Bloggers Stand For Black Lives #BLOGGERSFORBLACKLIVES
"I don't see you as black"
Words that are well intended but hurtful nonetheless, because ignoring my blackness doesn't make me feel any more accepted.
It is that kind of thinking that is at the base of racism. To me it reads: "I am looking past the fact that you are black and love you despite of it."
The truth is I love being black and I have no problem with it. That is why you'll see me heartbroken for my brothers and sisters needlessly gunned down.
For being followed in stores.
For the assumption that I lack education.
For the rejection of a dating relationship simply because I'm black.
I am just tired.
The disregard of a human life based on their colors is beyond what I can fathom. Being a victim of the systemic racism is truly a painful thing to endure.
It is hard to explain to people who haven't endured it, but I implore you – if you are a white American reading this, ask some questions. If you have friends that are black, ask them what it actually feels like. We are past the point of acknowledging an issue and should be moving towards understanding.
Now to circle back around to my specific industry, I can feel the effects of racial bias.
As a black style blogger, I see opportunities for the industry to grow in the area of inclusion. I'm happy to use my voice to call for action, to spark change in the way that we are represented in the fashion industry.
Below are additional thoughts from participants of #BloggersForBlackLives
"You're so dark." "Why is your hair like that? Ours is prettier." "You can't be a doctor, think of something more realistic." "You'd be the perfect shoe-shiner or house maid in our next play" These are the ridiculous and very real and personal comments I heard at school in Boston at 5 and 6 years old.... read more
"We in the black community face the fear that at any moment, we can be harassed and our life potentially taken away from us because 'we look bad', 'we wear hoodies', 'we sit on porches', 'we play music too loud', 'we didn't obey a traffic signal', 'we sell cds' ... read more
"We’re often told that style is a way to speak to the world without saying a word. So, today, I’m proud to use my style to speak out against the violence against black bodies." ..read more
Bloggers are routinely shamed for not "saying something," or posting about how we feel about social issues on social media, but I don't see it that way. The only word I can use to describe how I've felt the last few months is traumatized. I'm still processing, and to me, a quick social media post calling out police brutality or reiterating what everyone else has said feels trite and inauthentic. This, however, feels real. It feels right.
I encourage you to head over to the lovely ladies above and read their thoughts as well. If you would like to join in (HIGHLY encouraged) Post an all black outfit and share your thoughts using the hashtag #BloggersForBlackLives on social media or your blog!
