#BlackLivesMatter

Rowand’s Reef condemns the brutal killing of George Floyd by police officers in the United States, and stands in solidarity with Black communities in the USA, Canada, and around the world. 

We stand in solidarity with those who have lost loved ones to racist attacks and police brutality. We stand in solidarity with those who live in fear daily, subject to the racist, violent structures and institutions which dominate our society and obstruct equity or justice. We stand in solidarity with communities, families, and individuals who are dehumanised and othered for the colour of their skin. We condemn racism wherever and however it occurs.

At Rowand’s Reef we are speaking out and supporting the members of our Black community. As a local Vancouver business who cares deeply about our community, we maintain a policy of inclusion and diversity. We know that every business and every individual has the power to be part of the solution. We are continuing to pursue ideas and to actively contribute to a better, safer future for our team, our customers, and our entire community. If there is anything we can do to consolidate and demonstrate our support, we welcome your suggestions and look forward to working together to make Rowand’s Reef a more equitable, fair, and supportive organisation.

As the trail-blazing Black activist and academic Angela Davis said, “In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist. We must be anti-racist.” In that vein, we have compiled some resources for us all to engage with. We particularly encourage white people to click the below links, but non-Black people of colour may find them useful as well. 

Where to Donate

• Minnesota Freedom Fund (Donate here)

• The Bail Project (Donate here)

• Campaign Zero (Donate here)

• Reclaim the Block (Donate here)

8 Non-Monetary Acts of Support (that work from anywhere in the world)

1. Be actively involved in the conversations circulating social media by sharing Black experiences and Anti-racist resources to spread awareness

2. Educate yourself beyond the hashtags (racism doesn't stop when the news stops trending)

3. Research and learn publicly, specifically the consequences of White Privilege, Anti-Blackness, Colorblindness, Micro-Aggressions, White Supremacy, Appropriation, and silence

4. Remember that racism and oppression aren't exclusively American problems, they happen worldwide

5. Refrain from sharing graphic videos of Black Individuals or People of Color being murdered without warning

6. Sign petitions and register to vote

7. If you are a White Person, speak up (Silence is an immense privilege, one that acts in direct service to upholding the system of white supremacy)

8. If you are a White Person, pay attention to your white experience

Books to Read

• "Freedom Is a Constant Struggle" by Angela Davis

• "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

• "Born a Crime" by Trevor Noah

• "British Museum" by Daljit Nagra

• "Beloved" by Toni Morrison

• "Noname in the Streets" by James Baldwin

• "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Mary Angelou

Podcasts to Listen to

• 1619 by the New York Times (Listen here)

• About Race (Listen here)

• Momentum: a Race Forward Podcast (Listen here)

• The Diversity Gap (Listen here)

Free Resources to Read and Access

• Template For Employer Accountability by Rachel Elizabeth Cargle (Access here)

• "Making America White Again" by Toni Morrison (Read here)

• "How to Make this Moment the Turning Point for Real Change" by Barack Obama (Read here)

• "I, Too" by Langston Hughes (Read here)

• "Nothing to Add: An Excerpt from Understanding and Dismantling Privilege" by Robin Diangelo (Read here)

• "Why you Need to Stop Saying 'All Lives Matter" by Rachel Elizabeth Cargle (Read here)

Books to Share with Children

• "My People" by Langston Hughes

• "Homemade Love" by bell hooks

• "Momma, Did You Hear the News" by Sanya Whitaker Gragg

• "We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices" edited by Wade Hudson & Cheryl Willis Hudson

• "Shades of Black" by Sandra L. Pinkney & Myles C. Pinkney

• "Not My Idea" by Anastasia Higginbotham

Videos to Watch

• 13th (Stream on Netflix)

• If Beale Street Could Talk (Stream on Hulu)

• I am Not Your Negro (Rent on YouTube)

• The Hate U Give (Stream on Hulu)

• See You Yesterday (Stream on Netflix)

At Rowand’s Reef we will not observe silently. We stand in solidarity. We will educate to unite as one against these systemic injustices, and work towards creating a more peaceful world. #BlackLivesMatter #EducationForChange