Put Your Money Where the Movement Is
Power of the Purse
If you have Purchasing Power, why not avoid companies which profit from systems of oppression? Why not support entrepreneurs and self-starters? As a personal policy, I try to buy from a woman of color owned operation (woman OR POC owned is also acceptable), but also recognize that my grocery choices could incorporate more local ownership (I love Costco). Most of all, I try to be conscious of where I want to avoid. There are places I absolutely will NOT spend money at all. There are brands I try to avoid like the plague. There are also organizations and individuals that I want to get donations to, and brands I am buying from.
Organizations
I try to donate to organizations that have a message I can get behind.
Centered around creating campaigns for change, this organization leverages the power of the people to place pressure on individuals and companies in the pursuit of racial justice. By leveraging their network, the organization is able to shift dynamics to empower communities of color.
An essential aspect of economic empowerment is granting people the tools to participate in the workforce. This organization provides an opportunity for young women of color to learn to code, allowing to compete in a white male dominated field.
From my hometown of San Francisco, and working in partnership with my own school district, this organization provides wraparound support for Black students. AAALI promotes access to STEM learning, ensuring students are on track to graduate, and promotes access to college preparedness.
This organization provides fresh produce and nutrients to historically denied communities. As a big fan of food justice, I try to engage with organizations that provide food security, as it is an essential part of true justice.
Check Out these Businesses!
Owned by a Bronx based mother, Melanated Birthright sells custom bonnets and masks. The mother daughter duet is also working on their first children's book "Black Girls Birthright", which will launch in the Winter of 2020.
Galore Style believes that by creating clarity and order in your space and in the way you feel about yourself, you free your mind and time to focus on what’s important to you in your life. The buisness works to provide clients with peace of mind by organizing and styling a variety of spaces.
Full service upscale florist located in Laurel Heights, San Francisco for everyday florals, weddings & events. This flower shop provides quality bouquets while also leveraging their platform to address the social issues of today.
Fleurt Style
Chloe believes the main objective of any personal shopping experience is to discover the clothing and accessories which best represent yourself. Using her cunning sense of fashion, and her savvy smarts, Chloe ensembles outfits for any and all occasions.
Where not to buy
I try to avoid these companies
Amazon
This company does not allow workers to unionize and has well documented abusive practices, has a partnership with DHS to share information on undocumented immigrants, produces a lot of waste.
Goya
Seeing Trump pose with Goya products soured the taste of their beans forever.
Uber
A recognized playground for misogynistic tech bros, ever since the company implemented surge pricing during the travel ban, I have been a Lyft girl.
Whole Foods
Prevented employees from wearing BLM masks and is owned by Amazon.
Questionable Companies
These companies invest in and profit from systems of oppression. In my life I have spent money on them. Moving forward I am encouraging myself and others to avoid at all costs.
Companies that Contract with ICE
GitHub
Dell
Microsoft
Motorola
Amazon
General Dynamics
CoreCiviv
Canon
Deloitte
Palantir
The GEO group
UPS
Hewelet Packard
Salesforce
Products that Use Prison Labor
Bounty paper towels
Tampax tampons
Swifer Wet Jet products
Old Spice products
Gillette razors
Venus razors
Oral-B products
Gatorade
Ocean Spray Juices
Slim Jim
Reddi-Wip
Marie Calendars Meals
Aunt Jemima
Kid Cuisine
Advile
Emergen-C
Nuvaring
Band-aid
Companies that donate to Trump
Shell Oil
Soul Cycle
Marvel Entertainment
Bubba Gump Shrimp and Joe's Crab Shack
Nathan's Famous
Estee Lauder
New Balance
AT&T
Bank of America
Goya Foods
Home Depot
Taco Bell
Revlon
L.L Bean