As if we needed another reminder that our country was built by violence against people of color, today is Thanksgiving, which effectively celebrates the genocide of Native Americans. So I wish you all a happy Thanksgiving–because spending quality time with family and friends is important, and because pumpkin pie is delicious–but also a reflective one, one that honors the holiday’s history.
If you were planning to shop at major retailers this weekend, consider supporting black-owned businesses instead, as many black organizations have asked. If you’re looking to donate money instead of, or in addition to, shopping, check out this list of black-led organizations on the ground in Ferguson, and the Ferguson Public Library’s Powell’s wishlist (see this post for the library’s address and purchasing instructions).
Now for the fun part: pretty things you can buy from black-owned businesses, including Boston’s own The Thicky Chicky!
Top row:
–Graffiti dress, Zelie For She, $85
–Ka’oir lipsticks, $16.99 each
–Chub rub shorts, The Thicky Chicky, $6
Middle row (all books I’ve read and loved):
–Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay, $10.95
–Redefining Realness by Janet Mock, $15.95
–Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler, $10.50
–Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, $10.95
Bottom row:
–Kiss Me fascinator in rose gold metallic, Hello Sweet Leigh, $55
–Purple mambo skirt, Nakimuli, $130 (use the discount code THANKFUL14 for 20% off)
–Fleur dress, The Thicky Chicky, $30.20
–Triumph sequin dress, $125, and Sparkle skirt, $79, Zelie for She