I avoid posting things on my business social media that some in society would consider “controversial topics.”  I put that in quotation because I don’t believe that skin color or sexual/gender identity should be considered controversial.  We are who we are. But nonetheless, I have avoided them. Even to the point of not standing up for my own LGBTQ community.

I am a firm believer that our allies have more power in helping us than we do.  In my case, that means my straight friends’ voices carry more weight than my own.  And I can tell you from personal experience it is painful when they don’t speak up and speak out.  Their silence is deafening.

Now it’s my turn to be an outspoken ally, to not watch in silence. Black people are being murdered in front of our very eyes.  We cannot idly stand by and say nothing or do nothing.  I don’t know what to do.  But this was suggested to me and it falls in line with what I have always done as a small business owner.  For the next seven days, I will promote (and only promote) Black and POC owned businesses on my social media.  I will not promote the little nest or post cute photos of Ande.  I will devote only to sharing with you BIPOC owned businesses.

Support BIPOC owned businesses!

Please look at their websites, follow them on social media, and make purchases. Show them in some way that they are seen, that they are heard, that they belong, and that they matter. Because all of that is 100% true.  We have to do better.  The change has to start with white people.  Our voices carry the power, just as my straight friends’ voices do. Please don’t be silent or look the other way.

#blacklivesmatter

Stay safe,

~jen

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