Graphic by @ohhappydani

Hi friends! Wow, what an eye opening week it has been. I’ve been offline to listen and learn and educate myself on the Black Lives Matter movement. I still have a long way to go and realize that I will never truly understand, but I am doing my best to read, listen, and learn.

I’m someone who needs to process things and carefully craft my thoughts before I share on my platforms. I’m not one to dive into politics because it’s not what this blog is about and truthfully, I don’t believe myself educated enough to share. However, I am deeply disturbed by what happened to George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and many more before them and the racism that still exists in our country. As a mom, I know that I have a huge responsibility to raise my children to be compassionate, respectful, and loving of all people. As the above picture states, change starts in our hearts and homes.

The Autumn Girl is a place where I want people to stop by for inspiration and leave feeling excited or empowered. So I wanted to share some books we are reading, resources I have explored, organizations to donate to, and 12 small businesses to support!

I also want to mention that while diverse reading materials, conversations of inclusivity, and showing my kids compassion and love are amazing and wonderful things, there is no substitute for knowing different people. One of my primary focuses for my children will be diversity among their activities, whether that’s playgroups at the library or park, summer camp, or with various sports and activities, I am committed to exploring ways they can grow up knowing different people.

But for now, here are some things I’ve been exploring!

4 Racially Diverse Children’s Books We Are Reading:

When God Made You by Matthew Paul Turner

Breathe with Me by Mariam Gates

We are Together by Britta Teckentrump

One Family by George Shannon

 

Helpful resources:

IGTV video “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man” by Emmanuel Acho on Instagram about how you can help as a white person

IGTV video by Ayana Gabrielle Lage and her aunt Meaza Morrison talking about how to talk to your children about race

So You Want to Talk About Race– a book I just added to my reading list

Justice in June– an actionable list on a schedule that so you can learn a little bit every day with your time frame!

 

Organizations to Donate to or Support:

Black Mamas Matter Alliance– a black women led non-profit that supports black women through before, through, and after pregnancy and strives for equality  in maternal health and resources

Black Girls Code– an organization that introduces technology, coding, and programming to pre-teen and teenage girls of color and provide the opportunity to learn these skills and be part of the next generation of coders.

Crushers Club– a boxing club in the one of the most dangerous neighborhoods of Chicago: Englewood, providing a community and safe place to get kids out of gangs and off the streets.

IGrow Chicago -an organization to change the neighborhood Englewood, from surviving to thriving.

 

12 Black Owned Businesses to Support:

Wishful Paperie– beautiful editable templates for weddings, showers, invitations, and more

Ivelisse Designs– a calligraphy and design business local to ATX!

CatertoMom– a postpartum subscription box service local to Austin!

Sonshine Bath– candles, lip balms, diffusers, skincare, bath products and more!

BYCHARI– gorgeous dainty jewelry: many similar to my letter necklace I wear every day! currently 20% of proceeds are going to organizations that fight for racial equality

The Tiny Tassel– beautiful hand crafted tassel earrings~

Amanda Reid Designs– local to ATX, Amanda creates unique jackets with custom sayings, beautiful event calligraphy, and is the founder of @calligraphersofcolor !

GOLDE– a superfood health brand from face masks to matcha!

Little Likes Kids– toys geared for children 6 and under… many jumbo puzzles are available which we are currently loving!

Klur– skincare! From oils to serums to moisturizers with a vision to reflect values of inclusive, ethical, and clean beauty

Bolé Road Textiles– a gorgeous selection of textiles created with Ethiopian handwoven fabrics!

Le Petit Organic- an adorable children’s store with clothing, toys, gifts and more!

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I hope this post provides a little insight & inspiration and if there are any organizations or businesses you feel passionate about, please leave them in the comments!

12 black owned businesses to support black lives matter listening and learning