From the desk of Meridian Integrative Wellness founder, Jessica Hill Powell
NBC-HWC, RYT-200, Integrative Health Coach
To our beloved community,
"Business as usual" is officially cancelled. Yes, at some point I'll drop back into your inbox with some useful health-related information. But for now, protests, riots and police brutality continue to amplify in our hometown of Louisville, KY and across the nation. I recognize that my voice isn't the one you need to hear right now, because I don't have any answers. The voices you need to hear right now are those of black female activists, artists, parents who need YOUR help and support through action.
If you're a white person and are not sure what to do to help support racial justice, please understand that you can begin to make an impact in these very simple ways:
Easy Action Steps
​Educate yourself. This doesn't mean direct messaging black teachers, asking them for resources, or asking them to tell you how you can help. Buy their books and resources. Listen deeply to what is being said in their posts; those are completely free and are a gift to help you understand better what's needed and what you can do. You can start by following these Instagram accounts, and digging deep:
@ckyourprivilege
@rachel.cargle
@sonyareneetaylor
@theconsciouskid
***Check out the Activism & Allyship Guide that references work from activists and experts in antiracism. It was put together by the Black Employee Resource Group at Airbnb and it's so thorough! I was going to attempt putting together something similar but this gem landed in my inbox yesterday. Share it and use it. Thank you Airbnb Black Employee Resource Group for your hard work on this!
​Participate in protests. The goal is to use your white privelege to amplify the voices of black activists.
- Bring ID, cash in small bills, mask + gloves
- Use a sharpie on your arms to write important phone numbers and what to do in case of detainment.
- Forgetful? Sharpie your parking location on your arm too. Make a plan in case you're separated from the folks you go with.
- Bring a scarf. Because tear gas.
​Deliver supplies like water and food to those who are out there fighting day in and day out.
​Donate to the cause. There are people out there doing the exhausting work of protesting for racial justice in Louisville. If you're not willing or able to protest yourself, follow @blmlouisville and donate to the Louisville Community Bail Fund.
In the words of Desmond Tutu, "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor." Please do what you can to help.
All the best,
| Jessica Hill Powell, NBC-HWC, RYT-200 Founder + Health Coach at Meridian Integrative Wellness |
P.S. We should talk...
We should talk if you're wondering if health coaching could be helpful. Will it help you get to where you want to go, given your unique set of challenging circumstances? Do you really need it? Or do you possibly need something else? Click here to schedule a discovery call. We'll discuss your goals and find out if coaching will best serve you. The call is free with no obligation.
