Anti-racist Pledge
The Anti-racist Small Business Pledge defines anti-racist as, “Those who speak and act in ways that advance racial equity in society; the act of interrupting racism.”
In June of 2020, I attended the Reimagining Small Business town hall, an event “to listen, learn & commit to building equitable, anti-racist organizations.”
The event was organized by Ericka Hines, Rachel Rodgers, and Susan Hyatt with Robert Hartwell, Sonya Renee Taylor, and Nathan Barry also speaking.
After that event, I took the Anti-racist Small Business Pledge. I edited the Pledge for my business as a solopreneur and to include Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).
The original Pledge was written by Ericka Hines, Rachel Rodgers, and Sonya Renee Taylor.
My Imperfect and Evolving Anti-racist Pledge
I’m committed the ongoing work of anti-racism, and endeavor to foster anti-racist consciousness and values within and beyond my business with the aim of establishing thriving, diverse societies that are just, inclusive, and equitable.
As a person with privilege, it’s my responsibility to do my part to actively dismantle systems of oppression. In this pursuit, I acknowledge that I am imperfect and I will make mistakes. My pledge is imperfect and evolves as I evolve. That said, I make these five commitments with care and devotion.
I am devoted to…
Naming white supremacy and the impact of racism on both my personal and professional life. I acknowledge the omni-present existence of white supremacy and how it operates and is supported in my company. I name it in my company values, business operations, discuss it with independent contractors, business partners, clients, and the greater community.
Engaging in anti-racist education for myself as a solopreneur. I commit money and time to anti-racism education on an ongoing basis through courses, conferences, reading books, and participating in book study groups. As of Spring 2023, I’m developing a page for this website that shows my education over the course of my business.
Allowing open-conflict and discomfort. When conflict arises within my communities, I let it arise without trying to hide it, delete it, or ignore it. I acknowledge the conflict, allow space for community members to be heard and deal with the underlying issue rather than demonizing the community member who raised the issue. I allow these conversations to happen in my spaces, and I commit to actively participating in them. I take action to implement the needs expressed by community members.
Investing a portion of my budget to the BIPOC community, not just once, but on an ongoing basis. I consciously seek out, hire, and partner with BIPOC vendors and contractors; BIPOC-owned software and services; BIPOC speakers, educators, authors, experts, etc. I purchase Black-authored books, courses, products, and more.
Expressing my sincere, ongoing, and unending commitment to becoming an anti-racist person and growing an anti-racist company. I show my commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity and anti-racism in my business assets, activities, and partnerships. On an ongoing basis, I acknowledge what I’m doing and what I aspire to do, including specific steps. In this regard, as of Spring 2023, I’m developing a page for this website that shows what I’m doing, what I aspire to do, and steps I have taken and plan to take.
If anything about your experience working with me strikes you as being incongruent with these commitments, I invite you to reach out to me and let me know.
You can learn about and the Anti-racist Small Business Pledge here.