DEAR COLLECTIVE, CHECK YOUR PRIVILEGE!

Dear Collective and Changemakers,

These last couple of days truly call for our attention (finally!) and to be able to reach out with our entire heart filled with true compassion we all need to check our privilege. What do you actually know about injustice?

Our vision is to change the world with style and we can’t think of anything more stylish than solidarity. Everything we do is based on the human rights and we are dedicated to walk our talk by taking action. If you ever consider asking us why we as a fashion label are getting in to this topic called 'black lives matter' the answer is easy: this topic is everyone's. The violence we see on the streets today is ours. Cornelia Sun is statement pieces with patterns that speak about equality for all. Memories from our global sisters are embedded in each print and while wearing your particular garment you are co-creating the future. The revolution we see now will be one of the most important chapters of all time and we believe consciousness will lead the way. When you wardrobe speaks, people will listen and we believe it is our damn responsibility (both as business owners and as a human being) to learn more about #whitesupremacy and what it upholds – because who else but us can change it?

And let's be honest, my sister and I are no experts what so ever in this particular context since we both are born white. Yes. In other words that usually mean; born privileged. For example, non of us has ever got condescending comments due to the color of our skin and non of us has ever experienced that someone has by-passin us on the street because they seemed to feel we were a threat. We have never found it difficult to buy make-up and when we switch on our TV there are always people like ourselves represented. These are just a few example of the privilege we are born into and several others can be seen. This might not come as a surprise, but we bring it up to exemplify our own situation and also because it feels a little uncomfortable to say out loud since it is so unfair knowing that it's not for everyone. Maybe it can enable you to do the same? Admit to yourself what your reality looks like and compare it with others. Dare to tap into this (perhaps) new area of discussion and start to really listening. We can´t go another day in pretending everything is ok just because we do not know what to say or what to do. We can´t be silent just because we are afraid of saying something "wrong" or harmful. The truth is we probably will, but then we must stop referring to our intentions and instead re-learn and aim for impact. And how can this be done? Through the art of listening. Through education. We will dedicate ourselves to learn more about the history that has led us to what we see today. The result of oppression against black people and systematic injustice. We know it´s a privilege in itself to educate ourselves about racism instead of experiencing it. We are humble knowing this fact and mindfully listening. Keeping our hearts open for heartbreaking stories, for angry desperate voices and for tired souls who have been experiencing injustice for waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay TOO long.

Black lives matter – and it is up to all of us to make it reality.

So, don´t move on with your life like it is right. The voice within you that says "this is not okay" is direct call from the basic goodness of your spirit and you need to pic it up. Every. Single. Time. We need to pic it up. And then, stay in line until you figure out how to help.

Check your privilege. Look around. Look within. Listening. If there are uprisings in your area, join them. Some are protesting in the streets, some are donating, some are having tough conversations with friends and family. Google, read anti-racism authors, listen to podcasts, dive into interviews, articles and videos. A revolution has many layers and we are all traveling in the same direction, together in solidarity. Use your privilege, voice, body and presence to show the world that the responsibility to end this violence is OURS. Education is key.

✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼✊🏻

Here are some resources we are learning from right now:

@thegreatunlearn
@diveinwell
@chnge
@thecobsciouskid
@rachel.cargle
@blacknationapp
@ckyourprivilege
@shiftingtheculture
@blacklivesmattersweden
@action4humanity_se
@themanacho

BOOKS / AUTHORS

"Me and White Supremacy" by Layla F. Saad

"Between the world and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates
"The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison
"So You Want to Talk About Race" by Ijeoma Oluo

FILMS
"13th" Netflix

"When They See Us" Netflix

"I Am Not Your Negro" Amazon Prime Video

"Slavery by Another Name" PBS

PODCATS

"Code Switch" (NPR)

"1619" (New York Times)

"About Race" Reni Eddo-Lodge
"Raseriet" (Amie & Fanna)

AND FOR THE LITTLE ONES WITH FUTURE GREAT IMPACT....

We know it is time to speak up, but for the rest ot this week we will remain silent on IG to be able to truly listening and let the important voices being heard in our BIPOC community. Meanwhile, we encourage you to do the work with us and keep your foot on the gas.
Unlearn. Relearn. Show up, do better. Dare to care. This is a first step to become more active and informed.

We understand that we will never understand – however, we stand.

# b l a c k l i v e s m a t t e r

(a friendly reminder: don´t use this hashtag in social media since it blocks important messages)

hope is being sent, change is coming – with compassion

❤

Lisa and Julia, sisters and co-founders of Cornelia Sun Collective

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