Writing this blog post has been on my to-do list for about three weeks now. Initially, I had put it off out of sheer procrastination and lack of motivation to create towards the end of May. More recently, I have put it off due to a heavy heart.

Black lives matter. They should be heard and celebrated as much as any other voice in our country. As a woman of color, I have experienced racism, discrimination, and stereotyping but still have many privileges that many black individuals do not and have not had throughout history. I feel strongly that everyone has the duty to recognize and do something about what is happening in the world right now. We must be willing to truly listen, reflect, and learn in order to make room to grow and better both ourselves and those around us. 

In order to address this issue personally and through the lens of my business, I have been taking time to listen, educate myself, reflect, and find ways to advocate for the black community in support of the current civil rights movement. Journaling has been key in reflecting and digesting the information that I am taking in. Earlier in the month, I had finally taken time to write out my values in my journal. They are now clearly stated on my website. In addition, I am lucky to have had continued access to therapy during the pandemic. Thanks to a recommendation from I friend, I was able to connect with the Women’s Clinic Counseling Center. They are a non-profit that provides affordable counseling with a sliding scale. I have been seeking therapy for almost a year now and feel strongly that it has provided me with tools in which to think and reflect on a deeper level. Working outside in my garden has also provided a safe place to think.

I have also started creating some pieces of art as a way to process what is happening right now. Making each piece of art was an extremely personal process and a way for me to make sense of my emotions. I have decided that I will use this art to support those in my community. Beginning this week, I will make these pieces available to purchase and 100% of the proceeds will go to a specified organization. I feel that it is a meaningful way for me to give because someone will be able to enjoy and appreciate my art while directly supporting an important cause. Right now, proceeds will support Black Lives Matter Los Angeles, Black Girls Surf, and The Women’s Center for Creative Work. More information about my decision to support these organizations will be included in each listing. (UPDATE: Art for a Cause page is now live. To see or buy this artwork check out the listings here.)

I had the privilege to attend and support Solidarity in Surf, “a peaceful protest for the Black lives lost to police brutality and racism in America and across the globe” organized by Black Girls Surf. Black Girls Surf seeks to empower young girls/women surfers of the African diaspora by providing funding for female surfers, gear (i.e. surfboards, wetsuits, etc.), and opportunities to learn the sport and ultimately get in the water. Visibility is incredibly important and I love that they are able to inspire young girls to surf. I want to acknowledge how incredibly lucky and privileged I am to have always lived by and have access to the ocean. Supporting an organization that prioritizes making the ocean more accessible to young women is meaningful to me in so many ways. The protest itself was held at Inkwell Beach/Bay Street Beach, historically a safe beach for African Americans to gather at when other beaches in Southern California were not. It is also where Nick Galbadón, the first documented surfer of African American and Mexican American descent, frequented. The experience of being at the protest was deeply humbling. It was incredibly powerful to be amongst hundreds of people in the water who were all in support of the same cause and to remember George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and too many others who, unjustly, lost their lives too soon. 

I “attended” a virtual conference, Adding Voices, coordinated by a former colleague and friend, Flavia Zuniga-West. “This conference [was] a call to action for representation in art education through creating community amongst art educators of color and discussing inclusive pedagogy. The goal is to “create a diverse community of educators dedicated to courageous conversations and solutions to address equity and inclusion in arts curriculum K-12 and at the college level” and I believe Flavia hit it out of the park. I found value in the conference both personally and as an educator. It was incredibly empowering and inspiring to listen and learn from a diverse group of individuals all working to make the voices of marginalized groups seen and heard. If you are interested in learning more about Adding Voices and becoming involved, which I highly recommend, read more on her website and consider joining her mailing list.

I have also continued to sew and donate face masks. I was listed, as one of many local businesses, on The City of Santa Monica’s blog where locals can buy face masks, hand sanitizer, and personal protective equipment. This resource is also listed through Buy Local Santa Monica. A friend and former colleague, Cheryl, helped me sew some masks to donate to the Venice Family Clinic. In total, I donated 60 face masks to their clinic. This month I will continue to donate face masks to The People Concern, a non-profit focused on “address[ing] the effects of homelessness, poverty, mental and physical illness, abuse, and addiction.” The face masks will help protect front line staff providing essential services, non-medical, and clients. These individuals are part of many of their programs in LA County, such as their drop in center in Santa Monica, outreach teams, and interim housing facilities. So far, I have donated 32 masks and will be taking a second batch, that my mom helped sew, to The People Concern next week. I am making a slow but sure dent in the 35-pound box of fabric I received last month, from Julie, owner of The Sewing Arts Center, after writing my last blog. The month of May also marked a year since I graduated from Loyola Marymount University and the beginning of what would turn out to be a transition from traditional classroom teaching to pursuing a creative career.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read my post. I appreciate your continued support of my business. You are instrumental in helping me follow my dreams and passion. Your support also allows me to give back to those in my community, which means the world to me. I will continue to listen, learn, grow, and advocate for black lives and other marginalized groups and hope that you will do the same.

Love,

Michelle

Linked Resources Listed in Blog

• Women’s Clinic Counseling Center

• Black Lives Matter Los Angeles

• The Women’s Center for Creative Work

• Black Girls Surf | Go Fund Me and Instagram

  • Surfing in Solidarity on KTLA News Video

  • Bay Street Beach/Inkwell Beach History

  • Nick Galbadón

• Adding Voices | Flavia Zuniga-West

• The City of Santa Monica PPE Blog Post | Buy Local Santa Monica

• Venice Family Clinic

• The People Concern

• Sewing Arts Santa Monica