It has been some very confusing and frustrating times these past few weeks during the social unrest and pandemic.
It’s like, can it get any worse?
I have also been hesitant to blog because I am all about supporting and not being ‘tone deaf’ to what is going on in the world.
I truly believe its kind of insensitive to be promoting products and posting selfies and seeing influencers market their makeup kits etc. I totally get that people have families to feed and they do rely on their online businesses to stay afloat. We need to be empathetic to them too.
Many of us have watched on the sidelines watching the protests happening feeling helpless and wondering, ‘how can I play my part?’ to help a group of people who are consistently discriminated against? How can I help the black community?
As an African-American woman seeing the images I see on my social media feed is heartbreaking. To sit back and not do something that can contribute to my community makes me feel shameful.
However, I’m a believer of taking smart, strategic action. As a woman, I do not think it is my duty to be on the frontlines and put myself in danger on the streets. I believe the men should be fighting for our cause and protecting us.
I do appreciate however the women who do put their lives at risk and protest on the frontlines.
To implement real change out best bet is to contribute our dollars to the communities that need them most right now, black businesses.
There are many brands that are donating a generous percentage to movements that support Black Lives Matter and the victims of families who’ve lost a loved one to Police brutality.
If you’re like me, you want to contribute in a way that is safe and still has a positive lasting effect to help continue these movements and to help bring justice to the families and the communities that matter.
Here are several brands that are donating a portion or all of their sales to these movements that you can purchase from and your purchase will help towards these causes. Not to mention, you get something in return, so not only do you get to treat yourself, you get to help as well.

Sken Essentials is a female/black owned brand with quality skin care products for women and men of color. Sken prides themselves in providing top quality skincare products with safe ingredients.
When you shop at skenessentials.com using code Melynated15 at checkout, 10% of the sales will go towards the BLM movement. You will also receive 15% off your first purchase as a thank you for helping out.
Juice By Indigo:

Juice by indigo is also another minority owned skin care line with an amazing face serum that helps fight hyperpigmentation. They are donating 15% of all sales to movements that support black communities.
You can get 15% off as a thank you using code “JuicyMuse”.
Fenty Beauty

The one and only Rhianna is donating to the Black Lives Matter movement. They are donating an undisclosed amount from all sales.
BrioGeo

This clean and conscious hair care brand is a proud black owned company supporting communities of color.

Nyakio Beauty has spoken out and supported on their social media pages and is definitely a brand to be supporting.