I strongly believe in social justice.

And over the past year I have been angry, sad, frustrated and disillusioned.

Although injustice, prejudice and racism is  deeply rooted  in American culture, the depth of hatred and violence towards Black, Indigenous, People of Color, (BIPOC) as well as toward the Trans and LBGTQ community  through our policies and practices in the year 2020 -- is a travesty. 

And as a white person,  I recognize the role and  responsibility I have  to work to change this sad truth.

Yet, I know my outrage will not alone bring about change.  Rather it will occur through listening, learning, and then taking active steps to right injustices and disparities. This is allyship.

So, I embarked on this journey as one individual committed to take action.  Being a high-risk individual for COVID, I was unable to protest in the streets, but I took some smaller steps. I do not mean to pat myself on the back, but rather to communicate that we can all participate in making change.

• I searched out businesses of color in order to buy from them first. “EatOkra” is a great app that lists black owned restaurants in your area.  I found a local burger shop and tea and chocolate shop nearby owned by black entrepreneurs.  I bought wine from the first Black wine-maker in Oregon, “Abby Creek”.   Then I discovered that on Etsy, you can filter for black owned businesses and buy from these sellers, which I did.

• I stopped shopping at stores that were racist in their operations, including one of my favorite bohemian home and apparel stores.

• Rather than just passively “liking” articles that highlighted the reality of racism on social media, I proactively posted and shared data and facts about the reality of racism and inequities.

• As an artist, I used some of my painting skills and hand painted colorful “Black Lives Matter” signs which I sold throughout Portland with all proceeds going to Black owned initiatives addressing systemic racism.

But that was not enough.

As co-founder of Benefit Corporations for Good, a certifying body for Benefit Corporations, we  have several certified  companies that represent  BIPOC or LGBTQ communities. I wondered what additionally we could do as a business, in terms of action.

First, we decided to offer any BIPOC business 15% discount on certification as a “Benefit Corporation for Good”, with the goal to encourage the growth and recognition of BIPOC companies as a force for good.

Our next commitment was to find a way to share the voices of people who have experienced systems injustice and racism that perpetuate inequities and disparities -- voices that can teach and mentor us.

To begin this effort, it was important to listen.  Fortunately, I was coached by a remarkable young, black woman, Nicole Allen, founder of Through the Trees Collective: Creating Wellness through the interconnectedness of mind/body/soul.

We had many conversations about how to create a podcast to inform, educate, and encourage others to understand the true meaning of DIVERSITY, EQUITY and INCLUSION.  I served as the moderator and interviewed Nicole, a compassionate and strong voice who spoke about racism, privilege, equity and inclusion.  It was an honor and privilege to collaborate with her.  The finished podcast is inspiring, and I hope you will listen.

One of the most important things I learned is that diversity equity and inclusion is a journey that never ends.  It is a path of continual introspection, enlightenment and self -review to understand and  to move forward to right injustices.  

And the most important lesson is how we step up and take action as both individuals and as businesses. For now is not the time to be passive.

~benefitcorporationsforgood.com~