My perspective has shifted dramatically. I'm taking time to listen, reflect, and contribute to organizations making a difference.
“What tugs at your heartstrings?”
This was the question posed by career coach Julie Bauke during our recent podcast recording. Initially, I responded with “hunger,” a truth I’ve held for a long time.
However, my answer has changed. This past weekend was particularly painful. My heart aches for the Floyd family and all victims of racial injustice, both past and future.
It also aches for small business owners who took risks to start pharmacies, restaurants, and barbershops, only to see them destroyed. It breaks for peaceful protesters caught up in violence and hatred. On a personal note, it pains me to see my mother, just a block from the chaos in Philadelphia, overwhelmed by tears for her beloved city.
When my son, born with a heart condition, brushed off my worries about crowded protests during COVID-19, saying, “They’re killing Black people. Some things are more important,” it struck me how my fear for his safety pales in comparison to the daily fears Black mothers face when sending their children out. That realization brought me shame.
What can we do? We can strive to say the right things, even when unsure. We can show up for our communities while remaining cautious about the ongoing pandemic. We can also donate.
This sentiment echoes Tim Cook’s beautifully articulated email to Apple employees. I began my personal journey four days ago after clicking a link from Broadway’s Patti Murin’s Twitter feed, leading me to the GoFundMe for George Floyd’s family. Initially set to raise $1.5 million, it has surged to over $9.1 million. I’ve also sought organizations supporting the Black community in this crucial time. We compiled a list of charities focused on aiding Black protesters, uplifting Black entrepreneurs, and amplifying Black women’s voices. We hope you’ll join us in contributing however and wherever possible. For added inspiration, I found a post filled with ideas for supporting justice.
Let's stand together, dedicating time to listen, reflect, and learn.
Minnesota Freedom Fund
The Minnesota Freedom Fund helps free protestors arrested while exercising their rights. This local nonprofit uses donations for bail and legal fees. Last week, they raised $20 million, a massive increase from the $80,000 collected for the entire year before. They encourage contributions to other groups providing on-the-ground support, like Black Visions Collective, Reclaim the Block, and Northstar Health Collective.
Girls For A Change
For two decades, Girls For A Change has empowered Black girls to develop leadership skills and inspire social change through impactful personal projects. Their mission is to eliminate the prejudice, poverty, and lack of resources that leave Black girls vulnerable.
Know Your Rights Camp
Fair Fight
Voter suppression, highlighted in 2018, remains a pressing issue. Fair Fight advocates for fair elections, election reform, and encourages voter participation nationwide. Their initiatives promote voter mobilization and education.
CODE2040
The nonprofit CODE2040 strives for diversity in tech, placing Black and Latino computer science students in internships at leading tech firms. Their Residency Program supports Black and Latino entrepreneurs in building businesses.
digitalundivided
digitalundivided champions economic growth in Black and Latinx communities by supporting women entrepreneurs. Their ProjectDiane report revealed that Black women receive less than .2% of venture funding. Their initiatives have helped women of color secure over $100M in investments, resulting in a significant rise in startups led by Black women.
Black Girl Ventures
Black Girl Ventures empowers women of color to scale tech-enabled, revenue-generating businesses. Since 2016, they've funded 41 women of color and hosted numerous Pitch Programs across several cities.
