happy list // no. 5

Like many of you, I stepped back from posting and content creating last week to listen. The events of the past couple of weeks put a heaviness on my spirit and awakened me to the urgent need to examine my heart while exploring resources in pursuing an active posture of anti-racism.

I love sharing the joys, twists and turns, adventures, faith journey, and fashion finds of my own life with you, and all the fun that comes with those things. But last week, I didn’t need to share. I needed to learn.

In taking a pause to listen, I was introduced to amazing anti-racism resources, important Black voices, incredible Black creators, and imperative action steps in pursuing what Latasha Morrison describes as “being a bridge to racial reconciliation.”

In light of this, I wanted to share a new “Happy List” with you today. I began these roundups as a way to bring a bit of lighthearted happiness to the rather chaotic/confusing weeks of social distancing. Today, I want to use it to do the same while celebrating Black creators, Black businesses, and Black voices. This is something I haven’t done a good job of in the past, and something I’m committed to doing better about with this platform moving forward.

I hope you hear my heart in the purpose behind this post. You don’t need me to tell you there is a lot of hurt in the world today, and I don’t want to slap the term “happy” on a post to pretend all is well. I also don’t want to publish this as a performance and collection of empty words. Rather, I hope that in sharing these incredible creators, businesses and resources that are good and worthwhile, we are all a tiny bit more equipped to face tomorrow with hope, with joy, and a desire to exhibit active love no matter how heavy the world may feel.

 

the happy list

 

  • I have been so challenged by and encouraged with the gospel-centered work Latasha Morrison is doing towards racial healing, equity, and reconciliation at Be the Bridge. Join me in ordering her book (paperback is currently sold out, but you can buy for Kindle or listen via Audiobook!), joining her Facebook group and donating to the work of Be the Bridge!

As a community, I’m hoping to raise $1,000 to support Latasha’s work. This week, I am matching donations up to $500! Send me a screenshot of your donation and/or book purchase (if you haven’t purchased it already) via email or Instagram direct message!

  • The prettiest glassware you’ve ever seen. I’m dreaming of a shelf stocked with these colorful creations!
  • Gifted illustrator and Christ-follower Danielle Coke shared a three-part IG Story series last week (one, two, three) that you should listen to today.
  • A fellow Lilly-lovin’ Florida gal I ran into outside of Publix and have loved following ever since, meet Ebonee! She has the cutest style and best home-reno inspo. You’ll love following her blog and Instagram!
  • If you’re starting or interested in starting an online business, check out my friend Rachel‘s incredible bank of resources for entrepreneurs here!
  • Obsessed with this girl’s vivacious smile and perfect style. Venita is also a trained chef and shares her creations in her stories! If you’re not following her already, do it.
  • Not only do I love Victoria of @PrepfordWife‘s preppy style, she has an amazing “Black Herstory” highlights tab that shares the stories and histories of some incredible people.

What an incredible group, right? I would love for you to share your favorite Black creators, businesses and voices with me as well!

As the overall focus of social media shifts “back to the norm” in terms of content, I am praying that our hearts don’t also shift away but rather, stay committed to educating, examining and equipping ourselves to be better allies to our Black friends, family, and community at large, especially in the heart-work that happens behind our phone screens. I am committed to this life-long endeavor, and I hope you’ll join me!

“Let present privilege awaken us to present duty, and now, while life lasts, let us spend and be spent for our sweet Lord Jesus.” – Charles Spurgeon

Love from the Sunshine State,

Kate

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4 Comments

  1. Ebonee said:

    Thank you so much Kate! I’m so humbled that you featured me on your blog and extremely thankful. Thank you so much for your kindness.

    Hugs,
    Ebonee💜

    Published 6.8.20 · Reply
  2. Ruth said:

    Thank you so much for this Kate!! Representation matters! Will definitely be looking into all of these.

    Published 6.8.20 · Reply
  3. Catherine said:

    Am so humbled and happy to see this, Kate. Have been disappointed by so many of the people I follow who have been quiet on their platform– your willingness to listen, and more importantly, to use your platform to highlight the incredible members of the Black community who may not otherwise have that visibility, is so impressive and courageous. Additionally, thank you for asking that we don’t simple “go back to business”. Racism has been part of “business as usual” for far too long. I pray that when we transition back to life before the virus, we return kinder, more equitable, less greedy, and more peaceful.

    Published 6.8.20 · Reply
  4. Erica said:

    Thank you Kate … So many wonderful, unique and inspirational women you have shared! I look forward in continuing to see all the great things they have to share!

    Published 6.8.20 · Reply