Happy Juneteenth!

Article originally posted on 6/19/2020.

Yasssss, it's a lovely day here in Boston on Juneteenth.  It's sunny, hot, and when I step outside I can feel the love.  Grab your barbecues, collect your folks, set the music, because despite #Covid19, we are all going to find some way to pay homage to our ancestors who made it possible for us to be here; who fought for the very lives we have today.  To me, this is what Juneteenth is all about, although it means so much to so many.

In honor of Juneteenth, to get some ish off my chest, and in the spirit of continuing what my ancestors started, I want to share with you my dream.

#SideNote:  Did y'all see the illustrious and moving cover of the New Yorker as done by none other than our own Kadir Nelson???  I found it to be such a moving display of what we are still fighting for.  A chance to exist.  A chance to dance.  A chance to breathe.  A chance to dream.  A chance that can only be taken by life - not a public defender, renegade citizen, systemic poverty, and - y'all know I can keep on going.

​While I'm at it - let's be all-the-way, straight up, and dead-ass fucking clear:  #AllBlackLivesMatter. 

Not just Black men or boys.  Not just cishetero Black people.  Not just the Black people we love and respect.
​
All Black Lives Matter means that

• Black Ratchets Matter
• Black Transgendered People Matter
• Black Children Matter
• Black Weirdos Matter
• Black Joy Matters
• Black Love Matters
• Black Representation Matters
• Black Access Matters
• Black Voices Matter
• Black Power Matters

​
​..and again, I can keep on going.

I've heard of the one-day, week-long, and month-long Black Out efforts, and encourage everyone to make their own choice. 

For clarity and for me, I want to spend my money with marginalized people because: 
​

1. ACCESS
   The world desperately wants more innovation and next-level thinking and can only get both when others with different perspectives play the game.
   
   
2. MONEY
   The underdogs of the world hold such power - they are the Champions, the Sages, the Leaders, and the Advocates...they are so much more that the world needs, and they need resources.
   
   
3. CHANGE
   Collectively as a consumer base, we have been funneling money to people we have had to apply violence and pressure to in order to exact a promise of change, often with a showing of good faith; whether genuine or not, I have decided to stop giving them my money.
   
   
4. POWER
   By spending money with people and small businesses who support the values I hold, I help keep a family thriving in a world that wants the same world as me; that is empowering and a win-win for all.
   
   
5. HONOR
   The marginalized people I will support deserved to be honored for the work they have put into their business, storefront, online store, etc.; as an entrepreneur, I know how much work it takes to simply show up with out a ton of backing, support, or funding - sales are fuel.

So my dream - and personal commitment to my ancestors - is that going forward, I will be resilient in obtaining items and services that I normally purchase, but instead now I will buy from people who:

• actively show that they have shared my values before this current movement,
• are publicly fighting for my family's right to exist,
• actively support efforts for Structural Change so all can be free.

Yes, I admit - it's too convenient to run to CVS or Target to grab that brand of hair products I use for my hair.  Nonetheless, I want to spend my money with the womxn tirelessly putting together unique, wholesome, goodies for my hair - because she, like me, is battling the big dawgs.

No, it's not convenient - I can't get it now, and I do have to wait, and unless I've already tried it - it may not even work for me.  Nonetheless, I encouraged womxn with a sale - it's their choice what they do with it and my feedback (lol).

Seriously...how much of what we spend money on cannot be bought from someone we want to see win?  Perhaps not internet service, yet there are so many products, services, and platforms that can be purchased from a person or small business that you want to see win in life. 

In this way, we create a virtual Black Wall Street - our very own, one that cannot be bombed like they did to Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Hear me out...you get your cakes from her, and your kicks from him, and your alcoholic drinks/420 consumables from them, and you know THEM ALL - you have a RELATIONSHIP with all of them. 

Your money matters because you know you are helping little Jojo grow up and go to private school...every time you buy your wife some candles and bath bombs (or whatever).  Every time they invest in themselves by investing with me, my clients know they are supporting my goal to create generational wealth for my now almost three-year-old son, Sire.

I feel like there is so much more to say, and I love to talk.  I'm here to chat more about this; y'all know where to find me.  In the meantime, see below for my personal list of people I have chosen to actively support for my needs.  As I do more of this work, I will update this blog post - for accountability and joy.

 

*no affiliate links - while we are at it - STOP LOOKING FOR A DISCOUNT - pay people what they are worth!

This is a list of people and brands who I either trust because of my personal experience with their brand or who I buy from consistently.

terranmade for Soy Wax Melts and Candles
Brandma's House, the Ghetto Country Brandmother™ for Brand Strategy
Rhodesia J. Designs for Graphic and Web Design
Elder Keepers for Elder Care Support and Healthcare System Navigation
​One More Cup for Organic Fair Trade Coffee
At Peace Arts for Joyful Art, Painting, and Peace
Blakely Consulting for Corporate Evaluation Ensuring Social Change 
Wendy Nicole Anderson for Automated Business Systems
MysticqueRose Publishing Services LLC. for Support In Writing & Publishing My First Book
Tamela Gordon for Amplifying Black Writers and Self Care Coaching
Brilliant Nails by Bethany for DIY Home Manis and Pedis (so easy even I can't screw it up)
My Black Clothing + My Pride Apparel for Black-Centered Clothing and Apparel
Lovely Goods for Office Supplies and Knickknacks
LovePrey + Sy's Flawless Creations + Spirited Soul Designs for Custom Crafts Made By Amazing Women
A Place of Joy for Getting Things Done In My Business
The Goulet Pen Co. + JetPens for my Fountain Pen Addiction
Brown Girls Stationary for Notebooks and Black Girl Joy (I stan the little Black girl behind this)

AND MANY MORE TO COME...

#StayTuned and reach out with your favs; I'd love to support them!

Ebony L. Green is a certified coach who is the creator and founder of the Desire Choose Act™ signature series of coaching & training programs that help you own, celebrate, and monetize your difference.

#CoachEbonySays: I specialize in connecting people with their Whole A.S.S.™ Authentic Self. I want you to stop being ashy out here in your life - personally and professionally. I am here so you can REALLY start securing the bag of self-love, self-care, and self-shine!

If you are ready to start stepping into the shoes of your desired Future Self, schedule your free consultation today!