“This movement for me means more than just one march or one protest. It’s about breaking down systems of oppression that Black People have endured for hundreds of years. It’s about total liberation and freedom.

We are beyond statements like “racism is evil or wrong”. We should all know that already. It’s time for action. Donate to organizations that fight against racism and prejudice. Acknowledge and denounce one’s own prejudice and ways in which one has contributed to this climate. It’s great to post on social media, we need that. However, it is also important to be actively anti-racist and call out racism when it’s seen in one’s own family and community. I want allies to play an active role in dismantling racism and systems of oppression. We need to address both overt and covert racism. Addressing and combatting racism should not require the violent murder of a black person. It should be something that is actively sought upon.

Last but not least, support black businesses, talents and creators. So often, we are unheard, muted and are not given equal opportunities for brand collaborations, partnerships and features.

I hope that we can move forward as a united nation driven by love and respect for one another."

“This movement means EVERYTHING to me! As a black female and content creator, I’m faced with racism every single day! This movement focuses and highlights the injustices in the black community, strengthening the culture, and eradicating white supremacy to protect our community from violence inflicted upon us. 

WE ARE STRIVING FOR LIBERATION! 

I think that platforms such as RewardStyle /Liketoknow.it communities can consistently show support by continuing to stand with us during these times. This includes but is not limited to; sharing and posting our stories that relate to the black community, signing petitions, and donating.

I encourage everyone to spread awareness as much as they can. There are many resources that will allow you to become a part of the movement and protect your mental health in the process.

Please go to:

Change.org - to sign petitions for George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and so many other Black Americans that are victims of police brutality and injustices. 

You can donate to:

• Black Lives Matter
• Minnesota Freedom Fund
• National Bail Out Fund
• George Floyd Memorial Fund
• Reclaim The Block 
• Bail Project
• Black Visions Collective
• Campaign Zero
• Run With Maud
• Justice for Breonna... (to name a few)

During these painful times, prioritizing your mental health is essential.  While information that is being released on social media is necessary, yes, it can also be extremely triggering and cause vicarious trauma. I recommend @earlmartinlcsw a Licensed Clinical Therapist who can help you get through any rough days you may be experiencing.”"

As a mom to a young black man and wife to a black man, the things that keep happening in America are completely unacceptable and we as a country must stand together to make the change. You can no longer turn a blind eye to the injustice and inequality in America. My son is 3 years old and when they are this age everything they know is being taught starting in the home. We make it our daily goal to teach our son new things, take him new places, and make sure he knows right from wrong. I truly believe as parents it is our responsibility to make sure our children are taught at an early age the things that are going on in America and how they should see color. It is important to allow your child to be around and interact with children of other races and educate them that although someone may not look like them that it is NOT right to treat them any differently. When you start the appropriate conversations and actions in the home it prevents the issues as they get older with racism, judging, and plain out hate of others.

"It is my belief that we shouldn't have to protest to be treated equally. We are all human beings and should be treated as such. This includes being respected, receiving the same opportunities and feeling safe. As an educator, I teach black students and I can not remain silent. I have the responsibility to be an agent of change no matter how difficult this task may be. Teaching about Black Lives Matter not only allows us to talk about the injustices but also to talk about racism, it's history, how it is affecting us at the moment and actionable solutions. Moving forward we need to realize that this is not a political fight but a human rights fight. Do all you can to educate yourselves and don't turn a blind eye to racial injustices. LET US NOT BE SILENT..."

"This movement, though it may seem like it happened over the course of a week or two for some, has been decades and decades coming. How do we make sure we bring about real change and not just a few weeks of trendy hashtags and solidarity posts? We first need to ask ourselves some questions and take real actions.

How many Black accounts and influencers are you following?
How many Black authors are you reading?
Who owns the stores and restaurants you go to?
What charities and organizations do you donate to?
Who are your employees or co-workers?
Who do your children play with? What do their toys look like? What about the main characters in their books?
Realize that these are all things we have the power to change, and hopefully you will.

Educate and empower yourself to be an ally. There are so many incredible books/audiobooks: How to Be an Antiracist, Between the World and Me, White Like Me, and White Privilege are just a few to start with. The more you know - the more you understand about our history and our current realities - the better ally you can be, the better voice you can develop. And use that voice, not just here on Instagram, but in your home, with your family, with your neighbors and friends, co-workers and church members. We need your voices, we need your actions.

Because these things aren't just affecting us this month. These are our lives, and the lives of the people we love. Even with our Harvard degrees I still worry about my husband every time he goes for a run or drives our car. Even with our cute baby carrier and stylish outfits I've been called the N word while wearing my baby. Even as a doctor I still have a 3-4x higher likelihood of dying from pregnancy-related complications than white women. These are our realities, everyday, and it's time we change that."

"Pain is being expressed right now....many don't understand. Some of "Us" dont know how to express what it feels like to be black and America. Lets see...If you place a pot of Luke warm water on a lit burner, you expect it to heat up. After a few mins...small bubbles form, which represents the black lives taken in the form of injustice.

Those bubbles eventually developed into a rolling boil....That's the rage, anger and tears of of mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and friends. There is rapid movement that builds. The energy is propelled by daily struggles, fears of police interactions and feelings of inadequacy. If not tended to...it will boil over...You expected that...right? Right.

The steam is scalding hot, yet people keep placing their hands of injustice towards this pot. Some wear built-in heat resistant gloves of privalage...never knowing how it really feels to be burned.

Then the heat gets reduced a little. The water cools down and sits still.

It is used to create many things...to extract the spices that salt the earth. To warm hearts that create music and dance...we are essential building blocks for a well curated meal.

Some of the steam evaporates...some, now clarified water remains. Until that pot is needed for the next job...It will be placed in the back burner.

That is how we feel!!! Do you understand???

We must keep this pot of water hot...until we see a difference is made! The back burner is no longer a place we can live.

This one time...we are making sure you call the kettle BLACK! Have you done a temperature check lately?

#BlackLivesMatter"

"Hello - I am @MeaganElyce of the lifestyle blog The Style & Beauty Exchange (@thesbexchange) and I am not a prop or a token. I deserve to be seen and heard.

I want to feel safe and protected by the institutions within our democracy and not treated or looked upon as a second-class citizen. My education, demeanor, and economic status never once aided or shielded me from being profiled just because of the color of my skin.

Ignorance can no longer be bliss. I want people to make a concerted effort to genuinely educate themselves on the plight of the individuals that look different than themselves. Read James Baldwin, Richard Wright, Zora Neale Hurston, and Michelle Alexander. Watch The 13th, Do the Right Thing, Fruitvale Station, and Selma. Study the works of John Biggers, Kara Walker, Gordon Parks, Charles White, and Amy Sherald. Dance with Alvin Ailey, Carmen de Lavallade, Raven Wilkinson, and @therealDebbieAllen. Dress yourself with @FeNoel, @HanifaOfficial, @PyerMoss, and @BrotherVellies. Then makeup your faces with @PatMacgrathReal, @FentyBeauty, and the @TheLipBar. Black people are not a monolith and we have made great contributions to this society despite the circumstances against us.

Black creators and creators of color need you to amplify their voices by sharing their content, sharing and creating campaigns and opportunities, and most importantly, monetarily purchasing and investing in their businesses and ideas.

Some organizations you can donate resources to generate true change in our communities include the following:

• Color of Change
• The NAACP Legal and Education Defense Fund
• The Loveland Foundation
• The Bail Project
• Black Lives Matter
• Know Your Rights Camp
• The Tom Joyner Foundation
• The United Negro College Fund

Change doesn’t happen overnight but if you are serious about your allyship and addressing and changing systemic issues such as racism, police brutality, and economic inequality - HELP US! Most of us have been fighting this fight our entire lives. Your black sister influencers cannot do it alone and we should not have to bear that burden."

-@MeaganElyce

"While showing up for a movement is important, what’s more important is practicing what you preach. To see the support from everyone has been amazing, but it hasn’t dawned on me (or any other black person, for that matter) that some people may be here for the cause because of peer pressure and because it’s “trending”. The real bulk of the work of the Black Lives Matter movement is going to be done off this platform. Because that’s where our men are dying. On the streets.

Now that we know the difference between ‘not racist’ and ‘anti-racist’, you need to check yourself on whether or not you’re ACTUALLY going to show up. Are you willing to do the work? Everyday interactions is where the change matters most.

We can’t truly see anyone’s heart through social media. We can only hope that the more we #amplifymelenatedvoices, the more people we have to stand up and fight with us to end the systematic oppressions and injustices against the black community. If you really seek to be an ally, this is your fight too. So pull up! "

Black Lives Matter. That means my husband matters. That means my black children matter. That means I matter. I have been saddened by the killing of black people all over The United States by the very same people sworn to serve and protect. I am so saddened to say I have experienced racism personally many times. These negative experiences have been the catalyst for conversations with my family about “how to make it home alive,” “how you are different through the eyes of society,” and “why you could possibly be treated differently based off of your skin color.” These are sad but REAL conversations. I feel that everyone should make it a priority to have conversations with their families and friends.

