Black Lives Matter: Conscious Consumerism

2020 has been a hell of a year so far. Against the backdrop of a pandemic has come an actual nationwide uprising for real equity. So in honor of the work that's been done, and the work that's left to do, we're giving you a Juneteenth gift: a three part series of resources to help yourself and others be better activists and advocates for racial justice. Part 1 is a post dedicated to organizations doing great work and resources to help you contribute. This is Part 2, where focus is on supporting BIPOC businesses and artisans. Part 3 is for allies - resources to help white allies combat white supremacy both internally and externally. After all, you can't dismantle something you're afraid to confront.

Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

Empowering BIPOC communities is about more than activism, it's also about putting your money where your mouth is, and supporting BIPOC artists, businesses, and restaurants. From Taharka Brothers Ice Cream to The Spice Suite, and everything in between (sorry guys, I think it's time for a snack). This list is by no means complete, so check back for additions, and please feel free to send some suggestions our way.

Thanks to COVID-19, we're all spending a lot more time inside, pass the hours by falling into a good story. Find a new one using this list of Black-owned independent bookstores.

Speaking of small businesses, think of WeBuyBlack as an Etsy for Black-owned businesses. They sell everything from children's toys and books to clothing and health & beauty.

For home decor, jewelry, and apparel stop by Eighth Generation. A Seattle-based, Snoqualmie Tribe-owned company that features the work of Native artists from all over the country.

If your home decor trends a little more towards the bohemian, try Jungalow. From its origins as a design blog to its current incarnation as a juggernaut lifestyle brand, Jungalow is also dedicated to sustainable and responsible business practices: in addition to planting trees for every order placed, the company also habitually makes donations to nonprofits that share their values. 

During these trying times, self-care is critical. Indulge in the luxury of Beneath Your Mask, an all-natural, organic skincare company. Deeply committed to best practices this company uses no plastic in their packaging and no preservatives of any kind.

Searching for more all-natural products? BLK+GRN is the marketplace for you. All vendors on the site are Black-owned and their products are vetted before being put on the (digital) shelves.

Looking for something in the 'wearable art' category? Check out yam for stunning, minimalist pieces or Octave jewelry for striking combinations of silver and stone.

If you're a weaver, knitter, or crocheter visit Neighborhood Fiber Co, a Baltimore-based yarn store housed in an old firehouse. All of the yarn is dyed on the premises and the colors are exquisite. If you're looking to learn, keep an eye on the site to see if there are any upcoming workshops.

Make your house a home with the help of SustainAble Home Goods. Their gorgeous wares come from all over the world and the company is dedicated to working with artisans who share their values of real sustainability, in jobs, communities, and for the environment.

For those in the Los Angelos area, KUTULA by Africana is a rush of pattern and color. The specialty of the house is Ankara fabrics, which they use to create both custom pieces and absolutely stunning ready-to-wear clothing.

Tall girls rejoice! The Sixes designs and sells pants specifically for women 5'9" and above. The styles are bold, beautiful, and frankly, feel powerful.

You can't dress to the nines without shoes, Cinderella. Enter Rebecca Allen, who has exactly three different styles (the two strap, the new pump, and the skim) in exactly five shades of nude. That's it. The lines are clean, the styles are classic, and there's real skin tone inclusivity. Everything should be this simple.

Arguably the best-known makeup artist in the world, Pat McGrath's cosmetics empire is never content to rest on its laurels. Pat McGrath Labs has your eyes, lips, and face covered (literally and beautifully).

Craving new music? Vulture has curated a list of new songs about police brutality and protesting, many of which are also functioning as fundraisers. Ranging from the raw power of Run The Jewels 4 and Lil B's 'I am George Floyd' to the heartbreak and hope of 'Sweeter' by Leon Bridges and Terrace Martin, it's a powerful journey. Speaking of fundraisers: Bandcamp is donating all of today's proceeds to NAACP Legal Defense Fund, so consider buying instead of streaming today.


Note from Tex & Coda: This series is intended to be updated (relatively) regularly. Please feel free to send suggested additions or just check back periodically to find new resources.