If you feel like your voice is getting lost in the crowded social and political climate that's full of protests and petitions — or if you don't have a clear understanding of why it's all happening — there's help.
#ThisMessageMatters was created for everyone. It's a website — thismessagematters.com — where people can decide how they would like to participate in the fight against the social injustice Black people are facing today.
You can educate yourself or others, or find ways to get involved. You can download free materials like signs to bring to protests or images for social media. If you'd rather support the cause but stay in the background, there's a list of organizations you can donate to.
I know the topic of Black Lives Matter can be emotionally charged — even polarizing. No matter what your opinion may be, I strongly encourage you to use these resources to learn more about the history of Black people and current events.
Our website has examples of books (including books on how to talk to kids about racism), videos, museums, influencers and Black scholars who push beyond the headlines and sound bites to supply much-needed information and learning options. We also provide lists of reputable causes that need donations and Black-owned businesses that could use your support.
Many factors inspired me to start #ThisMessageMatters. The first is my personal history. It is why I realized I could no longer stay on the sidelines.
I was 8 years old and at the grocery store with my family. There was a woman who would not stop following me around. She looked at my white mom, looked at my Black dad, and then looked at me — and suddenly, her demeanor changed. She was mean!
She gave me an angry snare, then snarled at me and finally, she stormed up to me and screamed, "Shame! You are the devil's child! Disgusting."
Luckily, my mom intervened.
At 8 years old, I knew this woman hated me because I'm brown. She hated that my mom married my dad and created me.
Unfortunately, this was not the only time I have been discriminated against. I have been followed around in stores because the owners assumed I would steal something. My college roommate admitted she didn't want to live with a Black person in the dorms and requested to move out. Her request was accepted. The list, unfortunately, goes on.
All these experiences helped fuel the #ThisMessageMatters project. This is my way of doing more for the movement so others won't have to experience what I have.
As someone who runs a creative marketing agency, my team has a unique platform — and in my opinion, a responsibility — to speak out against the systemic racism that plagues our country. In a blog entry after George Floyd's death, our copywriting guru Jordan Glover wrote:
"As advertisers, our goal is to speak to human truths and provide content surrounding stories and problems. As advertisers, if we do not use our large platforms and voices for the real movements that cause real change, what are we suitable for? As advertisers, if we do not actively educate ourselves and our communities about issues that matter, what is our purpose?"
She was right. Within a few days, I am proud to say, #ThisMessageMatters was officially underway.
The Black Lives Matter movement has faced significant polarization in certain aspects. Hence, our mission is to cultivate a community that is as inclusive and inviting as possible. We are not affiliated with any particular group, because we want to be able to include vast resources from many.
We hope with each visitor who engages with the website, we come one step closer to liberty for the Black community, the betterment of society, and the intimacy of humanity.
Since we have launched the site, the outreach has been amazing. We have received recommendations for new protest material ideas, articles to include on the website, and new approaches to get involved. We have even seen some of the free protest artwork around town as yard signs!
We hope you will use #ThisMessageMatters as a tool to help join the conversation. And I invite you to reach out to me with any suggestions or insights.
This project is meant to empower us all. Remember, injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
Giavona Williams, known as G, is the owner of Grova Creative, a creative marketing agency. She holds a B.S. in African American Studies, Graphic Design and Spanish from Syracuse University, and lives in Tallahassee.
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June 22, 2020 at 06:14AM
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Want to get involved but don't know how to start? #ThisMessageMatters is for you - Tallahassee Democrat
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