These are the Brands, Retailers and Publishers Standing Against Racism

Here at Carryology, we have many goals that we set for ourselves. And one of those goals is shining a light on brands that operate ethically. For us, this goes beyond fair wages and sustainable practices – it’s also about sharing core values, to make positive change.

And this week, in solidarity with the protests against institutional racism and police conduct, after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, the Carry Community took to their platforms with a unified voice: Black Lives Matter.

There were many layers of support given: staff joining protests, shared resources, pledged donations, pausing and taking time to listen, and plans to change content, policies and hiring practices.

It was a moving moment, with plenty more work to do. And although this is just a fragment of what was an overwhelming show of support globally, we thought we’d take the time to commend the brands, publishers and retailers bravely making a stand.

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Brands

Outlier

“Match us if you can, any $# you can afford. https://minnesotafreedomfund.org/donate“

GORUCK

“To be straightforward — we support non-violent protestors, and we support our Law Enforcement Officers. Both, and politics be damned. We believe in equality, and the rule of law. We abhor racism and believe that diversity is strength. We believe in the America of Lincoln and Dr. Martin Luther King and W.E.B Du Bois — and in the idea that it is never wrong to do the right thing.

Non-violent protests are a cornerstone of our democracy and our way of life, and we support them. We take great pride as Americans in seeing NYPD, Michigan, and North Carolina Officers kneel in solidarity with protesters. It’s not weakness to cross lines, it’s strength. We all have a choice to make, not only in what we do but in what we allow to happen. Now is the time to stand up for what is right. We hope you hear that call, and that you answer it.”

Western Rise

“As a business with a mission to elevate lives, we are sickened. Every person should be able to pursue life without fear and without limits, regardless of the color of their skin. We must do better.

At the end of the day, we know actions speak louder than words. In that spirit, we are stepping up and making a donation to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. We are committed to continuing to strive toward a better future together. Black lives matter. Full stop.”

bagjack

“To be perfectly honest, I’m not a huge fan of brands getting political – it rarely feels honest. However, despite certain groups trying to turn it into a “Who’s camp are you supporting?” question, this issue isn’t even a political one. ANYONE with common sense MUST stand against police brutality and racism. Posting a black picture to show solidarity is a no-brainer, and hopefully the global wave of protests can finally lead to some long overdue change. BLM & Stay strong”

Black Ember

“Our family extends across the globe to the many people who have supported us over the years. If you are looking for ideas on how to contribute today on #blackouttuesday two that we contribute to are: @southernpovertylawcenter and @aclu_nationwide
Today we add & financially support @bgcsf doing good work for kids in our city #SanFrancisco.”

Black Diamond

#blackouttuesday

DEFY Bags

“DEFY RACISM.”

Osprey

“At our core, we are steadfast in our resolve to leave our world better than we found it. Because of that, we’re choosing not to stay silent on the events of this past week and our nation’s long history of systemic racism. We believe there is simply no place for hatred in our communities, in our outdoor spaces—anywhere in the world, period. We stand with the black community to condemn senseless deaths and injustices that permeate all facets of our society.

We realize sharing our beliefs is a small step, and we’re pushing ourselves to do better. Better starts with listening more and developing an evolving action plan. Starting today, we plan to use our platform for good and to ensure BIPOC voices are heard—that means giving them a platform to speak about experiences, better representing people of color through all of our stories and diversifying the non-profits we partner with to better support our core values.”

Topo Designs

“Many of you have asked how we’re showing our support, because solidarity means more than speaking out on social media. The first thing we’re doing is listening and learning. We have a long ways to go, but we are committed to this road that leads to being a more informed and responsive ally. That’s why we’ve partnered with @camberoutdoors so we can grow into the best company we can be. We’re also supporting with donations to @naacp_ldf on a national level, Colorado Black Health Collaborative on a local level, as well as matching employee contributions up to $1000 per employee. We will keep looking for ways to do our part in making the outdoors and elsewhere safe for everyone, starting with looking at ourselves.”

3sixteen

“As a company that has placed a priority on speaking our minds and taking a stance on issues of injustice since our inception, we knew that it was important to say something, but we just didn’t know what. We also recognize this to be a marathon, not a sprint. We’ve been researching organizations that we want to support and that we want to point you towards, but that takes time. We didn’t want to be hasty, and we also didn’t want to simply post something for the sake of posting. Our aim is to work towards sustainable and lasting change. We want to be in this fight for the long haul.”

Tortuga

“BLACK LIVES MATTER. Tortuga stands in solidarity with our Black customers and the Black community.”