I CHALLENGE YOU to have REAL conversations that envoke change and understanding of people that may not look like you!

To all non-black people, please stand up for and with us in spreading love for us. Donate to charities and movements that fight for us (Black Lives Matter, Justice for Breonna, Run with Maud, Minnesota Freedom Fund, The Innocent Project) Give and spend time in your black communities, getting to know the people that live in them. Do not continue to say “I don’t see color,” “All lives matter,” or simply remain silent for it is equally as damaging as murdering my people. If none of the above applies or you cannot donate, please pray. Pray for our black communities and the progression of the nation. For those of you who have continuously fought for us and loved on us we love you for that. We appreciate your kindness and willingness to stand up for what is right.

I think the lack of conversation we have regarding race is a contributing factor to where we are today. We often don't talk about it because it is uncomfortable territory. We are living through a time where the time for being comfortable has come to an end. It is time that we hold our friends and family members accountable for each and every insensitive, racist comment that they make. Not speaking up sends the message that you are in agreement with their behavior. Your words are powerful and have the ability to initiate change.

The Black community is hurting. We want to be heard. We want to be given equal opportunities. I don't want my son growing up in a world where I have to teach him that his color is offensive. He should not have to grow up learning that he will have to do twice the amount of work and pray for at least half of the rewards or opportunities.

I don't picture a world where people don't see color. I desire a world where we can see the color of others and it not be difficult to extend kindness, respect, and equality.

The recent wrongful death of George Floyd is a perfect window into the world of the Black community. Time and time again innocent Black men and women have been wrongfully killed just for being black. This movement is the perfect opportunity for you to find your voice and join us as we fight for equality and basic human rights. Just imagine communities all over the world holding each other accountable for taking a stand against racial injustices towards the black community.

If you can not see past your privilege or support of cops to acknowledge that there needs to be change , YOU ARE APART of the problem.
This fight is not Black vs White.
This fight is not Blacks vs Cops
This fight should be everyone uniting and fighting against racism, inequality and injustice.

I hope that you will be a part of the change.

All 4 of the ex-cops involved in the wrongful death of George Floyd have been charged and that is a beautiful start.

What can you do to help :

• Use your voice: Call out your friends for insensitive and or racist comments.
• Ask questions and be willing to learn.
• Diversify your feeds.
• For corporations: be willing to diversify your marketing by including all races.

Accounts I recommend following :
@blackhistory
@blackhistoryintwominutes

Let's work together to make this world a better place! Don't just use your words lets put them into action.

"I have had my fair share of challenges with racism. It has spanned across several areas of my life, education, professionally and community. I was raised in Columbus, Oh with my younger brother by a loving, accomplished and educated mother and father. We were the only black family in our neighborhood and I was one of very few minorities at my school. Even though growing up in an affluent environment we were still targeted even worse although we had every right to be there.

My parents did their best to shield my brother and I from racial profiling and racial injustice. However we were under a microscope and I quickly found out that there is a secret society called privilege that I did not qualify for because of the color of my skin. Never knowing where I truly fit in…I found myself obsessing, over this desire to make people see me for me and that I was more than just that brown girl down the street, the token black friend or a minority on a report.

I also had a strong desire to keep my younger brother from finding out about privilege, racism and the hurt it caused. I did my best to shield him and guide him in every way possible but that wasn’t enough, he had another fight that I had no clue would start coming to light for black males just years after he graduated high school and left the comfort of my parents home. Considering our current events today I become triggered seeing one name after another become a hashtag especially with black men because I always find myself thinking that could have been my brother or father...

So remember this —if it is not about justice or inclusivity don’t use your black square or black lives as a prop to further promote your own agenda. Black lives matter means my race has value.

We are 6 months into 2020 and I think we can all agree it has been the year of introspection and reprioritizing. I am so thankful there is a greater recognition that change needs to happen and I appreciate everyone who is taking a stance against the mistreatment and injustice to BIPOC. ( Black, Indigenous, people of color )

So lets keep this momentum going and even out the imbalances, it starts with you!

Your sister in blogging,
Amanda"

"I am truly appreciative on the commitment LTK has made to ensure that we, African Americans, are included equally on this platform and beyond. If we want change, we have to be open and accepting to it. I want the change and look forward to seeing LTK move forward with diversity and inclusion to all for years to come.

This is a start, let’s keep it going. "

As a black mother, and a wife to a black man, I find myself constantly anxious. Anxious because Of the unease that comes with being black in America. The fear that my son who is forever smiling will be viewed as a threat or my husband won’t make it home because he got pulled over or someone thought he looked suspicious, haunts me everyday. Protest after protest, killing after killing, kneeling, etc has all proven to not make a difference. We can’t make the change alone. It’s time for all to get a little uncomfortable and address racism head-on. If you see injustice, call it out or you become part of the problem. Start teaching your children that we are all people. Black people hurt like everyone else. Until we all acknowledge this, and teach our children to love and not just love people who love them, change will not come. We need you, we need everyone to make the change our society so desperately needs. Let's work hard to ensure that this movement does not fade away with the news cycle, but instead, let us continue to acknowledge the problems in our country and work towards creating environments of inclusion in our homes and in the workforce.

"If I could ask white allies to do one thing, it would be to listen. It can be difficult because many Black bloggers have been speaking out against racial injustice for many years and — while we’re happy to feel heard — it’s overwhelming to suddenly have people paying attention after years of combatting apathy and outright hostility. Obviously, there’s nothing wrong with people growing and learning! It’s just a sudden adjustment, at least for me. I’m excited that so many people are energized about the #blacklivesmatter movement and hope we can keep the momentum going even after the virality fades."

"Racism is something I have had to deal with my entire life, but I refuse to let it stop me. I truly believe that we will only see change when those who are unaffected are as angry as those who are affected. Now is the time to #amplifymelanated voices, to have open discussions, and to be the change that is long overdue. I ask that you take the time to educate yourself, to ask people of color what their experience has been like in America. I can promise you our journey has been much different than yours. We can’t change the past, but we can absolutely have an impact on the future."

WHAT IT MEANS TO ME:

This movement for me validates that OUR voices are powerful. We no longer need to ask for a seat at the table, when we've got our own. It means that we no longer want to be the token "Black" or the diversity box that brands and companies check off. We no longer have to accept our payments in the form of free products, while our counterparts get paid with money. This moment reminds me that as Black Digital Creators our reach, our voice and our activism is unmatched!

HOW TO SUPPORT:

- Tag, post, like, comment, share, re-post, link and support Black content creators. And not just today, this week, or this month, but continuously.
- Don't stand by and watch injustice happen. SPEAK UP! Silence = Compliance.
- Listen and research. You'll never be able to walk in our shoes if you don't have our feet. Taking the time to listen, research and show up, mean so much to us!

USEFUL RESOURCES:

- Google! Google! Google! If you know how to download and use the latest and greatest app or filter, then you know how to do research. Please do not put the burden on Black people to consistently educate you on systemic injustice. Black people have had to research ways to navigate these systems, and honestly we're tired. Remember that ACTIVELY taking steps towards change, IS CHANGE! It's going to be uncomfortable at times, but remain tenacious and give yourself some grace! "

"I want you to know that I am heartbroken right now, I feel scared, angry, and I feel uncertain about my future and my family's future. Right now, there is a greater sense of a unified front in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and while this does make me hopeful that it will lead to long-term changes for the Black community I can't fully trust that hope because racism and oppression is something we have been fighting for so long. For once, I feel like I have people who care about what my experiences are as a Black woman and it is hard to comprehend that; it is overwhelming. I want to say all of the right things, I want to educate so many, and for my words to open hearts and ignite change but I know that may not happen, and I am okay with that. I know I matter and I know I am important, it's just so hard to fight each day to believe that amidst daily microaggressions, feelings of not belonging, feelings of being unworthy, and fear and anxiety for my safety and the safety of my family. It is hard to not let those feelings rule my life, and sometimes they do. I pray and do everything I can to speak up for change so that my children won’t ever have to try to explain to their children how the world can be so cruel to them because of the color of their skin. Because that is not something any child deserves to hear. I ask that you join this movement, become our allies. Elevate Black voices. You can start by supporting Black influencers. Watch our videos, like our photos, comment on them, get to know us. Be mindful of the inspirational quotes, artwork, and knowledge on racism you share and make sure it comes from a person of color. Please teach the children in your lives why Black lives matter, educate yourselves with books, articles, and videos about racism. Support Black businesses, get out to the protests, and walk peacefully with us. Stand up for us. You can also donate to organizations like:

http://blacklivesmatter.com
https://naacp.org
http://change.org
https://www.grassrootslaw.org

But most importantly, do something! "

To find the right words during this time is difficult. This movement is a start in the right direction. The topics circulating are very uncomfortable to many. My heart is truly heavy but I’m glad this is finally being put on the table. This movement is a beautiful thing to witness and see unity. As a little girl I rarely saw someone in a commercial or large platform that looked like me. To see diversity and representation matters. That you can’t turn a blind eye to what is and has been going on. There are many in the world that are willing and want to address what we have been fighting for. I can appreciate the outpour of people taking this opportunity to learn and make a change. To see others want to stand up for what is right alongside me speaks volumes. This movement has reminded me that I am beautiful, strong and nothing/no one can stop me from shining. I think it’s a must to listen without listening to get defensive. Amplify the voices of black creators and open your heart. Take action because it is all our fight. This can no longer be dismissed and swept under the rug. Going to naacp.org is a great resource to start.

