lindsay deserves our support. Follow her on Instagram @therachlindsay to check out all of her amazing content
And continue to use https://www.afrobiz.ca/ to support Black owned businesses across Canada.
Listen, learn, & use your platform💜