RESET

It’s a scary thing to break, but our nation, no longer in the heat of beginning, needs a new shape.  Black people know what white people are realizing.  It’s time to consider how things are made, and to sorts facts from feelings.

Everyone has heard the cry of “I can’t breathe” screaming from the streets of cities for a week now.  It’s not a new signal of distress – black people have been oppressed for centuries now, but the plea is resonating like never before.  We were primed for a break, under pressure from a global pandemic and weary of unqualified and untrustworthy leadership aiming to divide. As we enter an era of unprecedented accountability, we are starting to believe women, value victims and embrace individuality.  Now is the time – black people are coming up for air.

I have shared my life for the last 13 years with you.  I’ve let you into my home, my marriage, my family, friends, my successes and failures and I’ve shared honestly about mistakes.  I have not shared my political, social, or religious opinions at all — on purpose, because I didn’t want to alienate, insult, or ‘rock the boat’.  Mostly because I was afraid you’d leave.

I apologize for holding back.  I did everyone, including myself, a disservice.

Moving forward, in a steadier boat that I’ve spent my lifetime building, I am going to take a stance on things that are important, and I’m going to trust that it can hold me and that it has room for you too.

I believe no one should live in fear.  All humans should have equal opportunities in their pursuits.  Black people should not face hurdles that white people do not.  White people put these hurdles in place, and we have to remove them, rather than continually encourage black people to jump over.

I’ve spent the weekend with my team working on a roadmap for the future of Furbish and my blog.  I am committing to rebuilding my brand in a new shape that considers how every choice can build a culture of systemic inclusiveness and consideration of people of color.  A start will always look like a start, and it’s bound to be bumpy, but we are in.

I’m going to make changes progressively.  I’ve already noticed the fascinating difference that just 1 choice can make.  Today, on Pinterest, I was scrolling through vintage roller skating images.  I saved several, and one was two super-sassy black girls in bellbottoms and halter tops.  Immediately, I began to notice these great images in my homepage of extra-chic black girls, and I started pinning away, inspired by the vibes I am hoping to achieve with my newly ordered rollerskates (more on that excitement later).  It took just one pin, and it changed the algorithm.  HOW BOUT THAT.