My story: Growing up biracial in a predominantly white area was confusing. When i was with my white mom, people would ask what agency she used for my adoption. To them, her marrying a black man and having mixed children was that inconceivable they assumed she had to have gotten me another way. When I was out with my black father, people told me I was raised “too white” because of the way i talked. I watched as a sales associates followed us around the store because black= shoplifters to them. My world felt damned if I did, and damned if I didn’t until i found it within myself to stop caring what everyone else thought and started living without fear of judgement. I couldn’t be more proud of the Black Lives Matter movement that is bringing to light some very overdue conversations, education, and action. I’m hopeful that one day my kids and their kids won’t have to deal with the racism I and so many endured. Thank you for taking the time to learn a bit more about me. Together we can ignite change around the world! “

"I’m a young black woman who chooses equality & empathy. I’ve been defined by the color of my skin and I’m hurt. I’m hurt my guidance counselor in high school said I wouldn’t amount to anything because of the color of my skin and learning disabilities. I’m hurt brands don’t treat me, a black blogger, the same. I’m hurt I have to be twice as good to succeed. I’m hurt I was told the person I liked couldn’t date me because I’m black. I could go on and on but put quite simply: we as black people are hurt.

But I want all of our pain to be for something, because that is what we deserve. This movement is more than me. It’s more than you. But it does start with us. Us coming together to protest, to donate, to learn, to fight the systematic racism that has plagued our country for centuries. I want to encourage us to continue to fight. I want to encourage us to see through the pain we feel, and find growth.

So here is my message to you:

• WE are strong.
• WE have to root ourselves in our beliefs.
• WE have to stand against injustices no matter how big or small.
• WE need to create change in our hearts, in our families, and in our streets.
• WE need to be there for our friends, our sisters and the people who have been there for us.
• WE need to be better.
• WE can be better.

I’ll leave you with this old quote: “He tried to bury me, but he did not know I was a seed. They will try to bury us, so let’s be seeds.”

"My blackness is always the first thing that walks in the room. I wish it wasn't that way but it is that way. I'm aware of the inherited disadvantages we have from simply being in our skin. Everytime a black person is killed at the hand of police brutality it chips away at us to see that they aren't held accountable. Watching this movement and watching my fellow black influencers stand up and shut down the negative stereotypes of influencers is a moment of pride. We refused to be quiet and so did so many other people. We were finally being heard. Amplify black voices, and black talent. Put black faces on your grids. Put black faces in the executive jobs they have always qualified for. Pay black talent equal wages as their white counterparts. Don't just tell black Americans you see their worth, show them you see their worth."

Our current events are part of a journey and an ongoing conversation that America needs to continue to have on race, bias, and, inclusivity. A conversation that is LONG overdue. A conversation that I have had with sincere followers and influencers. A conversation that I pray goes beyond features like this one, and moves into addressing how a lack of diversity even happens in our individual spheres of influence in the first place. A conversation that I believe will change how influencers influence their followers, and how brands interact with influencers and customers. A conversation that should be fueled by those ready to actively listen and grow. A conversation that will require action and advocacy. A conversation that is about ensuring that black lives matter, too. My sincerest hope is that this conversation becomes a way of life for all of us and that a deep transformative work is done in the hearts of those who have been moved by the horror and atrocity of racism. For more resources please see the diversity highlight on my Instagram page. #courthousecouture

I am glad to see change! As a black influencer I have experienced being ignored and not given the same opportunities to work with other brands. I do think that this is going to bring a lot of awareness not just to the influencer community but the black community as well. There are a lot of issues in a lot of places where we do not get the same opportunities and I hope that this eye opening moment is just the beginning! Thank you LIKEtoKNOW.it for listening and thank you for changing I hope other brands follow and do the same if not more!

"Compassion & real change is what will bring us together.

Here are my 5 tips on supporting Black creators!

1. Support our content
Follow, subscribe & like our content. Read our captions, swipe up, comment. Support us.
I.e. Billions of channels are on YouTube & only about 10 black creators have hit 1million subs. Crazy right?

2. Hire Us
How many black people are in your workplace? You can’t escape this question because the lack of diverse voices & ideas, show up on campaigns, marketing, branding & resignation rates. When creating campaigns, don’t just book one black creative to meet the diversity quota. Tokenism is both mentally/emotionally triggering & draining for us. If you notice a lack of diversity, call it out!

3. Learn about us
I’ve seen 1) people in tears because Make-up artists can’t colour match them 2) Hair Stylists not know how to do black hair, causing irreversible damage 3) Photographers out of their depth because they don’t know how to shoot or retouch black skin/hair.
I’ve been at PR events/trips fighting back tears because I was invited, but can’t wear any of the products.
Solution? Learn about micro aggressions. Hold people/companies accountable to developing products and acquiring the knowledge to be able to accommodate everybody. ‘One standard’ of beauty does not exist.

4. Share us
So many brands collaborate & gift black creators but refuse to engage or repost the content created. Often, brands socials don’t reflect their outreach/brand placement. As a result, black creators don’t get the same visibility as white creators which can also contribute to 1) the racial pay gap 2) lack of audience growth.
Again, comment & hold them accountable for not being inclusive.

5. Don’t judge a book by it's cover
Many of us never publicly speak on miss-haps because we fear being black-balled or discriminated against as too Confrontational or aggressive. We are strong, but often we have no other choice. As a result of bottling it up, we often struggle with depression. support us, check in with us, show up for us with all of the above. We are more than this sassy stereotype. We are hardworking, versatile & full of personality.

You can find Petition, Donation & educational links via @ericafmstyle

"The beauty of the black community is that we all come in an array of unique colors and we share a goal of wanting to see each other win, too. Growing up I learned to be proud of my blackness at home which is one of the best gifts I’ve ever received. Racism is a learned behavior that could start and should be stopped within your home. I deeply encourage everyone outside of our community to diversify where you shop, your friend group and to have heart changing conversations with your loved ones to show that we are all created equal. From today forward, please see our beautiful array of colors because that means you see us. As a goal for this week, I motivate you follow at least 5 black influencers and engage with their content daily. We have been on the sidelines for too long and it’s time to increase space in the spotlight. Thank you for hearing my words, I hope that we will one day move in a better direction.

Black Lives Matter.
Black Love Matters.
Black Culture Matters.
The time for justice is now!
#JusticeforGeorgeFloyd #JusticeforBreonnaTaylor #JusticeforAhmaudArbery"

“As a young black woman in corporate, I work at one of the largest tech companies, yet am the only black woman of color on my team. The work does not stop after an Instagram post. It doesn’t stop six months from now. This movement goes far beyond police brutality, it is about racial inequality, injustice, and systematic oppression.

We greatly appreciate the donations, social posts and recognition. But as true allies, hire more black people of color in your organizations, to reflect your company’s social activism. Promote more black people of color in positions of leadership, to reflect your company’s social activism. Make it a mission to provide equal opportunity for all black people of color - consistently.

Remember that showing up imperfectly, is far better than not showing up at all - Silence is louder than you think. Genuinely so delighted to see this change, but there is a lot more work to do! Really thankful for this opportunity! 😊 #BlackLivesMatter”

Many have shared that these are uncertain times or refer to the current climate as "shocking". Unfortunately for the black people in this country, we know that this is not the case. We can remember the first discussions about race from the time we were children. George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and countless others are tragedies that are more than just hashtags. Their lives mattered. And if I could offer non-black allies any advice, it would be to remember that these events didn't happen in a vacuum. Read. Google. Support grassroots organizations and local chapters to improve your community. Hold yourself and others accountable. And most importantly LISTEN. I'm proud to be able to use my platform to shine a light on these injustices and demand change. The "excitement" around the movement may end, but I'm hopeful that we're finally moving forward.

“All it takes for evil to prevail is for good men and women to do nothing” Edmund Burke

I was born and raised in New Orleans and I come from a beautifully diverse background that I’m very proud of and have lived most of my life that way. In the past weeks, the current racial conversations taking place have forced me to reflect on the memories of my own life that seem to be on replay in my brain. Memories that maybe I’ve tried to ignore or even forget. In reflection I’ve come to realize that I’ve allowed people, even people that I have considered friends to have a free pass to say things to me about the black community that I now realize, I should’ve addressed because it did bother me. But instead I decided to keep quiet because I thought “we’re friends, I know they didn’t mean it LIKE THAT!” What I now understand about those moments is that they were a missed opportunity to have important and enlightening conversations with these individuals.