Bellroy

“From our base in Australia, we feel far from our American friends – Black Americans, particularly – right now. But we stand with you as closely as we possibly can. Our country is not without its own racial scars, and plenty of fresh wounds. But right now, this is about you.⁠
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We’ve been trying to figure out what to say, while feeling that nothing we say will ever be enough. So, we just have to start talking. We have to force ourselves to say hard things and have uncomfortable conversations. About race. About injustice. About why or how it could ever be a question that Black. Lives. Matter.⁠
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While we’re a diverse global business, we are predominantly white. And privileged. That feels uncomfortable to say, but discomfort is where we have to sit. To figure out what we can do to help. Properly. ⁠Words, without purpose, are cheap. ⁠And intentions, without actions, are useless.⁠
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So, the first action we’re taking, is educating ourselves. Reading, listening. Then asking questions and having conversations. Holding ourselves accountable to the idea that this current state of reckoning is horrifyingly overdue. Because in this time when everything is so uncertain, there is one thing certain: Black lives matter. ⁠Listen with intention. Act with conviction. And, together, make it right.⁠”

You could start (but not stop) reading, here:⁠
The Fire Next Time – James Baldwin⁠
Race – Toni Morrison⁠
Between the world and me – Ta-Nehisi Coates⁠
⁠
With more time, move on to these:⁠
Why I no longer talk to white people about race – Reni Eddo-Lodge ⁠
White Fragility – Robin DiAngelo⁠
Women, Race, Class – Angela Y. Davis⁠
Me and White Supremacy – Layla F. Saad⁠
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When you are ready to dive deep, try this:⁠
Racecraft – Karen E. Fields and Barbara J. Fields ⁠
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If you’re better with podcasts, digest these:⁠
Code Switch ⁠
Serial, Season 3⁠
This American Life, episodes 487,488⁠
In The Dark, Season 2⁠
⁠
Or documentaries, these:⁠
13TH ⁠
The Central Park Five⁠

Burton

“We stand in solidarity with the Black community. We are listening. We will commit to making an impact on dismantling systemic racism. We are ready and willing to admit where we’ve come up short and commit to what we can do better.

We know that change doesn’t happen through words alone. Right now, we’re donating $100,000 to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (@naacp_ldf) with more long-term action to come. Take a stand by demanding accountability and/or donating now. #BlackLivesMatter“

Faherty

“Hi friends… if you don’t know what to do right now, here are ways to help: (1) GIVE money: link to black lives matter in bio. Also support bail project funds in cities where there are protest, (2) SPEAK: speak and decry against racism where you see it, (3) LEARN: if you’re having a hard time understanding the anger or feeling defensive, it’s important to read more on the systemic issues that caused this. Follow @thegreatunlearn or @privtoprog as a start. (4) SUPPORT: send money to your black friends who are hurting or buy from black business owners. We need a radical mixed racial revolution.

To our white community, let’s show up and be instruments for positive change. Team Faherty is coordinating our financial donations this week, so know we’ll be putting money where our mouth is. We love you. Slide by @rachel.cargle @thegreatunlearn #blacklivesmatter“

Filson

“Silence. It’s something we actively seek out. On river beds at dawn. In deer stands in the cold woods. But sometimes, silence speaks volumes. In light of this weekend’s events and the injustices committed against black, brown, and indigenous communities carried out by institutions of power for generations, it’s time to speak up. We stand in solidarity against racism. We don’t claim to have all the answers. We know there’s plenty of work to be done, and that’s something we’ve never shied away from. Silence is no longer an option. Standing together and lifting our voices against hate is just the first step of a long road to bring about change.

Words ring hollow without action. Filson has made donations to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (@naacp_ldf) and the Washington chapter of the ACLU (@acluwa). We encourage everyone to look into local organizations, engage with their own communities and stick together. #BlackLivesMatter“

Hill City

“Instead of spending your money with us, we ask that you join us and spend it contributing to change. Spend it speaking up for the voices that aren’t heard and help to amplify the message. And most importantly, spend it standing in solidarity with our Black brothers and sisters. We can only be better, together.”

JOSHUVELA

“For change. We believe we need to start at the very beginning with the first step. Be honest with ourselves and acknowledge that racism is a cruel system in America, a nation built on a foundation of exploitation and slavery. And that culture has not changed very much. But we DO NOT need to stay this way. After acknowledgment and true honesty, the next steps any of us can take are within our abilities that can make change. We can do anti-racist work daily.

For example,
— Take personal responsibility for our daily eduction. Get out of your comfort zone by reading a book or watching films about Black histories and other cultures you may not know about.
— Speak up at your workplace to help enact diversity hiring quotas that are ongoing and for positions of power.
— We grew up with high school text books that had false histories within them. Help your (or your kids) high school to buy history books that tell the full truths of Black people in American history.

