Sharing what's in my heart. 🖤

Published: Sat, 06/06/20

On a Somber, Yet Hopeful Note

Hi there ,

I've been thinking all week about what I will write to you, and I've been inundated with emails from businesses and creative organizations I follow with statements of support to the Black Lives Matters movement.

So, rather than waiting any longer for lightning to strike, or for the perfect words, I'm going to write from my heart. Let me say first, that I am continuously saddened and angry by the senseless, and often-times intended, loss of Black American lives - including, but not limited to, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, David McAtee, and Breonna Taylor. No, until now I have not spoken vocally about my dismay. Yes, I feel more empowered to do so and am very much aware of my white privilege.

When I moved to West Orange, NJ, in 2013, I found a more liberal and diverse community than that which I grew up in. At times, I was intimidated, and still am, to use my voice in the way I see others doing - whether it be at board of ed meetings, attending groups on antiracism, or just participating in online activist groups in my community.

Now - I can no longer stay silent. The actions I've taken this week are just a start. I took a social media pause on Tuesday, I made a sign with my son and went out to protest (or rather show solidarity) on a corner in my neighborhood; I've talked to my kids about being antiracist, about being an up-stander. We participated in an online family rally hosted by the Brown Bookshelf; I've talked to some of my Black friends to share my support as an ally. I'm reading a lot, and I've begun sharing in my stories on Social Media - Black Artists that I follow, or recently discovered.

I want you to know that I am listening, I am learning, and I am taking actions to help change OUR future for the better. See below for a list of resources that I have found helpful to me. Additionally, learn more about The Loveland Foundation, a charity based in Newburgh, NY, that I will be donating to during the month of June. I'd like to hit the goal of sending them $480 to help them further their mission.

I hope that you will join me in moving toward a more enlightened future free of individual and systemic racism.

Creatively,

RESOURCES

LITERATURE

The Brown Bookshelf pushes awareness of Black authors for kids https://thebrownbookshelf.com/. You can watch their KidLit rally on YouTube through this link. It also had a great component geared towards adults at the end.

Penguin Random House Booklist of 25 Black Authors

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/the-read-down/books-by-contemporary-black-authors

INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS / ARTISTS:

Platform for Emerging African American Artists

https://www.instagram.com/africanamericanartists

Danielle Scott - NJ Artist

https://www.instagram.com/artistdaniellescott/

Tyler D. Ballon - NJ Artist

https://www.instagram.com/tballon_art/

Kehinde Wiley

https://www.instagram.com/kehindewiley/

Amy Sherald

https://www.instagram.com/asherald/

ART HISTORY:

Alma Thomas https://americanart.si.edu/artist/alma-thomas-4778

BLACK ARTISTS, The Greats - Kara Walker, Henry Ossawa Tanner, Jacob Lawrence, Faith Ringgold, Jean-Michel Basquiat and more https://www.biography.com/people/groups/black-artists

Art by African Americans - Smithsonian

https://americanart.si.edu/art/highlights/african-american

GENERAL RESOURCES

Comprehensive List of Ways to Support Black Lives Matter Compiled by Creative Capital

https://creative-capital.org/2020/06/03/resources-ways-to-support-black-lives-matter/

HELP ME HELP LOVELAND

Throughout the month of June, I will be aiming to raise $480 (covering 4 therapy sessions) to be donated to the Loveland Foundation's Therapy Fund for Black Women and Girls. They are an organization based out of Newburgh, NY, aiming to provides financial assistance for therapy to Black women and girls, nationally.

There are two ways to support this goal of mine: purchase any of my art, and a portion of your purchase will go towards this goal (50% of original existing artwork, 20% of yoga mats / functional art), or you can donate directly on my fundraising page for Loveland.

THANK YOU!

P.S. - Check your inbox tomorrow

You'll be getting an email with Watercolor Class announcements and Father's Day Gifts.

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