Friends,
Leaning in strong to this quote from Desmond Tutu “If you are neutral in situations of injustice you have chosen the side of the oppressor” I have chosen to share on this weeks episode on how we as a family are having bigger conversations to be a better ally, to take off blinders and support our friends.
I have to use my platform to make sure folks know where I stand – for peace and love and justice for all, not for those that only look like me.
I wanted to share in today’s show notes – resources that have been shared with me. I am also saying as a community can we raise some money to donate. This week – you can venmo me (@racheldesrochers11 or PayPal – Rachel.desrochers@gmail.com ANY size donation – $2 ADDS UP) and I will take all funds raised and donate them to two organizations- Mortar Cincinnati & Rachel Cargle.  I have chosen them – one locally and one nationally who are doing real work to help PROGRESS our communities and RAISE up black people, entrepreneurs and help us learn better.
I wanted to share resources with us- start reading, start talking, start widening your circle. NOW IS THE TIME.
I love this site for kids resources: https://www.prettygooddesign.org/blog/Blog%20Post%20Title%20One-5new4?fbclid=IwAR0YVodiKKazD3neCjbiyYS4ZzD-ctRVFJUuQB7qvgiJoWrJfywBkFja_RU
I have ordered – The Hate you Give & Dear Martin for my kids to read this summer. I will also be ordering This Book Is AntiRacist for them but it is currently sold out – EVERYWHERE.
Live in Cincinnati? Check out this very extensive list of Black Owned spots in town. Support them. I know we will get to Black Coffee Lounge this week and will also be grabbing some Kombuchinnati too.
Looking to diversify your social media?
Here are some folks I am really loving (and some new ones too) and LEARNING a ton from right now- these are their instagram handles. These are mostly black and some white who are allies and creating great resources for white women to learn from!
@Rachel.cargle
@kylawoodstv
@wearemortar
@iamrachelricketts
@morethanpeach
@blackandembodied
@jessicawilson.msrd
@nettaaaaaaaa
@desireeadaway
@morgandebaun
@morganharpernichols
@missymisdemeanorelliott
@thelovelandfoundation
@ebonyjanice
@theconsciouskid
@theblackfairygodmotheroffical (she’s amazing!!)
@mspackedyetti
@amandaseales
@catpowerofficial
Here are more groups you can donate too:
Greater Cincinnati Association of Black Journalist (GCABJ)
Cincinnati Bail Fund
Mortar
Black Lives Matter
Ohio Justice & Policy Center
Books that friends are reading:
Stamped By Jason Reynolds & Dr. Kendi
White Fragility
Americana
A Black Woman’s History of the United States
I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness
Anything by Dr. Ibram Kendi (I just put in my queue – How to Be an Antiracist)
Friends, I am so grateful to be doing better work to learn and be a better ally. That is where it all begins – in our own hearts. I appreciate your support and love and please share this with anyone you know who needs to hear it. We can keep adding to these resources. We can and we must keep showing up.
In love and gratitude and peace,
Rachel