As the events of the last year have highlighted - severe inequality still permeates in our country despite years of work to move the needle. If progress is truly the vision, then we need all hands-on deck, in all ways.
TRUE CHANGE WILL REQUIRE A MARATHON MENTALITY AND STEELHEAD IS DOUBLING DOWN ON OUR EFFORTS TO SUPPORT UNITY AND EQUALITY.
Here's Our Road Map:
1. LEARN
Understanding the history and current landscape is imperative. The internet is filled with biased and untrue information. Here are a couple resources we’ve found helpful:
ACLU - Systemic Equality: Addressing America’s Legacy of Racism and Systemic Discrimination
Equal Justice Initiative - Tragic Death of George Floyd Reveals Continuing Problem of Police Violence
Center for Policing Equity - THE SCIENCE OF JUSTICE: RACE, ARRESTS, AND POLICE USE OF FORCE
Financial Literacy in the Black Community - Knowledge on the racial wealth gap is imperative to help close the gap. Annuity.org has a fantastic article here on identifying the impact this has on the African American community — and explores how Black educators and financial advisors are working to close it.
What to Do if a Friend or Family Member Has Been Arrested? - The arrest of a family member or friend can be shocking. Here is an extensive guide from the O'Mara Law Group on what steps to take if someone you know has been arrested.
2. ACT NATIONALLY
There are many national organizations which draw attention to the many layers associated with inequality. We have learned a lot from and are choosing to align with the ACLU. ‘The ACLU dares to create a perfect union – beyond one person, party or side. Our mission is to realize this promise of the United States Constitution for all and expand the reach of its guarantees.’
In addition to the resource shared above, their website gives you the ability to connect with the happenings across the most pressing civil liberties issues. Visit here.
Support Black Owned Businesses Online - this article is a great resource if you're looking to support black owned businesses nationwide.
3. ACT LOCALLY
Las Vegas is our home and we are committed to helping our city be the best city.
We are excited to support the work of Human Rights Campaign Nevada whose mission is ‘to defend the rights of LGBTQ people, immigrants, women and people of color.’ Most major cities have a chapter and frequently host events. Learn more here.
Support Black Owned Businesses
Support Black Owned - we found this link especially helpful because you can find and support black owned business by your own state, zip code, etc. easily. Visit the site here.
Home Décor – Are you looking to spruce up your home? This guide of 25 black-owned home décor brands is a great place to start.
Finimpact - Specializing in funding small businesses, Finimpact produced a great guide to better understand the dynamics surrounding black owned businesses and how to best support them.
4. VOTE
“This current crisis is a clear reminder of how critical it is to have competent leadership at all levels of government.” - Michelle Obama
We couldn’t agree more with Michelle who started the nonpartisan voting initiative, When We All Vote movement in 2018. This organization supported the fight for a safe and fair election through mail-in voting during this Covid-19 pandemic.
Though the presidential election may be over, there are still local and state elections that may be happening in your state later this year. Check in on VOTE 411 to see if your area has an election coming up and have a say in who your next local officials are as they have the power to create change your local community.
As mentioned above, the challenges we face have many factors which give us all many ways to rally around change. We hope this information reaches you well and encourages you to get involved.
On Sunday June 14th, 2020 some of our team was fortunate enough to attend, learn and march with organizers of a peaceful protest. Read more about the event and an interview excerpt from our CEO here.
