Happy Friday! How have you been feeling this week? I’m doing the odd thing of moving apartments during the pandemic, but sometimes the stars align, and you just have to go for it – just make sure you pick up some extra Lysol wipes! Moving forward, there is still much work to do in the fight against racial injustice. If you are looking for some resources in film, TV, music and books, here are a few places to start. I thought I’d share more resources and touching stories told through art below for this week’s Stay Home Club.  

Watching:

This week, a very important message spoke to me. YA author, Kimberly Jones, delivered a heartfelt message about the history of racism in America and it provides a lot of insight. The video made quite a lot of waves and was shared on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver and got the attention of Lebron James, who reached out to Kimberly Jones after seeing it. Please note if you do check this out, it is heavy and extremely emotional content. Give yourself the safe space to watch it.

You can watch the full video here.

Listening:

This week R&B artist, Leon Bridges debuted a touching new track featuring Terrace Martin called “Sweeter.” This song was written from the perspective of a black man breathing his last breath. Leon has shared his own experiences with racism and how it has numbed him in the past, but George Floyd’s tragic murder changed his perspective and inspired him to write this deeply sad and raw song. You can listen to it here.

Spending Time:

I love online shopping during the pandemic, even if I can’t really wear any of it out! I decided to make an effort to support black Canadian entrepreneurs as much as possible moving forward. With hot weather on the way (aka already here!), Cherry Gardens in Toronto is perfect for summer loungewear and Selfish Swimwear by Naomie Caron in Montreal is perfect to get that bikini or one piece you’ve been dreaming of to look cute pool or lakeside.

For Ottawa-based businesses owned by people of colour in areas of food, health & wellness and clothing among others, check out this list from Apartment613.

Those are just a few ideas of things you can check out this week. Remember: it’s okay to make mistakes during this time. The most important thing is to learn, keep moving forward in your education and letting others guide and correct you. You should always challenge those who are not willing to be open. You have the power to guide and correct just as well. And you never know what could happen as a result!

What’s on your Stay Home Club this week? Comment below.