Following the deaths of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and others, many Americans are mourning, protesting and standing in solitude against centuries-long racial injustice.
Ways to support powerful platforms such as Black Lives Matter include learning through literature about race and privilege. You can also make sure to do your part in voting throughout election season and by finding ways to authentically amplify Black voices that need to be heard.
Last but certainly not least, you can put your money where your mouth is by financially backing Black-owned businesses on July 7 (and beyond) for Blackout Day 2020.
On July 7, people will participate in #BlackoutDay2020, a social media movement with an aim to support nationwide economic solidarity amongst Black-owned businesses.
This initiative was started by The Blackout Coalition leader Calvin Martyr and continues to pick up momentum.
"In order to break free from the chains of financial servility, we will organize days, weeks, months and years if necessary when not one Black person in America will spend a dollar outside of our community," the coalition wrote in an Instagram post.
MORE: Black businesses hit hard by COVID-19 fight to stay afloatWhy #BuyBlack?
There are a wide variety of Black-owned businesses that are often underfunded, lacking access to capital as well as loans and have been disproportionately disrupted by the coronavirus crisis.
The number of Black-owned businesses has fallen by 40% during the pandemic, according to The Washington Post.
Additionally, a 2016 study by the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research also determined that startups by people of color, on average, experience substantially higher levels of loan denials than their white counterparts.
Not to mention, several have been heavily impacted by recent looting activity as well.
MORE: NYC looters and vandals chauffeured in cars, had power tools: WitnessOn May 29, Aurora James, a fashion designer and founder of Brother Vellies, a sustainable fashion label featuring handcrafted shoes and handbags, made a call to action on Instagram for big name retailers such as Whole Foods and Sephora to commit to buying 15% of their products from Black-owned businesses.
"So many of your businesses are built on Black spending power," James captioned her post. "So many of your stores are set up in Black communities. So many of your sponsored posts are seen on Black feeds. This is the least you can do for us. We represent 15% of the population and we need to represent 15% of your shelf space."
James later started later launched a petition called "15 Percent Pledge" with a goal to get one million signatures to get big-name retailers to pledge 15% of shelf space to Black-owned business.
Show your support
Show your support for these businesses that are often doing the necessary work from the inside out to pour back into communities of color.
If you are still wondering how you can help, there are plenty of beauty and fashion brands you can choose to shop from, and which will do everything from upgrade your skincare routine to revamp your wardrobe.
Beauty
This potent sunscreen is highly reflective of the name and celebrated by many women of color everywhere. It doesn't leave behind a white cast on the skin, and is loaded with SPF 30, jojoba seed oil, aloe and several other hydrating ingredients.
After a long day of wearing makeup or after a post-work sweat session, the cleansing wipes from Lauren Napier Beauty allow you to take it all off with ease. The brand's bestselling Cleanse wipes are infused with aloe, chamomile and cucumber extracts to deeply hydrate and smooth the complexion while also reducing redness and inflammation.
Created by Dorion Renaud, this skin and body care line was created to enrich the texture of multicultural skin tones. The collection includes a Vitamin C Serum, Whipped Body Butter, Cleanser and Facial Shea Butter.
Launched by Harvard grads KJ Miller and Amanda E. Johnson, Mented Cosmetics first came to the spotlight for creating nude lipsticks that are flattering on skin of color. Today, the brand expands to include everything from nail polish to face products following the same ethos.
MORE: Blackout Tuesday: Why social media users are going dark in solidarityWho better than Tracee Elliss Ross to launch a hair brand for girls with curls? Pattern Beauty carries everything from trial-sized to jumbo shampoos, conditioners and more women with naturally curly hair textures.
MORE: Here are 8 books on race and privilege to learn how to be a white allyLots of people love The Lip Bar for the brand's big, bold, vibrant lipsticks. In addition to the brand's beloved lip picks, there are also other cosmetic essentials such as eyeshadow and foundation.
Hanahana Beauty carries ethically sourced products with shea butter at the heart of the company. You will love luxuriating in the Vanilla Lavender Shea Body Butter or even enjoy the smoothing effects of the brand's Exfoliating Bar.
If you are looking to give your hair some extra love, Briogeo probably has what you need. The company carries everything from strengthening treatments to moisturizing shampoos.
Smooth on and reap the benefits of this elegantly crafted skincare line that features super potent tonics, masks, serums and more.
This family owned company has your hair and body care needs covered with exciting offerings such as hydrating hemp-infused conditioners and odor absorbing natural deodorants.
Polish up on your painting skills with Mischo Beauty. The brand carries a wide range of vibrant nail lacquers.
For the past few years, Bevel has been setting the standard for the types of grooming products men of color want and need. The company's signature Bevel blade has been used by celebrities and in barbershops nationwide.
Hyperpigmentation (discolored skin/dark marks) is common skin concern for dark-skinned women and men. Hyper Skin serves as an answer to this issue. The Hyper Clear Brightenening Clearing Vitamin C Serum works over time to clear dark spots with key ingredients -- vitamin E and vitamin C -- that work together to brighten and smooth skin.
After testing and reviewing lots of products through the years, cosmetics chemist Ron Robinson decided to launch his own line holy grail skincare products. Key offerings include a Vitamin C serum, moisturizer, and an eye cream.
Treat, restore and more with this African-inspired skincare line. A few standout products include the nutrient-rich oils and the Kenyan coffee face polishes.
Fashion
Pyer Moss' fascinating designs and impactful brand messaging has continued to make waves during New York Fashion Week.
Browse through these beautiful patterns, prints and textures all loaded into this modern, contemporary collection that includes everything from apparel to accessories.
Launched by creative director Aurora James, Brother Vellies has everything you want to wear for your next "outfit of the day" post as well as for your next tropical vacation. It's all there and uberstylish.
This conscious, contemporary womenswear brand makes shopping feel like an absolute delight. Many of the brand's prints follow the mindset of merging math and art. "To create our Ndar print, Math equations are digitally generated, graphed and hand-painted on with touches of oranges, turquoise blues and monochromes, inspired by the island's vibrant architecture," the brand wrote in a statement. "The resulting abstract pattern is printed on fabrics."
Hanifa recently made headlines for debuting a virtual fashion show to show off the label's latest looks: mesmerizing maxi dresses, jumpsuits, elaborate blouses and so much more.
Another Fashion Week favorite, Cushnie luxury line is classy, sassy and everything more. You will be delighted to see trendy yet timeless pieces that are sure to get you noticed.
This edgy high fashion brand has been seen on the likes of Beyoncé, Rihanna and Kim Kardashian West.
Highly coveted fashion designer Tracy Reese pivoted her brand a few years ago to reflect a responsibly-designed clothing under the name Hope For Flowers. You'll notice amazing silhouttes, colors and patterns that can be dressed up or down.
The head wraps sold by this company are truly phenomenal. There are lots of different lengths and textures to play with when you want to add some extra style to your day.
From vacation ready styles to breathtaking dresses, Fe Noel's line of apparel is equal parts exquisite and exciting.
Editor's Note: This story originally published on June 3, 2020.
