My Black life matters…
Full disclaimer. This isn’t your usual post on style. But no apologies for speaking from my heart. 🖤
“I’m quiet because my heart is heavy.”
As I sat in a zoom meeting discussing race, racism and social injustices in education, I found myself quiet. I couldn’t talk—I just didn’t have it in me. Again, I was the only Black person or person of color in my small group and I knew everyone was waiting, with bated breath, for me to speak. I felt guilty but then again, isn’t rest also resistance? I finally spoke, telling them my heart was heavy as the tears began to flow—the tears for my community, for my father, brother, husband, uncles, nephews, my son—my entire family, women included. I was frustrated, angry and hurting, and TIRED but often we don’t get a chance to rest and even in the tears, I continued to advocate for those who look like me. Advocating for reflection regarding unconscious biases, more education for parents and professionals on diversity, and supporting us and our children in education.
I’m generally a quiet and reserved person—speaking up when necessary not just talking for the sake of talking. Maybe it’s because I was the youngest of three and have pretty outspoken siblings (I love y’all 🤣). I’m not sure, but whatever it is, I realize my voice shouldn’t be silenced.
My platform isn’t the biggest but I know that I have influence in my small corner of the world. I know you’re here for styling tips and support, but that’s only one aspect of my life. So sorry, but not sorry, if this post isn’t reflective of styling. My job is to help people communicate better—whether through style or improving overall communication skills. So in my “quiet place” of pain, I continue to work as I always have. I’ve been advocating and seeking funding to support more of our children, building and expanding programming so our babies will thrive. Advocating for more education for professionals in my field, putting myself out there to be a strong voice. It doesn’t feel as grand as I would want most of the time, but I know it’s still important work.
As it relates to beauty and style, I’ve been combing through social media. I’ve been looking for companies who are being supportive of our Black Lives Matter movement. I’m doing research to see what retail and beauty stores have people who look like me in power and leadership positions, and what they are doing to attack this pandemic of racism. I’ve unfollowed some people on social media. There are some stores I’ll be abandoning. I’m also putting together a list of black businesses that I’ve been supporting for a while—and some I’m just discovering. And I’m looking for my white allies. I’ve got some. But we need more. The ones who will not only offer supportive words, read a book, or make a social media post, but who will truly use their platforms to evoke CHANGE. That’s what’s needed most.
So thank you for taking the time to listen to my heart today—and for two of my black sisters, I’m gifting a style consultation for the first two to contact me (new clients) 🖤. Email or DM on social media.
Keep the momentum and movement going…
-Shar