Black History is Our History 24/7/365

Illustration by Cathy Libnic

A final Friday thought, because I want to end with a note about Black History month. We are not doing a major campaign (yet) because we can't do everything. We would rather, as a small team, focus on the authentic ways we are showing up and improve them, and give any Black people that work with us space to simply be, to exist in their week however they want. This is how it should be every week, not just for 4 weeks in February.

As a small team we talk openly about our approach and ideas...we brainstorm together and listen to those who are Black and dealing with racism, and talk about Black history in our community as part of our history. We don't steamroll Black people to get a post out, or to just do something if it isn’t right or ready. And, we continue to do the work as individuals to support other Black content creators, and really anyone who makes work suck less for everyone.

Last month was Sex Trafficking month. Holocaust Remembrance day was a few weeks back. Next month is Women's History month. Do we think about these only on the day, week, or month they are "celebrated" or honored? Or do we work everyday to dismantle White Supremacy, patriarchy, and colonization?

Do we do actual things in our jobs and communities to shift wealth to Black families, when white families have 10x the generational wealth? Do we talk about pay equity every day? About accessibility and climate change every day? Do we talk to our kids ad nauseum about their privilege, or lack thereof, depending on their skin color? Do we talk about how messed up that is constantly? How could we not?

ALL intersecting problems impact Black women's lives most (and their kids). What we do to call out White Supremacy everywhere, on every thread, in every meeting, with every platform we use and product we buy, and how we talk about it at every dinner table matters. It matters.

Small things matter...not the way you show up for 1 day, or 1 week. Almost does actually count. It counts for a whole lot in creating equity. Why? Because if there was a switch we could flip to undo the economic and social impacts of 400 years of systemic racism we would do that. If only! No post will solve it, least of all this one. BUT showing up is Step 1, and if it's a social post, great.

You have to start somewhere. Saying I see you, I hear you. Saying I will work to see your struggles as my own. Committing to the safety of your kids as I would my own. The rest is the actual work. The work to close the wealth and wage gaps. To ensure that safety becomes a reality.

What we do to create equity, accessibility, inclusion everyday matters. How we fight White Supremacy daily and question our bias daily, at work and everywhere else matters.

- Did I get to post this week about BHM or share as much about the amazing Black people I learn from and work with and am inspired by daily? Nope. (There's 47 weeks left this year. No worries!)
- Did I make sure I reached out to the Black creatives in my network first when I learned about design work? Yup, including the bada$$ creator of this!
- Did I pay well and quickly? Room to improve.
- Did I read the books stacked on my desk or nightstand? LOL nope.
- Did I read the posts from Black colleagues in my feed? Absolutely as much as I could.
- Did I read personal stories? YES, this one got me. Did I pass the mic? If I could, and it actually helped that person, 100%!

Did I listen as much as I talked? There is always next week.