As we write this, it feels a little like the world is falling apart.
But this is
nothing new. For some of you, you’re acutely aware that we’ve all been living in a shattered, segregated world all along.
The truth is being filmed, recorded, and forced to the forefront. And those of us with inherent privilege NEED to step up.
Enough is enough.
If you’re on this email list, you
likely own a business. And if you own a business, you have a platform. A message. A way to share your thoughts, acknowledge your privilege, and speak out against injustice.
In the wake of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery and the senseless deaths of SO many other black human beings, we want to leave you with two specific thoughts:
Silence sends a message. When you say nothing in the wake of tragedy, racism, violence, and subjugation, you are saying a very loud something. This is the power of messaging at its core. Everything you say — and don’t say — has consequences.
Words are empty without action. Thoughts, hope, light, prayer, and well-wishes are hollow unless you take the time to back them up with intentional work.
If you are a business owner, you have the opportunity to use your platform to speak and act in a way that makes a difference. That educates, speaks out, opens hearts, galvanizes.
Marie here for a sec. I used to think that I should be quiet because I didn’t want to rock the boat. But one of the lessons I learned in my years working for Holocaust Museum Houston is the fact that bystanders are just as complicit in atrocities as perpetrators. Being. A. Bystander. Causes. Harm.
So even if you’re
scared you’ll say the wrong thing…
Even if you don’t know what you can do…
Even if you are afraid of losing friends or clients…
Even if your business isn’t “political”…
Think about how you (and/or your business) is going to respond to what’s going on.
Not responding isn’t an option… because that’s a choice, too. You probably will stick your foot in your mouth. You probably will lose friends. You can’t fix this on your own.
But regardless, you have to make a choice.
To be clear, here’s our stance: Black Lives Matter.
If you want to do something, but aren’t sure how, here’s a place to start {this is where we’re starting}:
Listen: Take some time to look at the people -- especially the black people -- who are in your feed and speaking out. What are they saying? What are they feeling? Read it. Internalize it. Read it again. Recognize that if you aren’t black you will never be able to fully understand.
Say something: If you’re a non-black business owner, now is the time to step up. Don’t silence others, and don’t remain in silence yourself. {We’ve heard a lot of rumors of white business owners who are actively silencing others. Don’t be that person.}
Check your ego: If you’re called out, use it as an opportunity to
apologize, learn, and grow, rather than to get defensive.
Donate: There are tons of organizations out there. Most major cities have set up a bail fund for protesters who are arrested {try Googling your city + bail fund + BLM or searching for your city on Twitter}. You can also donate to organizations on this list and this list.
Hire black business owners:Please do not ask black people for free labor. Pay them. If you are looking for some guidance, or seeking to learn more, we recommend starting by hiring our very wise Brave Society sisters, Erica Courdae and India Jackson.
Remember that this is a work in progress: You will mess up. We will mess up. You will fall on your face. This is messy. It’s not about getting it perfect. It’s about doing what’s right.
To our black followers, clients, friends, family, and fellow
humans: We stand with you. We will continue to try and be better.
Warmly,
Jessi + Marie Copywriters + Messaging
Strategists
Are you ready to elevate your message, connect with the right people, and increase your revenue? Follow the links below to explore how we can help you find your North Star.