As a black woman I have incourtered clear and direct racism, quiet discrimination and untrue stereotypes based solely on the color of my skin. I never thought when I was a child or even into my late 20’s I would experience what I am seeing today. What I can say is that I am so incredibly proud of the GOOD shining through this situation. Seeing so many people show up no matter their background, race, or nationality has given me so much hope in a time that has felt dark and lonely for the black community. Even though there are struggles and obstacles I still face every day I am proud to represent what it means to be a successful Black woman who is proud to voice her opinions and viewpoints and what that means for the next generation of brown girls.

I’ve learned so much about myself during this time and I’m continuing to educate myself so that I can be a better voice for my community and educate others, because I believe we can all learn and educate ourselves more on this topic no matter the color of our skin. Know, being silent isn’t going to carry us forward. These conversations are uncomfortable but they are necessary! Thank you LTK community for seeing the value in using social platforms to be a positive voice!

We are #bettertogether

How to be a voice:

- Have the uncomfortable conversations with people who have different view points
- Check on your friends who are POC and ask how they’re doing
- Take part in peaceful protests and/or Donate
- Share and support your favorite Black Owned Businesses
- Educate yourself by watching documentaries on Netflix or even social media platforms"

In diversity there is beauty and there is strength - Maya Angelou. All I've ever known is diversity. I'm the child of a jewish man and a black woman. Raised in the ultra culturally diverse Los Angeles, California. So I have a hard time understanding why a country so diverse sees life through segregated and non-inclusive lenses. However, I believe better days are ahead. Overcoming years of prejudice ideas and racist practices requires people to act intentionally. Let’s do the work.

"As an African growing up in Nigeria, I never knew that my existence would one day be surmised by the color of my “Black” skin. I migrated to the USA at 17, attended an HBCU, married a black man, and had two black boys. While transitioning through each of these phases, I have been confounded at every turn at how as a “Black” individual you have to be better and work twice as hard to get one of the limited seats at the table. Only by complying with these rules can you be afforded opportunities that your other “non-Black” counterparts only have to show up for.

As the recent killings of “Black” men and women continue to increase in numbers in America, my husband and I have had numerous discussions about if this is a country that we want to raise our children in. How emotionally traumatic it is living in fear of being killed by running in your neighborhood, how driving an expensive car may prelude them to been taken as thieves, how wearing a hoody may get them shot, how they may only reach a certain level of career success all because they were born a certain color that is not of their choosing.

We, as a nation, cannot continue to be complicit and should continue to have these discussions to promote positive change in our society. As influencers and Influencer brands here some ways to continue these conversations:

• Start by taking a look inwardly and addressing your inner biases.
• Teaching our children to love each person by their actions not the color of their skin.
• Teaching our kids that skin, hair, and body features come in various shapes and colors.
• Exposing the future generation to the history of this country and why some of these biases exist.

The above can be done by using books, toys, shows, encouraging friendships with diverse groups etc. as educational tools. @hereweeread and @theconsciouskids are great accounts to follow for diverse books for kids and how to talk to children on race issues. Most especially as a parent, teaching them via your actions, not just spoken words.

Other things that could be done include:

• In the influencer world, increase the representation of more women of color on campaigns, on social feeds, and in top management roles on employee roster, based on their merit and not appearance. Choosing a token influencer out of millions of beautiful black women to check the box is not enough effort in terms of representation. If anything, it does a disservice to the audience that is missing a wealth of knowledge and perspective that is grossly untapped.
• Supporting and showcasing small black businesses on your huge platform.
• Exercising individual right to vote on all elections and not voting for politicians who encourage division and not inclusion.
• Working with organizations that help empower minorities. Some examples are the black live matter funds, the innocent project, Bail project, and Black visions collective.

"I was crowned Miss Rodeo Coal Hill Arkansas, I was excited, thrilled to say the least. I didn’t know what I was doing. I just knew I was having fun. That evening on Facebook after I took my crown there was a picture posted of me with the ugliest comments. Because of my skin color!

I was hurt, I was angry and I was vulnerable. I let racism steal my joy. After I served my year as Queen I didn’t compete again. I was sixteen and damaged but not broken.

I let that same hurt, anger and vulnerability give me my PURPOSE. You know they say “If you love something let it go. If it comes back it’s yours.”

I didn’t know that when I took that crown I was the First Black woman in the state of Arkansas to become a Rodeo Queen. But when I realized what I had done while just having fun, everything changed. I understood my PURPOSE, I understood why it hurt so bad because it was the first time.

Change is painful, everytime time I look at the news it reminds me that Change is painful! But change is needed. I stepped out and became the change I wanted to see in the world, by owning who I am, Yes I’m a Cowgirl but I’m a Black woman first. I won’t be the exception, I will be the norm.

I'm a woman and I’m black, I have three brothers that weren’t put on this earth to be murdered. I’m a woman and I’m black, and I matter. You matter, we all matter. And right now we have to focus on Black Lives Matter 🖤

Educate yourself and your children, and love on all your sisters, even the ones that don’t look like you. "

The Black Lives Matter Movement means everything to me. It means finally being heard for the racial biases I’ve had to endure, for the nasty comments I’ve had to hear. It means justice for Ahmaud, for George, for Breonna and countless others. I encourage the community to support your local black owned business, donate as much as you can, and most importantly, show up to the polls and vote! So that we can see real change.

"As a black influencer, I am grateful for opportunities that help empower me in my blogging and influencer business economically, which is a huge part of breaking barriers of systemic racism. I’m deeply saddened by recent events that have happened, which has put a holt on much of my work and creative process. I am grateful to see lots of individuals and companies standing in the gaps to uplift the community that I am apart of.

When my supporters share info around the current events, like my photos, share, and engage it not only lifts me as an individual but everyone around me. My stylists are black, my photographer is black and my family is black. This is not forced or selected. It is a space that I am automatically apart. So when you support me, you are supporting the black creatives/ friends who work tireless to make sure my content looks great. You are helping me to expand my opportunities in the influencing space, which financially has trickled down to my mom, siblings, and younger relatives (little brown girls who look like me). Since my father passed a few years ago,

I put my all into making sure I could use influencer income to make sure my mom and siblings have everything they need. By empowering a platform I have built, you automatically empower black families, black creatives, and other black influencers who are inspired and benefit in some way from the work that I produce. Black lives do matter, and so do the voices of black influencers. I’d love to support and have the support of influencers of all races. This is an important element of moving the influencer community forward with the same unity and love that we wish for in America. Love is an action word. Let’s love and be great together."

"The past few weeks have been fueled with many emotions. With the recents protests and uproar following the murder of George Floyd, it has become clear that we have work to do as a nation. As a Black Woman, raised in the south, events like the recent murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Aubrey are nothing new. For centuries our country has battled with racism and systemic oppression.⁣

Moving forward I believe it is important we use our platforms to speak the language of change. Black people in American have been treated unjustly for far too long now and we must build a new way of life. We’ve all been called to action to create new systems that better serve all people in the United States. Building a more equitable nation requires active participation from every one. Consider the following ways to contribute:⁣

1. Educate yourself! Go beyond the information you see posted on social media and do a deep dive in our countries history. There’s a multitude of information available to you. Take a (digital) trip to the library of congress and explore the Slave Narratives. The slave narratives is a collection interviews with the last African Americans born enslaved. Here you can get a first hand account of the black experience prior to the emancipation proclamation.⁣

2. Get curious and have the difficult conversations. If you are truly interested in understanding the experiences of African Americans or other minority groups in America... talk to them! If you can find the courage to ask the difficult questions and put aside fear of looking silly you’d be surprised what people are willing to share. Be Brave Friends⁣

3. Spotlight and Recommend your friends or peers for their talents! We all have the ability to recommend someone we know for a job or business opportunity. Share their page or artwork. Tell a friend to tell a friend about products you love. All these are great ways to support Minority businesses, small and otherwise.⁣

Last, remember that change takes time. Our nation has only known one system since its inception. It is going to take time and a lot of work to build a new society were equitable treatment is the standard rather than the exception."

My challenge for those listening is simple: take action.

What that action looks like is different for everyone, and that’s okay. But don’t stay silent. Don’t stay still. Real change requires EVERYONE (black, white, brown and everything in between) to do more.

Start the tough conversations with your friends and family about experiences with racism, white privilege, injustice and the pain you and your communities are feeling.

Educate yourself on black history and the current hardships the black community are facing.

Challenge those around you to acknowledge racial bias  and identify ways to put an end to it.

Influence and empower your network of friends, family and coworkers to be more open minded and to embrace all humans fairly.

