Since the George Floyd incident sparked so much shock and sadness around the world leading to protests and BIPOC voices becoming more amplified, I dove into social media to learn more from the BIPOC community. A huge thanks goes out to @thebirdspapaya for speaking up and using her platform, because with her doing so, I realized it wasn't ok to stay silent anymore since white silence is compliance. And if we are compliant (we referring to white people), we are part of the problem (whether it's intentional or unintentional). I had the realization that if she could influence me to speak up, then I can do the same for others. I CAN help make a difference and help create a ripple effect towards ending racial and social injustice. If we take the time NOW to pause, listen, and learn about the pain the BIPOC community is experiencing and WHY, then we can use that new found understanding and our voices to help moving forward. To BE the change.

I now have a fire inside of me to do better and be better. One of the ways I'm doing so is by recognizing my white privilege and acknowledging that I have done things in the past that have hurt the BIPOC community EVEN if it was unintentional. It was ignorance that had me believing that racism is not as bad as anymore, but as soon as my eyes became wide open and I chose to look at what is actually going on (even if that meant feeling uncomfortable), I can't be ignorant anymore. And if you are feeling uncomfortable right now as a white person, I urge to lean into it, simply listen to this episode, and it'll help you BEGIN to realize WHY it hurts the BIPOC coommunity so much when we stay ignorant or silent. I'm not saying it'll be comfortable to listen to, but it's necessary.

Timestamps:

[13:50] The story behind the video Saori + DeVante created on Instagram about how the photography industry can support the BIPOC community.
[21:55] To be part of the change, you should go just beyond the feed, you have to do the inner work.
[25:48] Knowing the difference between being a non-racist and an anti-racist and the struggles people of color face in and out of the industry.
[44:05] The typical presets/edits will not work on skin of colour, learn how to edit melanated (black) skin.
[55:05] If you are in the industry, take a stand and use your platform to speak out for the BIPOC community.
[59:45] Calling out feature accounts to add diversity to their portfolio to be more inclusive.
[66:32] How diversifying your vendor referral list in the industry can create a great impact.

Resources:

• Saori + DeVante of Spirit of Revelry
• Saori + DeVante's video calling out the photography industry to support BIPOC community
• "Me and White Supremacy" by Layla Saad (book)
• Watch 13th on Netflix
• Go to www.saramonika.com/29 and get your free checklist :)

Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!

Instagram: @saramonikaphoto

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With love + gratitude,

Sara