As a brand that celebrates people above all, we stand with the black community against injustice.
The Citizenry was founded to build bridges – to connect perspectives, cultures, and individuals from around the globe. During this time of divide and unrest, we are learning just how important it is to extend that mission to be better allies to the black community.
As a first step, change starts with acknowledging our privilege and then, listening. Truly listening.
With that in mind, we are pausing all email and social media content this week. We want to amplify voices more important than our own – the voices of black activists and leaders.
In particular, we hope to highlight the underrepresented voices of black artists – the painters, musicians, writers, and sculptors who are creating beauty and places of connection in this time of divide. Their work is often marginalized in the design industry, and moving forward, we want to do our part in advancing their stories and perspectives.
We are committed to learning - and actively unlearning. We are committed to owning our mistakes and being a part of the solution. We are committed to donating – our team is supporting the NAACP legal defense and educational fund. And simply put - we are committed to doing better.
Here’s where we’re starting - and we hope you’ll join us.
Image Credit: Quentin Monge
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ORGANIZATIONS TO SUPPORT
HOME BRANDS TO EXPLORE
BOOKS TO READ
I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo, PhD
How To Be An Antiracist by Dr. Ibram X. Kend
So You Want to Talk about Race by Ijeoma Oluo
ARTISTS TO INSPIRE
RESOURCES TO LISTEN & WATCH
An encouragement...
To all those who take us up on listening and learning with the resources above, thank you. We’ll end on one request and reminder: it's still our responsibility to educate ourselves.
Listen with humility. Follow on social media. Contribute financially to the work. If you have questions (which we’re sure there are many!), it’s on us to fill in our own knowledge gaps. Let’s try not to overwhelm these resources with additional requests for information and explanation during this time.
Image Credits (left to right): Kenesha Sneed, James Perkins Studio, Quentin Monge, Lolly Lolly Ceramics, Black Pepper Paperie Co., Alexandra Elle, Morgan Harper Nichols, Tracy Hervie, Rayo & Honey, Not Work Related, & Johanna Howard Home