Lastly, LOVE harder. Don’t let the hate that surrounds you overcome you. Don’t let the anger and frustration takeover. Love more. Be kind. Make a change.

"As a Black woman who grew up in a predominantly Caucasian community, I am no stranger to what it feels like to be the minority. To be a part of the group, but somewhat on the outside, too. Although I have experienced kindness from people of all different ethnicities, nationalities, and backgrounds, the amount of overt and covert racism I have also experienced is undeniable. I have been met with prejudice and discrimination as a model, as an influencer, as the only Black student in my graduate program cohort, and as a counselor...and it hurts. I'll say it again. Being constantly overlooked, dismissed, and told to "shut up" and "get over it" whenever showing any sign of disappointment, frustration or sadness...it hurts. I have worked hard to fulfill all of my "eclectic" interests and passions. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Counselor in the mental health field; the owner of a solo private practice; and content creator for my blog, Eclectic Chic.

So, what do we do? How can we make things better? Our world has to work on challenging our explicit and implicit biases towards Black people. A way to expel these negative stereotypes is through exposure. The exposure starts with all of us and how we utilize our platforms. I know some of you are wondering if you should say something; and if so, what to say. If you are coming from a place of wanting to promote equality, positivity, and reduce racism, saying something is always better than saying nothing. Will you always say the right thing? Probably not. None of us do. That is ok. If we hurt someone's feelings, we can acknowledge it, apologize, fix it, and continue working alongside one another for this collective good. We have to stay open to one another while keeping these conversations going. Thank you for listening, caring, and striving to increase understanding."

"What does this movement mean to you?

This movement needs to be a catalyst for major transformation in this country! This is not the first time we have witnessed the injustices that black men and women continue to deal with. My hopes are that we dismantle this systemic racism that affects every area of our lives. My hopes are that our voices are heard and that we are finally recognized and treated as equals. The time is now!

What are some ways our community can support you right now?

Partner with black-owned businesses and support them. Invite them to your platform. Feature more influencers that are WOC/MOC on your page to promote diversity and inclusion. Hire more minority professionals at the workplace to fill positions with opportunities of advancement. Don’t keep them stagnant! Allow their voices to be heard in a safe place so information and different perspectives can be shared. Don’t just listen either-plan and strategize and carry out those actions. Finally, don’t support businesses/organizations that perpetuate hate or choose to remain neutral to the cause. That is just as worse.

What are the useful resources you’d like to point people to?

Vote! If we want to see major changes happen we need to go out and vote👇🏽
https://www.ballotready.org

Sign petitions and/or donate here👇🏽
https://colorofchange.org
https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co

Read books! I highly recommended👇🏽
“The Isis (YSSIS) Papers” Dr. Frances Cress Welsing
“How To Be An Anti-Racist” Ibrahim X. Kendi
“Lies My Teacher Told Me” James W. Loewen

Listen and Learn From Others👇🏽
#janeelliot
#killermike
#umarjohnson "

"I can’t take back how we’ve been treated in the past or how it made us feel, but I will continue to use my platform as a voice for change.

I’m Camry, a Miami based content creator. Growing up, I was taught “because you are black, you will have to work twice as hard as your peers to earn the opportunities you deserve.” That has always resonated with me. Since the launch of my business in 2019, as a content creator, I’ve intentionally worked extremely hard! I’ve built valuable relationships, secured partnership and shot countless images for brands, upon their request and my agreement.

Would you believe me if I told you that my pictures are rarely featured, but my peers are?

Yes! My peers are beautiful, and we (Black Women) are beautiful too! BLACK WOMEN ARE BEAUTIFUL! Black Women are talented! Black Women work hard! Black Women are major contributors to helping brands thrive! And most importantly, Black Women deserve to be seen, featured and highlighted!

Moving forward, I'm claiming that all Black content creators go from overlooked to overbooked."

"I’m overwhelmed with so many emotions like many Black people after the events following the murder of George Floyd.

With every murder of an unarmed Black person I am immediately triggered and relieve my own personal racial trauma.

It’s impossible to be the fun, bubbly, effervescent person that many have come to know through my page. Space and time are needed to process everything.

Not only am I a content creator, but a full time PCU Nurse and caregiver. It’s been very difficult to show up to be any of those things this past week but I had to despite the fact that I could cry out of anguish at any given moment.

I cry in between seeing my patients, on my lunch break, ducking in bathrooms when I feel my eyes start to well up. I cry while driving to work and before I go to sleep.

It’s not just reliving my own racial trauma but the trauma of my entire race that makes everyday so exhausting.

For me personally it’s been incredibly hard to even think about creating, which is something that I absolutely love to do.

Black people right now are experiencing what’s happening in the world differently. We’re mourning and grieving.

I want to be hopeful but to be honest there is lingering doubt and distrust because the very same issues that are being highlighted right now: the lack of support and diversity in the fashion and influencer world, isn’t a new topic.

Many of my Black contemporaries have been voicing these issues for years, myself included, but it’s taken the horrific death of George Floyd on camera, hundreds of thousands of people fighting for Black lives in streets around the world, in the middle of a pandemic to actually have people willing to have these conversations. To unveil what I’ve always known to be true as a Black woman; racism is alive and well.

This fact hurts in a way that is hard to describe.

I don’t wish to shame or guilt anyone that is honest in trying to do better. These are just some of the feelings I’ve been working through this past week.

I want that same energy, the same desire for growth, for vulnerable, uncomfortable and honest conversations for improving diversity, inclusion and visibility of Black people not just in posts in the days and weeks to come. I want to see it in boardrooms, on press trips, in conversations at home with friends and family a year from now and beyond.

Support is a verb; it requires some type of action. So as a non-Black person, whether your support is by doing the work of self examination through education, sharing Black Owned businesses or following new-to-you Black Content Creators, just keep trying.

I don’t want pity. I don’t want sympathy. I never did. I’ve always just wanted a fair chance to be seen, heard and valued. "

"As a first generation Canadian to Jamaican parents, I was always had to work 10x harder to get my voice heard. I’m a mother to a beautiful one-year-old daughter. My biggest worry is about how is she going to navigate this world as she grows up. Do I tell her to stay quiet and fly under the radar to get by- so she doesn’t ruffle any feathers? Or do I tell her to be strong unapologetic with no care in the world. I have no idea what to tell her. In the creator world as a Black woman it’s NO different!

To White and NON-Black creators. It’s time expand your network, introduce and help Black creators. How?

-Diversify your audience that you currently follow.
-Introduce them to your audience via your feed or stories.
-Reach out to them directly on ways how you can help.
-Introduce them to PR/agencies that might be the right fit for them.
-If you are not able to do a campaign because you feel like you’re not the right fit - share a Black creator who would excel at it.

Sharing a black square or a quote is one step... but if you the have power to change the influencer world so that we can ALL be included- use IT."

The Black Lives Matter movement is a cry for equality. A cry for justice. A cry for the lives lost due to hate and racism. Its a cry for civil respect. It’s for the innocent and the unarmed black men and women who have lost their lives by the hands of those who feared or disregarded another because of the color of their skin. Black Lives Matter is not a decree that one race is more important than the other. It’s a deep painful bellow from the mothers who have lost sons, the wives who have lost husbands, the brothers who have lost sisters and the generations of minorities who have seen injustice time and time again, that black lives matter too. We march and protest for change. Black, white, yellow and brown. Unified to break down walls of systematic injustice. People from all backgrounds and walks of life raising their voices to be heard because to be silent is to be complicit. Because the world cannot be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch and do nothing.

"I think that I can confidently say that this is not a new movement to me or any other black man or women. We have been literally fighting for our lives for hundreds of years. The issues at hand are systematic and ingrained into the fiber of American history. I am, however hopeful! I do believe that there is a lot of good in our country and that we can change history! It's heartwarming to see all of the displays of unity between all people of all nationalities. I believe that the greatest and best way to support our community is to treat black men and women as you would any other human being. Love thy neighbor. Self reflect and think about the preconceived ideas that you may have adopted knowingly or unknowingly and then change them. Intentionally seek out and support black owned businesses and if your are in a position to provide an opportunity to someone, DO IT!"

The systemic racism that is continuing to rise in our country has forever changed the lives of black creators. We see just how vital our inclusion is in telling the stories of how we view the world AS IS.. no filter. I believe it is important for ALL to understand that every untouched and unedited story that comes from the black community is what is going to penetrate the hearts and minds of the world as we know it to provoke the change we are so desperately fighting for.

Listen to your black friends. Lately people have been asking how they can help us, what can they do? Well a lot of us have been sharing our stories for awhile now but nobody wants to listen. We are often seen as hostile or angry when discussing our lived experiences. As creators, brands aren’t working with us if we are too vocal about social issues. But even after this is all said and done make sure you are doing the work in your personal lives, calling out your racist friends and family members, research other black leaders besides MLK. When you tell your black friends that you are a safe space, make sure to ask them what a safe space is for them. Share our content! And whatever you do please don’t ALL LIVES MATTER us.

