06/20/2020
I have always steered clear of involving our shop in issues that weren’t industry specific. I am personally active, and stand up/speak out for causes I believe in, but never felt comfortable using the shop as a platform. From the beginning, our philosophy has been to be inclusive to all who came through our doors. It’s never mattered how old they were, what gender, if any, they identified with, what their nationality or skin color was, if they spoke English, had a physical disability or illness, what religion they practiced or what their political views were. As long as they didn’t perpetuate hate in any form, we were happy to help everyone.
I’m learning that quietly being inclusive is not doing enough for our community, neighbors or customers. Clients, who, once they walk out our door, have to deal with systemic racism, inequality, gender biases, bigotry, classism, and endless other injustices. I’m learning that my silence perpetuates these unjust cycles. I’m learning that I need to start using my privilege, and platform, to do more. We must be active to avoid being a part of the problem.
This week, I’m embarrassed to say that at 43, I just learned about Juneteenth. I was never a good student and can’t say if I was taught about it in my school. Regardless, it’s another lesson in how much I have yet to learn. I considered myself pretty informed, and it is a humbling feeling to realize I don’t know as much as I thought I did.
As a way to recognize and celebrate Juneteenth, we will be donating yesterday’s proceeds to the Pimento Relief Fund which was setup to help support black businesses in Minnesota. Even though it is a small gesture towards an enormous issue, we hope it helps to raise awareness and inspire others to add their weight to positive change. To learn more about the Pimento Relief Fund or to make a donation yourself, here is a link.
https://abepmpls.org/pimento-relief-fund
We’re partnering with Pimento to provide black business without insurance relief after white supremacists set them on fire during the protests.
