"You do not have to be me in order for us to fight alongside each other... ✊🏾
...I do not have to be you to recognize that our wars are the same. What we must do is commit ourselves to some future that can include each other and to work toward that future with the particular strengths of our individual identities. And in order for us to do this, we must allow each other our differences at the same time as we recognize our sameness." ~Audre LordAll week, I have been trying to find the words to write to you. While also trying to rest and recover from ankle surgery. And answering questions asking if I'm ok. I am not OK. I'm tired. Tired from my surgery. Tired from every bit of energy it takes me just to walk to the kitchen. Tired that we as Black people are still fighting the same fight we've been fighting for 100s of years.And it's not getting better. Cops kneeling on our necks?! Cops breaking into apartments and shooting us eight times? When does it end? When does it get better?But let's be honest, this fight started long before George and Breonna, long before Eric, Trayvon, heck even long before Emmett. And here we are, still fighting for the basic rights to walk down the street. Fighting for the right to live.So hell yeah, I'm tired. I'm angry. I am heartbroken.I appreciate those of you who have reached out to check in. I appreciate those of you who have taken action. I appreciate those of you continuing to learn how to be better allies to us.I hope that you continue long after this is over. Because I deal with being Black every day of my life, not just on one day. Every day. How can you continue to help your Black clients, friends, colleagues every day? It could be as simple as listening. Giving us the space to be heard. Amplifying our voices. Protecting us against those that are not for us. Looking hard at your privilege. Because we all have it. My fellow Blacks, I am with you. I hurt with you. I am exhausted with you. And I know that we are not OK. I know that we will perform and continue to smile. Because that's how we cope. I have found these really helpful this week:In LT in the City this week, L'Oreal reminds us that rest is a form of resistance.In Unbothered Black Girl Collective, Kandice says our Black bodies exist for more than work and being controlled.These group therapy essays featuring black writers in ChicagoBushra Azhar is putting together a resource showcasing black businesses and experts. You can add your information to the thread here.Girls Night In compiled this list of mental health resources for the Black community.If you are not Black, listen, learn, and do more. Don't be silent because silence does nothing for us but keeps racism alive. That's how we got here today. Don't post a black box and send a donation and feel like you are done and deserve a cookie. Find ways to embrace inclusion in all aspects of your worlds.Ask yourself how you can support us. Have the uncomfortable conversations. Be OK not getting it right but still trying. If you are looking for resources to help:A list of resources from a coach of mine, Pam SlimThis Rachel Rodgers video antiracismforbeginners.com Build inclusive workplaces with Desiree Lynn Adaway3 Things You Should Not Say To Your Black Colleagues Right NowI get that all of this may be uncomfortable and the rioting and protesting is hard on you. It's hard on me too. But imagine being uncomfortable from the time you are born and every day of your life. Just for being a darker skin color. That is the life of a Black person every. single. day. I don't want to see my city burned and torn apart. But ultimately stuff can be replaced. Lives can't. BLACK LIVES MATTER. I'm not saying that other lives don't, but we are the ones in danger right now. On to the picks!P.S. If you are curious about ways to support me, you can buy me a coffee, sign up for my next side hustle workshop, or grab some 1:1 side hustle office hours. Note: This email may contain affiliate links. If you click through my link and make a purchase that means I may receive "thank you money" at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products that I use and love.
#loves 😍
📺 Watching: Supergirl. While recovering and feeling the need to escape the world a little bit, this is my show. I had watched the original season years ago but fell behind. Now a rewatch is in order. And a little #gurlpower is awesome right about now. 🦸🏽♀️
📚 Reading: The School of Good and Evil. My gurl Shenee and I are at it again with our book club. Definitely enjoying this book so far. Basically the main characters Sophie who wants to be a princess and her friend Agatha who wants to just be left alone, end up taken to the schools of good and evil but put in the wrong houses. Or were they? 🤔
#sponsor: Black Women Thriving Research Fund
I saw this on Rachel Rodgers page and could think of no better effort to support here.
"Ericka Hines and Desiree Lynn Adaway are the women who have taught me about race, diversity, inclusion and equity for years and for free. If you want to pay me for my labor, please send your money directly to them. You owe me and I owe them.
They will use the funds to support their critical research called the Black Women Thriving Research Fund. Please note the fund when you send them money.
#reads
55 Inspiring Ideas For Your Next Passion Project — liveboldandbloom.com
If you are looking for a project that can inspire and fulfill you, this list may spark some ideas. A few of my faves? Start a newsletter, learn calligraphy, and join an improv group.
30+ Killer New Content Ideas in 30 Minutes (and How to Prioritize Them) — cxl.com
Figuring out what to write about is tough - I struggle with this all the time. This post asks you questions based on what stage of the marketing funnel your customer finds themselves in and may inspire your next piece of content.
Tip: Startup Resources Newsletter
#lifevibes
#supporters ☕️
Thank you Brandy, Mea, Kristian, Maria, Avery, Adam, Monale, Barbara, Shenee, Desiree, Lisa, Kandice, L'Oreal, and LaVerne for being #jesspicks supporters!! ❤️ Want to help support this newsletter? Buy me a coffee.
