What 2020 Has
Taught Me
In some ways it feels like 2020 is yet to begin. Over the last few months we've watched as a global pandemic sent shockwaves, devastation and hurt through our communities as well as everything that coping with Covid brought into our lives. We've watched the heartbreak of people losing loved ones, the economic impact of businesses struggling to stay afloat and we've spent time looking inwards and thinking about what we'd like the world to look like when we return to 'normal'.
We're almost halfway through the year and although certain aspects of our lives are still on hold as we navigate what the rest of 2020 may look like, we're currently part of what looks to be the biggest civil rights movement in history. Let that sink in for a moment.
The biggest civil rights movement in history.
We're listening, we're protesting, we're learning, we're supporting, we're changing. We've had our eyes opened and despite our prior failings, we're acknowledging they exist and we're moving forward to do better and be better - together.
So if there's one thing that 2020 has taught me so far in amongst the unexpected, it's that when we work together, absolutely nothing is impossible.
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During the last few months and especially so during the last 15 or so days, we've proved to so many why we're stronger together. We've used our voices, our platforms (no matter the size) and our outrage to bring about change for the people who need it. We've signed petitions, we've donated, we've shared, we've protested and if you didn't believe before now that we're better together and what we're capable of is exponential, then look at what HAS changed in the last few days. From the officers who murdered George Floyd being charged, to the investigation into Breonna Taylor's death being reopened, as well as millions being raised for so many families to ensure they have the funds they need to pursue legal convictions and so many foundations created to support Black lives, amplified and bolstered by donations from around the world. If we've achieved so much in short a period of time, imagine what we can achieve together in the long term. In some ways it felt like 2020 had never started, now it feels like it has.
So when you think 'Oh I'm just one voice', 'Oh maybe I won't lend my platform to this' or 'Oh maybe I don't need to have this uncomfortable conversation', think about how the smallest ripples in a pond can together create the largest waves. All of the steps you take in your everyday life, however micro and minuscule they may seem to you, are part of a much larger picture and it's with those micro steps we make macro changes together. As you may have seen over on my Instagram this week I've shared Black creators who inspire me and create beautiful content, Black owned businesses who through systemic racism as well as the impact of Covid need our support and content that has taught me to open my eyes and work with my team on how to ensure moving forward, we use our privilege to ensure Black voices are amplified and not stifled.
So if 2020 has taught me anything, it has to be that together we are unstoppable. We have the capacity to use our platforms and voices for change like we never knew we could and that fight has to continue on. As my and other influencers 'usual' work continues and you see our careers return to normal, whatever that may look like, know that I will continue to do and be better.
Together we're stronger x
If you would like to read more about the charities/foundations I have personally chosen to donate to you can head to the following links:
The Loveland Foundation: "The Loveland Foundation is committed to showing up for communities of color in unique and powerful ways, with a particular focus on Black women and girls. Our resources and initiatives are collaborative and they prioritize opportunity, access, validation, and healing."
Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust: "We work with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds aged 13 to 30 to inspire and enable them to succeed in the career of their choice. We also influence others to create a fairer society in which everyone, regardless of their background, can flourish."