"I've been part of the Reward Style community for over 8 years, the best way to support me honestly would be to keep the momentum going.

This movement is not a trend, I would love to see continued efforts to diversify your feed and show support to both Black influencers and Black brands alike. I do understand Reward Style is a business and I think it's missing a part of the market. Representation matters, when people see influencers that look like them and/or they can relate to, they are more likely to be inspired by them. By promoting diversity, I believe Reward Style will have a bigger impact on its loyal following and will be able to expand their reach. To sum it, the best way to help me, is to give everyone visibility.

"The last few days have been some of the most powerful I’ve had the chance to witness in my lifetime. Long after the noise and the dust has settled, remember this energy you’re feeling now. Hold onto it. It’s no secret the black community is also not represented well in the blogging world either and I’m happy that this movement is leading true changes on all platforms including @liketoknow.it. A few thoughts as this revolution continues: ⁠

1️⃣ If you really want things to change here’s the key: CHANGE YOURSELF FIRST. It starts with you. Change your own reactions, thoughts, and actions. Every single day. Change who you support. Check yourself. If you see something, say something. Being silent is just as damaging to the cause. ⁠

2️⃣ SUPPORT black bloggers, businesses, & the black community. When was the last time you followed a black blogger? Or swiped up on their links? When was the last time you thought twice about what beauty brand you’re purchasing from? When was the last time you asked your black neighbor how they were? Remember, it starts from you. ⁠

3️⃣ DO YOUR BEST. The thing is: you won’t satisfy every black person with your response during this. Some will never be satisfied, rightfully so. NOTHING you do will make up for the oppression we have experienced. But you realizing this is part of the pill you have to swallow that comes with privilege. Please realize IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU & how you’re feeling or if you’ve done your due diligence... you won’t get an award for standing up for what’s right. But regardless continue to do what you can with what you have as that’s better than you did before. It’s about progress, not perfection. ⁠

4️⃣ EDUCATE yourself. If you’re feeling lost, confused, upset, hurt, or impacted in ANY WAY you need to educate yourself. Here are resources to start: @blklivesmatter @aclu @naacp @naacp_ldf @npr + many more. Have the uncomfortable conversation. Read others opinions. Discuss it. Reach out for clarity. Ask questions. This is a time to reflect so we can progress. And people grow by getting uncomfortable. So start getting used to it, because we have work to do ✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼✊🏻 #blacklivesmatter"" — @queencarlene⁠

"This movement means taking a stand and saying no more. No more repeating the past and no more perpetuating hate. It means being proud of where I come from and using my voice. It means speaking out against injustice and not backing down. It means speaking up and being willing to be hated, misunderstood and disliked. For others that are not Black, it means getting educated and listening. It means learning how to be a voice and stand in solidarity with the Black Community.

When people support this movement and SAY Black Lives Matter, they are supporting ME. They are saying that I matter, that my family matters, that my community matters. That they will fight along side me. That they will stand up for me and with me! "

"It feels good to be recognized and to be not only heard but seen and to be apart of a movement that is working towards a change that the world needs to see. This platform produces role models and it’s important for black influencers to feel that we can impact peoples lives in the same way others can. There are very few black influencers that get to be seen and looked up too because we are not given as much opportunity. There may not be as many Black Influencers but those of us that are doing this job want to be on the same playing field as everyone else, we want the same exposure, the same opportunities, the same chance to get to connect with people that will get the chance to know us and love the content that we are working so hard to put out for you. Give us a chance to show you the things we love and get to know us! It’s important for me to build relationships with the people that are spending any time in their day to watch my content! I love getting to know people and often talk to my followers like I would my good friends. Some of the best advice I’ve gotten have come from followers I’ve connected with we all have experiences and want to be heard! We are lucky to live in a world that social media allows us to connect with people in all walks of life.

A major problem today is lack of knowledge and people just aren’t educated I would say the best resources right now are your black friends talk to them, learn about their experiences learn about their feelings listen to what they haven’t been able to say for fear of not being taken seriously. Open your heart and your mind to what we are feeling and truly listen. "

"I was raised in a predominately white neighborhood, white town and went to predominantly white school until high school. My Jamaican Dad decided it was time for me to be more cultured! I went to high school in the inner city and it was some of the most fun and memorable times in school. At first, I was extremely scared because I knew it would be different from what I was used to. Fast forward, I married a white man from England who is a Police Officer and we had mixed babies who are First- Generation Americans!

Benjamin and I are making it a point our kids, who are mixed, first love their skin color and the way their hair is and learn to appreciate and play alongside children from all different races and cultures. I’m sure you’ve been hearing this a lot but it starts at home.

TEACHING your kids about where they are from and why they should love it! As we move forward as a people and as a country, I think it’s important to realize everyone has a story.

STOPING to ask questions and find out what that story is will bring us closer to one another and increase our understanding."

"With everything that is happening lately, it's important to speak out. A few easy ways that this community can support the Black community at the moment are: 1) Making sure to speak up about racism when it matters, in the hard ways (to friends, family, coworkers, etc.) 2) keeping this momentum going until change actually happens at a state/federal level and 3) Signing petitions, donating money, and making sure to leave room for Black voices!

If you've been wondering where to find petitions to sign, be sure to head over to my profile! I have a highlight that includes all the petitions I've shared as well as where you can find even more. Use YOUR VOICE to speak out and support the #BlackLivesMatter movement."

"I'm fighting so that my kids can walk the streets of America and feel safe! I am fighting so that my son doesn't live in fear! I am fighting because I want to be able to sleep at night and know my kids are ok and won't be racially profiled! I am fighting because I'm tired of having the conversation and trying to explain to a 5 year old why people may judge him because of the color of his skin! I am fighting because I'm tired of living in fear when my chocolate skin husband leaves the house and doesn't know if he will get pulled over and make it back home to his family! I'm fighting so that when my kids apply for jobs they will get a job and not turned away because they are BLACK! I am fighting so that my daughters can wear their natural hair texture and not be judged, looked at differently, or asked to be petted like some type of animal. I am fighting so my son can leave the house in a hoodie and feel safe.

I am teaching my kids how to love. I am teaching my kids how to respect others. I am teaching my kids that when they don't know the answer to something, or how to handle a situation - to lean on God. I am teaching them that natural hair is beautiful. I am teaching them that their brown skin is beautiful. I am teaching my kids to stand up for what is right. I am teaching my kids African American history which is left out of textbooks.

I AM FIGHTING!!!!!!! I AM TEACHING!!!!!
I AM unapologetically BLACK!
#blacklivesmatter"

“ I was born and raised in Louisiana, being the oldest of five of the most amazing siblings. I’m so proud to be able to say that I’ve had the honor of being married to my best friend for nearly 17 years. We are the proud parents of three loving children. Being a black woman, and entrepreneur in America has undoubtedly caused me to have a unique perspective towards the racial pandemic we are currently facing. ⠀

In light of recent events, suppressed experiences have taken hold of my mind like a hijacked vehicle, strapping me into the seatbelt of reality, taking me down memory lane to a desolate wasteland I’d like to call FEAR VALLEY. It’s a place where I have stacked and strategically hidden all of the moments of pain and disappointment and rejection that came as a result of my being black in America. I took some time to revisit why I weep when someone rejects me, and I concluded the root cause is that my supposed value had already been utterly diminished when I was born here. I was categorized as a “minority” and all the negative connotations that come along with that scarlet letter before I’d done anything to even validate it. Sad to say, with this sentencing, I unawarely adopted this same sentiment for myself. I was on a constant quest to prove my worth when I was in settings with my counterparts because I knew in reality I was already considered “less than”. ⠀

At this moment I can still say, I am grateful to God for his healing in my life. He has allowed me to take this trip down memory lane to strip away all of the hurt. Being black is something I’m extremely proud of! We are BRILLIANT, BOLD and BEAUTIFUL!! I wish that others could see us as black people in that light. Although some may never acknowledge this, I do believe change has begun! “⠀"

“The time is always right to do what is right.” - MLK

In the past few days, racism has become an open conversation on social media and all around the world. It cannot stop there - we need to keep the momentum going. We have to keep sharing information, we need to educate, teach our families and our friends. As the mother of two boys, and though they’re still young, I had to have the conversation with them that no parent should have to have with their children. But, they need to know of the racial divide in this country so that they can be prepared. I teach them to love, that we’re all the same and that no one is superior to them. Conversations also need to happen in non-black households, in schools, in organizations. Everyone needs to wake up and promote change.

If you remain on the sidelines in the face of injustice; if you remain silent while the world is shouting, you are complicit.

