From music industry life, to #MomLife. I'm all about documenting my adventures in modern motherhood, while running an award-winning music blog (Grimy Goods). I had no idea my public leap into motherhood would launch a new brand and blog, but it did. So here I am, sharing scenes from my family's life through video, photography and #RealTalk. We love music, travel, camping, and exploring our vibrant city of Los Angeles.
How do you do?
Influencers speak up on Black Lives Matter and the importance of conversations around race, racism and resistance
Influencers — we love them, we don’t love them. We love their genuine product recommendations, the way some make us laugh, and their gorgeous photography that inspire our next vacation. We don’t love the vapid sponsored-post-after-sponsored post, and the overly cheery confections they constantly serve us. Wherever you stand, influencers have platforms that can reach and educate people. And right now, they’re changing the way they create and share content.
In the wake of the brutal slaying of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African-American man who was killed by Minneapolis police officers (Derek Chauvin in particular) while under arrest after a deli employee accused Floyd of buying cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill — Black Lives Matter protests have been demonstrating all over the U.S., and the world.
People are showing the fu*k up. Not just in physical form, but all over social media. Brands and huge corporations like Netflix and Live Nation are showing their support for Black Lives; as are celebrities, musicians, public figures, bloggers & influencers.
While I do take part in occasional sponsored posts, I do not identify as an influencer. I built my name over 12 years ago as a music blogger for my first blog Grimy Goods. I am aware of my two Instagrams (@grimydiapers and @grimygoods) and the effect they have on my audiences. I have always used my music blog’s Instagram as a voice for more than just cool music. I’m no stranger to dipping into social issues, racism and politics, and I have brought that full transparency (aka #RealTalk) to my personal Instagram @grimydiapers. I’ve been trolled, I’ve been criticized, I’ve been praised, I’ve been educated — it’s all part of having an audience.
My skin is brown. I am first generation, daughter of immigrants. Despite the injustices myself and my parents have experienced, I have passing-white privilege. I was recently educated on this. My daughter is fair-skinned with blue eyes. There were times during those hazy postpartum days where I actually questioned if she was mine. “Wait, she popped out of my vagina,” I would remind myself. “She is my child.”
She is my child and it is my duty to teach her the importance of race, racism and being anti-racist. She is extremely aware of our different colored skin tones, why I’m not her color, why nana (my mother) is not the same color as gaga (my husband’s mother). She knows we are different. Even though she is not even 3-years-old, I have always had conversations with her explaining why our skin tones are different. I constantly tell her how lucky she is and that other children don’t have the same toys, foods, home, and experiences as she does. My mother raised me this same way; to be aware of my privilege while showing compassion.
It’s a very challenging topic to talk to my daughter about especially since she is so young and has been taught that all skin tones are beautiful and why some of her family have different colors; however, it is not enough. My husband and I will continue to teach her about race and racism, while being mindful about our every day actions and how she absorbs them. Our children are like sponges, they absorb every bit of us, especially when we think they’re not paying attention.
While I educate myself and my family, I also need to educate my audience. I have platforms, and you best believe I use them for the greater good: and that includes Black Lives Matter, sharing black stories, sharing black music and more. After sharing my first post in support of George Floyd and Black Lives Matter, I had hoped to have seen more movement amongst my Instagram community, but many were still silent.
I’m moved and inspired to see so may influencers and content creators genuinely supporting Black Lives Matter. I’m not talking about those that are being vague and failing to mention the very important words that need to be said, that need to be heard loud and clear.
My heart is warmed by those of you sharing, educating and not tipy-toeing around the words that need to be mentioned when you’re trying to show your support: Black Lives Matter, George Floyd, police brutality, anti-racism, Breonna Taylor, Ahmuad Arbery, Christian Cooper … Merely sharing some “injustice” artwork without addressing the key words that need to be mentioned to truly understand and support Black Lives — is just another ride on the bandwagon.
Below are some of my favorite influencers, bloggers, content creators and public figures who I actively follow and whom have showed their genuine support for Black Lives. They are fighting the good fight, they’re educating others, they’re seeking to be educated. I urge you to follow these humans. They have all brought some happiness to my digital life, and in-person life.
Also, if you need help on how to talk to your kids about race, racism and beyond, I can’t recommend enough The Conscious Kid. They are doing great work. Follow them, donate to their Patreon and share them.