These may sound like simple or small things to do however it can dangerous to skip the beginning steps and focus solely on the big ideas. There are many other steps we can take as well. Understanding leads to empathy and action. Small steps add up to bigger strides. Black Lives Matter. We are fully in support of everyone doing the work, protesting, speaking out, for change.”

lululemon

“Thank you for all of your thoughts as we continue this important conversation about the systemic inequity, racism and oppression faced by the Black community. Black lives matter.

Our words have power. And we know they are not enough. We need to take action. You’ll find our first three commitments above. And you’ll see more from us over the coming weeks and months.

We also know that our community cares about justice, equity, safety, and holds each other to the highest standards. We’re asking you to join us on this journey. We’ve included some actions you can take. Please add to these lists. This is just the start of what we need to do. #blacklivesmatter“

Merrell

“We believe the outdoors is for everyone. No matter who you are, where you came from, who you love or how you move, we should all be able to safely enjoy the power of being outside, or wherever life takes us. We recognize that not everyone has the privilege to get outside safely and without fear. There is a problem and we will not stay silent. We stand with everyone advocating for justice today and every day. There are simple ways to take action such as furthering your knowledge around systemic issues, taking less than one minute to text “FLOYD” to 55156, or signing this petition to bring #justiceforgeorge: https://www.change.org/p/mayor-jacob-frey-justice-for-george-floyd”

Arc’teryx

“We have stayed silent for too long.⁣ There is systemic racism haunting the communities we love. We felt as though an Instagram post without action couldn’t meaningfully address this systemic problem – but we realize that an issue this entrenched must be named, and we must speak up.⁣
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This has been a humbling process for us. As a business and as an industry we haven’t always gotten it right, and have a long way to go. We are committed to taking action to change, no matter how long it takes. ⁣
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Racism, injustice and violence need to stop. We stand in solidarity with black lives in communities around the world.⁣
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We marvel at the strength of joining together to confront injustice, and will use our voice to seek justice where we live, work, and play. We promote the positive power of humans to be problems solvers. We will educate whenever and wherever we can. We commit to ensuring that every single human feels at home in everything we do. ⁣
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The outdoors is for everyone. This world is for everyone. We cannot stop until every person is welcomed equally.⁣ #BlackLivesMatter“

Outerknown

“As a brand, we do everything we can for People and Planet, and we can’t stay silent on this issue. So many people have poured their hearts into the streets, into protests and petitions, into calling for change — for justice and equality — NOW. We hear you loud and clear. It’s up to all of us — individuals, brands, and communities — to take responsibility, acknowledge racism, learn, ask, speak up, get involved, and protect one another.
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As one surfer said yesterday, as we got out of the water in Santa Monica after a paddle out for George Floyd, “We’re in it together. ALL of us.” We will continue to use our platform to amplify messages of unity and be a force for good. If you are protesting, please do so safely and peacefully.
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“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin or his background or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” – Nelson Mandela #ForPeopleAndPlanet“

Patagonia

“We join with those who call out the name of George Floyd in sorrow and anger against the systemic racism that pervades our land. We stand in solidarity with African Americans and people of color, including those among our colleagues and their families. And we call on business to work with government and civil society to address racism. We know that we have work to do. ⁠⠀
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Environmental and social justice are inextricably linked and we all must address the intersection of people and planet and the core inequalities in our society. Patagonia remains deeply committed to saving our planet and a world where everyone has access to clean air, water, land, and a healthy community. Since 2016, we have dedicated over $4M to increasing support and attention to grassroots groups in frontline communities who are often hardest hit not only by racial injustice, but also the climate crisis, environmental pollution, and now the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, we are making a $100,000 donation to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Tomorrow, and in the weeks to follow, we will intensify our efforts to ensure that voting, the most basic civil right we have, is safe for everyone. ⁠⠀
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Through our Action Works platform, we also encourage our community to learn more about the environmental justice and voter-turnout groups Patagonia supports. And we will continue engaging with our partners and grantees in communities of color to learn how we can best support them. We are committing to not only being more aware of racism and social injustice all around us but actively doing something about it. ⁠⠀
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Nonviolent activism pushes progress. We have work to do.⁠ #BlackLivesMatter“

Peak Design

“Businesses need to speak up. They cannot be silent while another black person is killed in America.⁠⠀
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We just made a donation to @aclu_nationwide, @naacp, and @splcenter. Those donations are not some sort of magic fix for deeply ingrained and systematic racism, but they do help put resources into the hands of those who fight day in and day out for racial and social justice. It is a start.”⁠⠀

Aer

“Black lives matter. We stand with black America and against the systemic racism in our country. We encourage everyone to listen, learn, and love.” 