Wake up America, it’s time to do better and be better! - @simplygailg"

"As a black woman who works hard every day to provide a great life for my family, it does not escape me that the injustice we see repeatedly within the black community could happen to my family at any given moment. ⁠

When we hear the word "racism," often times we think of a blatant act of hatred towards another person, when in reality, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, our society is built on systemic racism that for hundreds of years has worked against minorities, specifically black people in areas like jobs, housing, education, the justice system and so on.⁠

What we are seeing is a call for change in the way black people are treated in this society. The same call that has been made for hundreds of years, only this time, a new generation is leading the way. Black people are change makers. Educators. Doctors. Lawyers. Inventors. Designers. Innovators. And so much more. Yet many people do not take the time to get to know the depth of who we are beyond the color of our skin. We are used to fill quotas and meet diversity requirements in the workplace, but often times our voice is not heard or desired. ⁠

Our voice and presence even on this platform has been severely underrepresented, and yet we still show up to create beautiful content, call for change, demand equal opportunity. ⁠

I am confident, however, that change will come if we do not let up and stay focused on the goal. Thank you to those who stand in solidarity with the black community. There is still so much work to do. ⁠

How to Be an Ally: ⁠

- Acknowledge your privilege and find ways to use it for good ⁠
- Speak out against racism & injustice - at home, work, school, with your friends/children/family⁠
- Listen with an open mind to POC and their experiences⁠
- Take action - donate, volunteer, peacefully protest, call, email, post, VOTE⁠
- Be empathetic to the fact that the black community has been fighting for equality for hundreds of years⁠
- Check yourself for bias and preconceived notions about people you do not know" @stephtaylorjackson"

I can’t say what this movement means to me in one or two sentence. It’s multi-dimensional and goes so deep into the history of the black race from our homeland to this land. The one take away I hope everyone has in the back of their mind is that we’ve only swept the surface with the current outrage and that It’ll take continuous work individually and collectively to truly make a difference. If you’re IN you better be all the way in. It’ll be uncomfortable and hard but change does not come easy.

The LTK community can support us by becoming an invested and trusted ally. To do the honest and uncomfortable work to end racism. We don’t want a subpar relationship, we need you, the brands you represent and the solid plannings to include our voices, visions and our work. We don’t want anyone to assume our needs or assume our placements, we want to be involved in your workforce, in your campaigns, in your organizational structure. We don’t want to be an after thought (we feel we are now), we want to be at the table as a trusted and valued voice.

There is so much information out there and it’s easy to find especially with the current state of things. I thinks it much more valuable to take action, do the research and be invested. Here are a few @blklivesmatter @naacp @rockthevote

Additional links:

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/06/the-case-for-reparations/361631/
https://www.thecut.com/article/george-floyd-protests-how-to-help-where-to-donate.html

"We're all in this (moment) together; this means we each have a role to play in seeking justice and creating change. As a black woman, a plus-size black woman, and a mother to a black boy, I've realized that we can not dismantle anything (prejudice, racism) without individual effective action. Racism does not start and stop with institutions, brands, influencers, or celebrities. It starts and stops with you!

I will echo what some of my more eloquent counterparts have said, in saying that it's not ok to not be a racist you must be ANTI RACISM! If you are a true ALLY, I'll be honest with you; your work is cut out for you. Because first, you must check your microaggressions. Your preconceived notions and your internalized subconscious bias. To be genuinely anti-racism, you have to make conscious, continuous overt choices to take stock of your life. Not just for this week but after the hashtags stop trending. It's hard to be against a system that benefits you, but it is possible.

You accomplish this by asking yourself some uncomfortable questions. You can start with these:

⇢Do all your friends look and sound like you?
⇢Do all your coworkers look and sound like you?
⇢Does everyone at your place of worship look and sound like you?
⇢What about your community, your child's school & extracurricular?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you know where to start. You can educate yourself and choose to be our voice in spaces and places we have been excluded #amplifymelanantedvoices . You can choose to be the one to make a case for inclusion and diversity! Until we fully bridge the divide and have equal representation in all spaces and all places, we haven't even scratched the surface! "

"I had my first personal experience with racism when I was 8 years old. My third grade classmate—a white boy—called me a slave. He tried to whittle down my entire existence into the years’ worth of oppression forced upon my ancestors. I guess he didn’t know they were Kings and Queens in their native land.

When I went home and told my Mother, what she did next was a huge lesson for me. She did not feed me that “sticks and stones” mantra. She called the boy’s mother, told her what her son had said, and then guided a conversation that led to the boy’s apology. And he never called me out of my name again. That moment was so empowering for me as a child. My Mom’s actions taught me that when people are racist and when people generally mistreat me, I am to call it out! I am to love and respect my Blackness and command respect from others as well. American economy, the infrastructure, music, cuisine, art, literature, fashion—so many black creations to be Proud of! My parents have always taught me I am to be regarded not “in spite of” my Blackness, but BECAUSE of it🖤"

"There are so many pain points to touch on but if I hone in on the fashion industry – we all know there is work to be done. To say that brands and companies need to diversify their work and support people of color, is an understatement. Systems and standards have kept many locked out for decades, and the fashion industry is only beginning to do the work to change the representation shown in magazines, runways, and social media feeds.

Looking through magazines when I was younger, I rarely saw girls that looked like me. Even now, scrolling through the feeds of my favorite fashion brands, up until now, supporting and promoting black influencers just didn’t happen. In addition to learning, donating, protesting, and sharing resources about the systemic racism prevalent here in America, amplifying Black voices is instrumental to change. And it’s long overdue. My hope is that brands will now start to listen to the voices of those who are underrepresented and make adjustments to not only start, but continue to promote diversity.

Thank you LIKEtoKNOW.It for giving me this space to speak and share my thoughts. I look forward to continued conversations and collaborations with you. Sending lots of love.”

"Being a black mother of 3 (almost 4 boys). I am a true believer that racism starts within the home. To stop systemic racism to the next generation we as mothers have a responsibility to educate our children on how to see color, understand and embrace the differences. We must mold our children to be anti-racism and there are some ways we can accomplish this that I want to share.

-Teach your children the physical differences between races. Let me also note, please stop having your children touch a black childs hair. It makes them feel uncomfortable and like something is wrong with their hair.
-Teach them to stand up for their black friends if they see them being mistreated or unfairly. Kids must speak up if they see someone being racist to their peers.
-Must say the words to our kids that racism is wrong. I know we assume but we have to physically say that racism is wrong.
-Educate that what racism is....that it is inequality based on the color of your skin.
-Share with them that racial slurs are unacceptable and must not be repeated. Even if they hear it on a song.

I encourage all moms of other races to start having the conversations with your children so we don't have our children draw their own conclusions. We can do this this but we must all work together to take action and stand for change."

"No matter the color of our skin, silence is no longer an option. Speaking up against racial discrimination is not a political stance, it is a human stance. Not being racist is not enough, we all need to be actively anti racist. We have a platform no matter how big or how small and we all can do something to show that we believe in unity: from speaking to brands that you work with encouraging them to include diversity in their feed to making sure we aren’t selectively choosing which influencers we follow because of the color of their skin. Here are some links to resources to check out to learn more about systematic racism and how we can learn to be anti racists as well as suggestions on where to donate.

SPEAK UP: https://www.forbes.com/sites/janicegassam/2020/05/08/how-to-be-an-ally-during-times-of-tragedy/

EDUCATE: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/29/books/review/antiracist-reading-list-ibram-x-kendi.html

DONATE: https:www.thecut.com/amp/2020/05/george-floyd-protests-how-to-help-where-to-donate.html

"As a Black woman, I have experienced a ton of things that has made me uncomfortable. Being passionate about these topics people are often quick to us labeled as an “angry Black woman”. One thing I keep hearing is that “talking about race is uncomfortable”. The reality is, these hard conversations are necessary. If we’re going to make a difference, you have to be uncomfortable before you can be comfortable.

Use your voice. As humans, we must take a stand on the injustices in this country. No matter how small or big your platform is, the time is now to speak up. During this time, I encourage you to keep amplify Black voices, shop and support Black business.

Just don’t stop after this week. Talk to your friends and family. Avoid using microagressions and racial gaslighting. We have to work together in order to see change. "

One of the things that I’ve always believed is that when we talk about things they get smaller. Part of the reason systemic racism still runs so deep is that we’ve failed to really openly talk about race. I used to be a part of a committee that did just that. We facilitated candid and courageous conversations in safe spaces. I honestly believe that everyone would benefit from open and honest dialogue, listening and learning and by amplifying black voices to gain and understand diverse perspectives. Understanding how a thing works is the first human step in taking action to improve it.

"Over the past few weeks, I have had candid conversations with family and friends about race and inequality in our society and the division in regards to how to approach these issues in order to move forward.

Like many black Americans, I’ve experienced discrimination, been called racial slurs, and have been given “the talk” by my parents.

I believe that educating and inclusion starts at home.

As a black content creator and influencer, I encourage you to be the change that is desperately needed in our society.

