For the last seven days, I muted my content on Instagram. Here’s why and here’s how I spent time learning and educating myself in an effort to do better —

The last two weeks have been heavy. Following the news of George Floyd’s death were days of sadness, rage and protesting. As someone who tends to avoid the negative that is reported on the news across politics and crime instead of facing it, I couldn’t do that with this. I was shaken. Emotionally jarred and woken up to the fact that I have A LOT to change.

I couldn’t focus on anything else, nor could I bring myself to believe that posting my regularly scheduled content around life and style deserved ANY space at all. What deserved space was the voices needing to be heard. Stories from individuals who face and experience instances of hate on the regular. I wanted to dedicate time to listen and do more on my own to learn.

I participated in a campaign initiated by Alishia McCullough (@blackandembodied) and Jessica Wilson (@jessicawilson.msrd) called #amplifymelanatedvoices. The idea around the campaign was to silence any business as usual content on your platform and to amplify voices of those needing to be heard — specifically members of the Black community doing social justice work.

Though I don’t know if what I did was seen as right by all, it felt right to me. I didn’t put up a black square for #blackouttuesday. I didn’t share my face with my opinions on stories. I stayed muted. I didn’t share pretty artwork or pep talks on compassion from other white influencers. I shared the work and stories from the Black community that promoted awareness about the systemic issue of racism that needs to stop. I sat uncomfortably through videos addressing white privileged people like myself on what it is I need to change. I listened.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CA6bDpSDRo-/

Below I’m sharing the things I did over the last week while I stayed mute. It was my attempt to educate myself. It was also an attempt to figure out the things I need to change to show up as a true ally and do better.

Please note this post is just the start of an ongoing effort I plan to make as I have a long way to go. My hope is that this can help inspire you to do the same.

Had Conversations About Racism

With Trevor. With friends while on walks. With family in person and afar via on the phone. With my peers on Instagram.

Signed Petitions

Justice for George Floyd

Justice for Breonna Taylor

Justice for Ahmaud Arbery! I Run with Maud!

Disbarment of George E. Barnhill

Justice For Emerald Black

Reclaim the Block

Emailed Mayor Jenny Durkan about policies thanks to 8cantwait.org

Donated

Black Lives Matter

Change.org petitions above for Floyd, Taylor & Maud

NAACP

Campaign Zero

Read

Anti-Racism Resources

How to Talk to Kids About Racism

Black People Need Stronger White Allies — Here’s How You Can Be One

A ‘Glorious Poetic Rage’

White Fragility via Audible (a few chapters in)

Watched

When They See Us

Dear White People (on season 1)

13th

Sesame Street + CNN Town Hall Addressing Racism

Jane Elliot Anti-Racism Exercises on YouTube

I’m scared for my life. by @nicolewalters

White Influencers by @taymocha

Anxiety, Blackness, and Racism = No Sleep! Let talk about it! by @micaelaverrelien

This happened to me today… by @brittneypayton

If You’re Not An Ally, You’re An Enemy. by @therealkamie

Why everyone must use their social media platforms now by @derricknaacp

Dear White Friend: You Need to Take a Side by @seekwisdwompcw

Discovered Black Content Creators

STYLE
@basicstouch : beautiful minimalist style, from Paris
@mossonyi : whimsical, feminine inspiration
@femmeblk : modern, minimal style in Sweden

MOTHERHOOD
@moonandcheeze : empowering snapshots of mom life, from the PNW
@expecting_grey : most adorable family, kids Grey & Roux
@brittaneyelise : motherhood meets classic, neutral interiors

WELLNESS
@ogorchukwuu : designer focused on shifting the culture of wellness
@taymocha : psychotherapist, mental & sexual health
@alex_elle : inspirational author

DESIGN
@miya.daigle : interior styling & photography
@ournestonpowell : modern minimal home design & DIY
@restorationhouse : beautiful interiors and inspiring words

Found Black Brands to Shop

FASHION
Local European / @localeuropean : deadstock fabrics made into basics
Vavvoune / @vavvoune : leather handbags with edge
Lem Lem / @lemlem : artisan-driven resortwear
Jade Swim / @jadeswim : minimalist, luxury swimwear
Brother Veillies / @brothervellies : sustainably handcrafted luxury accessories
PROCLAIM / @wearproclaim : earth-friendly, nude undergarments

BEAUTY
Blk + Green / @blkandgrn : all-natural beauty products by black artisans
Briogeo Hair Care / @briogeo : clean & conscious hair care
KLUR / @klur.co : clean, ethical, inclusive beauty
Mented Cosmetics / @mentedcosmetics : non-toxic, perfectly pigmented

WELLNESS
OUI the People / @ouithepeople : the most chic sensitive skin razors
The Honey Pot Company / @thehoneypotco : plant-based feminine care
Gilded Beauty / : elevated body care
Golde / @golde : superfood health & beauty

DESIGN
euni + co / @euniandco : minimal paper goods
Mateo / @mateonewyork : simple, minimal jewelry
Label by Three / @labelbythree : minimal, sustainable, handmade homewares + garments

Unfollowed & Muted Influencers

Who didn’t speak up. Who shared giveaways and ran promotions. Who defended their content or made arguments about their actions rather than admitting they had work to do. This will be ongoing.

Turned Down Sponsorships

Canceled a partnership in process as they did not speak up nor have a good answer to when I confronted them about it. Denied two that were sent during the height of last week due to insensitivity.

Applauded Brands I’ve Worked With

Gave praise to brands I’m proud to have worked with/am currently working with such as Andie Swim, Lively, Mejuri, Brooklinen, Primally Pure, Playa, Shhhhowercap, Pipe + Row, Certain Standard, ectu.

Shared Resources on IG Stories

Added to my highlight “do better ????”

Wrote a Blog Post

Self-reflecting about the privilege of influence and why I feel we as influencers need to check ourselves and do better. Post to be shared this week.

Let’s continue to do the work.