Social Justice Pledge

As an individual, artist, and small business owner, I am committed to social justice issues and running my business in a way that upholds these values. These values include the belief that Black people and their lives matter; that white supremacy is systemic issue (and one that I've directly benefited from) that must be dismantled; and that anti-racism as part of a business' platform is an important channel through which changes can be made.

Regardless of what shape my businesses take, I want to communicate with you that I'm continuing to work on being a part of solutions that will honor and uphold the humanity of Black people in America and beyond. One of the most impactful voices I've come to know recently is that of lawyer and business coach, Rachel Rodgers. I attended her Small Business Town Hall on June 10th, 2020, and it was a tremendous gift of information + heart on how to proceed. 

I've taken the pledge she has suggested, and want to share it with you here. For accountability, always- but also in case it's something you yourself might find helpful.

You can find the original pledge here, and this is how I'm including it in my business moving forward:

1. Name white supremacy and the impact of racism on both our personal and professional lives; express your sincere, long-term commitment to becoming an anti-racist organization.

 I am committed to being an anti-racist organization + individual; I will be clear in my communications not only where I stand, but also be clear about where I as a white woman have benefitted and been complicit in these systems, so that I can be a more impactful part of white engagement in dismantling white supremacy. I will be working with a lawyer to include legal anti-discrimination and inclusion statements for my website and other visible written content by the first quarter of 2021.

2. Engage in anti-racist education for you and your team.

As I'm a solo biz owner, within the next year I will invest in anti-racism education for myself, specifically this self-paced course from Dr. Tee. To the best of my ability, I will make sure that if and when I have a team or engage with other vendors, that they are also committed to anti-racism work, pro-Black action, and dismantling white supremacist systems.

3. Invest a portion of your monthly company budget to the Black community.

My goal is to get to a 30% rate by the second quarter of 2021.

4. Commit to open-conflict and allow discomfort.

I know I will make mistakes. I am committed to engaging with conflict and discomfort, and most importantly, to taking responsibilities for my actions. I will be accountable.