-Advocate for inclusion and seek ways to make your platform and the platforms you support represent more inclusiveness.
-Speak up and use your voice and share the inequalities you see every day.
-Don't be afraid to have uncomfortable conversations. Conversations that challenge you to admit and reflect on how your behavior may have contributed to social injustice or unintentional racism or prejudice.
-Educate others on what you’ve learned, how you’ve grown, and why it’s essential to change. This will allow our future generations to make personal connections in order to bring about the necessary change.

The change starts now.
@thesimplenote"

"There’s so much I want to say as I am so passionate about everything going on. As a black mother of a half black half white son, I knew I would have to have the conversation with him. The conversation that, although he is made up of two races, society will view him as one. Black. And because of that, his experiences will be different.

As a mother, I worry when he will come home in tears because he was treated differently. I worry when he starts driving.... will he get pulled over by an officer who mistakes his tone and sees him as a threat? I’ve been speaking about this on my stories and will continue too.

What can people do?

Teach your children about racism. Have that talk. Get uncomfortable. Get messy. Talk about it all with them. Explain to them the beauty of different races.

Stop saying you do not see color. I want you to see my color. I want you to see it and respect me anyway. Embrace it. Know I am a human being with feelings just like you.

Speak up when you see injustices. This is not a time to be silent. We need to hear all voices banning together to say ‘this is wrong and it must stop!!’

As far as the influencer world goes, I have been ignored for years. Not only by affiliate companies and brands but by other influencers and content creators. Brands and companies talk about being inclusive and influencers talk about the importance of supporting each other. Ive seen very little of this...until now. I hope this is the beginning of real inclusivity, real respect and real acknowledgement.

This is not a political movement. This is a movement in basic human decency. Join it for the long run. "

"As a young black woman who moved to the United States at age 17 from Nigeria, I now know that it was a privilege to have grown up in a society where almost everyone looked like me. My friends, my teachers, doctors, policemen, politicians, people who lived in mansions, etc sounded just like me. At my dining table, race and discrimination were never a topic of discussion and even when I turned on my TV I saw people like me who played every role.

Today, I am married to a black man and raising two black kids in a country I quickly learned they’d be judged by the color of their skin and not only by the content of their character or what's in their hearts. (my first experience was in college).

You see, I have had to have talks with my kids that my mom never had to have with me. From the “why is my hair not like ...” to the “talks” we have before dining out or boarding flights. I am not looking forward to the conversation about “driving while black” because a part of me knows there is a possibility that my kids could be judged by the color of their skin.

I am sharing this point of view to hopefully give someone some understanding of what it is like to be black in America and living this their entire life.

I am hoping this makes someone more conscious of their actions before they pass judgment on the movement happening right now in America. I am hoping it makes someone aware of their privilege. I am hopeful that it encourages someone to seek learning, ask questions, and dig deeper.

I am hopeful for better days for this nation, I am praying for healing and I am hopeful for a better future for all our children."

“We’ve officially entered a time in history where a real honest conversation has been started and I’m feeling hopeful. Hopeful that the generational hurt of our black community will finally come to an end and give place to healing. For the longest time, a lot of people thought that racism only amounted to a feeling of hatred. Now the world is aware of the systemic racism that has been oppressing black people for generations. The world is now aware of what it means to have white privilege and that, while blacks in America were promised to be free, they were never free because of a system that was built to work against them. A system that created implicit biases, even for people who don’t consider themselves racists.

I think that people coming together to amplify black voices, being open to listen to us and putting in the effort to dismantle that is truly beautiful. As a mother, I know that there is no greater education than the one that starts at home. So I urge all parents to do their part by educating themselves on the subject, identifying their own implicit biases and undoing them. A lot of ressources are floating around, use them! Then, with all that you’ve learned, intentionally teach your children to love our children and appreciate their differences. 🖤”

This post would be way too long if I had to say what this movement means to me but to sum it up it’s about equality and justice. Ways that you can support myself and other black people is to not only support us now while the topic is “trending”. Continue to educate yourself. This is our everyday, support us always, speak up for us. As you all see staying silent feels like we aren’t worth the argument. Your best resource is a black person. Talk to us, ask those questions, have those tough conversations. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Trust me, it’s not easy for us to share either but together we can get there.

I am reminded everyday that I am black. I still have to work twice as hard, to be seen half as good. Despite graduating from college nearly 2 years ago and now having a total of 3 degrees, someone, someway, somewhere, somehow... will remind me of my skin color.

In 5th grade, my teacher told me that black women never amount to be more than “baby mamas”. During my freshman year of college, my chemistry professor, told me that “black girls become prostitutes, not scientists”.

You see, that is a teaspoon in a gallon full of disgust that I have experienced in my lifetime. Now, imagine being an African-American man. Imagine how scary it must be to wear a hoodie, or pump gas, run an errand, go for a jog or to be pulled over for a minor traffic violation. Imagine living life thinking that the next move will turn you into a hashtag.

You are amongst the problem...

• If you choose to remain silent, when innocent African-American men and women are murdered.
• If you are not repulsed by blatant racism and fail to speak up on these injustices.
• If you don’t understand why people kneel.
• If you defend the use of excessive force by Law Enforcement. (And never did I say that all police are bad, please do not get it twisted)
• If you do not believe that privilege exists.
• If you are proud to say, “I see no color”.
• If your rebuttal to #BlackLivesMatter is All Lives Matter or Blue Lives Matter.

“I didn’t realize this was still something that happened today,” is a response I get quite a bit when I talk about my experiences as a Black woman.

In America, one of the common stereotypes is the “angry Black woman.” You’ll often see Black women in films portrayed as sassy sidekicks with bad tempers. I can’t even tell you -when- I became aware of this but for years I have subconsciously worked to tone myself down. Because if I show too much passion, I’ll be labeled an angry Black woman.

For me this is a large part of why I stay away from having conversations about race with friends. Talking about race, in many ways, feels like baring the most vulnerable side of me because the things I’ve experienced are emotionally painful. (Even in saying that, I consider myself lucky that my experiences with race haven’t been physically painful.)

When a person of color opens up to you, please just listen and think before you reply. So often when I talk about racism in my own life, I am cut off. “That would never happen,” “I’m sure they didn’t mean it that way,” “that only happens in the South,” “is it really that bad?”

When I talk about race, I’m not expecting you to be perfect because I know I’m not. I know it’s highly likely that in the past you did something that makes you cringe today. That could be singing the n-word in a rap song, laughing at a racist joke with a group of friends, or not speaking up when your heart tells you that you should.

The best outcome of a conversation about race is when the other person hears me, doesn’t get defensive, and understands that they have work to do.

I have never seen this many people talking about race and as emotionally & mentally draining as this last week has been; it’s incredible to feel that so many people DO care and maybe just didn’t see it before. Please keep showing up, keep using books, podcasts, and the entire Internet to educate yourself and question how you think. Donate to the @splcenter or @naacp_ldf. Things can only get better if other people join us in calling for representation."

“It’s not just a movement. It’s not just a post on Instagram. It’s about the lives our your black friends and their family members to have a future that isn’t cut short because of the color of their skin.⁠

It’s about creating meaningful change that our black peers deserve to be more than a check off the diversity list, but to have an earned seat at the table.⁠

Be empowered to use whatever platform you have to use your voice to continue to spread love and light. Darkness cannot reside where there is light, and if we continue to spread it, we can continue to make a difference.⁠

Learn about black culture from your friends, community and resources around you. It is each of our duties to educate ourselves with the wealth of knowledge that surrounds us. It is literally at the tips of our fingertips. Use it."

"I’m tired! Tired of being treated differently and judged by the color of my skin. We have to work 10 times harder to get the same opportunities. As a black content creator, I’m constantly fighting to make my voice be heard. We need brands to stand behind us and fight for what’s right! If you support us you shouldn’t be afraid to let your voices be heard and take action. We don’t want brands to just love our black culture we want brands to love black people. We want y’all to equally and genuinely care about the things that affect our community!"

"There are so many thoughts that run through my mind when asked what this movement means to me. To sum it up however, it's not just about equality but it's about EQUITY.

✨ In order to put it into the most simplest context that is immediately relevant to influencers, we need to ensure that influencers of color, particularly BLACK influencers, are given the same opportunities and show the same amount of respect and support. I know there's a lot going on right now and there's work to be done. Something small you can start to do

✨ Follow Black influencers and actually engage with their content. Don't just follow us to "diversify" your follower list. Like, comment, and share the content that they're putting out

✨ Take brands to task. Go through their feeds and if you are not seeing Black women being represented, ask them why not and don't support until they hear your voice. It only takes one person to start a chain reaction

✨ To my fellow influencers, when working with brands on a campaign, ask them who else are they partnering with and ask to ensure Black women are being represented. Share black influencers with your PR reps and share the opportunities.

✨ Influencers - collaborate with Black influencers. Plain and simple.

✨ BUY from Black businesses as part of your daily consumption. I love seeing the "Black owned businesses you should support" posts. I truly do. But be sure to integrate it naturally into your ongoing content. Don't think of these businesses and influencers as "other."