If you follow me on Instagram, you may know that I decided to mute and pause all of my usual content creation this week on social media, my blog, and my newsletter.  I’m taking this time to process all that is going on in the world, to share essential messages from black people, and to learn how I can help.

For the month of June 2020, along with a personal donation, I’ll be donating 100% of our virtual consultation sales to the Black Youth Helpline.  BYH is a Canadian-based organization that provides black youth with culturally appropriate support that leads to a more successful and positive life.  Their mission is achieved through various programs such as education, health, and community activities.

If you’re considering booking a virtual consultation and would like to support change for the black community, now is a great time to book with me.  Simply contact us HERE, and we can schedule a call to discuss.

You probably don’t know this about me, but I was born in Toronto, and for the first eight years of my life, I grew up in the Jane + Finch area and Regent Park. I was a minority, as most of the people who resided in these neighbourhoods were people of colour.

I was taught to see black people as equal.  They were my neighbours, my friends, and I even considered some of them, my family.  I thought that was good enough.

This past week I’ve realized that my not being racist is not good enough, and considering black people to be my equal was not fair to them.  I recognize that I had (and continue to have) a massive advantage by being white, and I’m embarrassed to say that I’d never taken the time to consider it before.

We’re from the same place, but when I left those neighbourhoods, I was no longer stereotyped and judged for being from the “wrong side of the tracks” even though I was.  I could easily blend into nicer neighbourhoods and achieve a better life experience simply because I’m white.

Recently, I’ve watched online in disbelief as people of colour share their stories and how common it is for them to experience racism in their daily lives.  I know it exists, I just didn’t realize how common it is, and I’m heartbroken by it.  The world needs to change.

I’m listening, learning, and growing.  I’ll continue to do so and actively practice anti-racism from now on.  Even though I grew up surrounded by black people, I was ignorant of their suffering, and I am truly sorry for that.

I want to say thank you to all of the strong black people who’ve educated us this week and who continue to shine bright.  There will be change, and I’m standing with you in solidarity.

I’ll be back next week to share my usual interior-design-related content. Thanks for joining me today as I shared what’s been weighing on my heart this week.