DSPTCH

“It’s not business as usual. The injustices endured by the Black community are real and unequivocally wrong. For our next release of face coverings, we will be donating all proceeds to @naacp_ldf.”

The North Face

“We know and acknowledge that for too long, racism has made the world unequal and unsafe. We recognize the pain and suffering racism has caused and are making a commitment to be part of the solution. We are standing up, because we owe it to everyone affected, ourselves and you.”

KEEN

“We’ve taken the last couple of days to listen to Black voices and collect our thoughts. We’ve been educating ourselves. In times like this, we prefer to do that.⁣
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17 years ago we created KEEN to inspire people to live with no ceiling. All people.⁣ ⁣The treatment of the Black Community in America over the past 400 years and the most recent murder of George Floyd is evidence of how far we have to go.⁣
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Racism is systemic and starts with us. We will continue to work with existing and new partners to make it possible for everyone to live with no ceiling. First, diversity in our workforce. Second, diversity in our communication materials. Third, continued support to organizations working to fix systemic racism. ⁣
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We will use our platform to continue to speak out and share others’ voices. Black Lives Matter”

Danner

“Over the past several days we’ve been listening, and we’ve been learning. We are filled with sorrow by the killing of George Floyd and join in solidarity with his family, friends and the Black community. We realize we haven’t done enough, and we want to help in the fight against racism and social injustice toward people of color. Change starts from within, and we will focus on education and action in our company and community. Starting today, we are matching employee donations to Urban League of Portland @ulpdx and Self Enhancement, Inc @official_sei. We invite you to join us. Direct message us with a receipt, and we will match your donations up to $25,000 for a total of $50,000. We know there is a long road ahead.”

The James Brand

“Black lives matter.⁠ #blackouttuesday“

Mission Workshop

“We’ll be donating 100% of our profits today to the Equal Justice Initiative. #blackouttuesday @eji_org“

Outer Shell

“Hey friends and followers, we spent some time defining our commitments as a company recently. We are at a critical crossroads for human rights and perhaps closer than we’ll ever be to making systemic change in this country. This moment demands every effort to create the paradigm shift we need. Our goal is to leverage our assets to effectively serve this moment. The method is to be transparent about our thought process and provide tools for critical thinking. Many people are asking ‘What should I do?’ or ‘Where should I donate?’ We don’t know all the answers but still want to help you answer those questions for yourself. Fundamental change can only occur when you think for yourself. We also have a lot of learning to do, so let’s do it together.

We want to make this formal commitment so it is a pillar of our company, not just a fleeting effort while we’re under the spotlight. We’re striving for ongoing dedication to anti-racism and we ask that you hold us accountable. One of our biggest assets is you: our audience and community. So we asked ourselves, ‘What privileges does our audience hold that can serve marginalized communities?’ One is purchasing power. The other is dissent.

There’s several financial initiatives we’re planning, including 100% profit donations for the rest of this week. We also call for divestment from athletes, organizations, and companies who continue to be racist. These campaigns will be ongoing so we can make long term contributions and evolve with a movement that requires solidarity, not just charity.

Indeed, it takes more than donations to create fundamental change, so we’d like to educate at the same time. This space will amplify underrepresented BIPOC voices so tell us if you would like to use our platform.

We don’t want to get completely off topic though! Engagement is critical to success, so we’ll try and make it relatable. Some accounts that already do so are @cyclista_zine @pedal2thepeople and @wtfbikexplorers follow them! We are allies in the fight to end systemic racism in this country. There is power in solidarity. There is hope. This is the tipping point.”

BioLite

“Black Lives Matter. We stand with our black friends, colleagues, and partners in condemning the violence and systemic racism against black communities across our country. ⁠⠀

Hate, inequality, and injustice have no place at BioLite, an organization that was founded on the core belief that everyone deserves a bright and safe future.⁠⠀

We also know for these words to have any meaning, they must be backed with action. This has started with work on the inside, listening to our teammates and examining where and how we can make clear commitments to long term anti-racism work at our organization and inside our local community.⁠⠀
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We want these commitments to be real AND specific, so we will be back here with updates to match our words today with action.⁠⠀
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While we do this work, we want to lift up those who have been sharing words and clear calls to action for a long time in the outdoor community:⁠⠀
@teresabaker11 ⁠⠀
@melaninbasecamp⁠⠀
@irietoaurora ⁠⠀
@diversify.vanlife ⁠⠀
@rongriswell ⁠⠀
@switchbackshawty ⁠⠀
@brownfolksfishing⁠⠀
#amplifymelanatedvoices⁠”

Snow Peak USA

“At Snow Peak, our mission statement encourages us to have a positive impact in all that we do. We’ve been taking time to find the right way for us to address the death of George Floyd and so many others, and the ongoing injustices facing the Black community. As we work to create a global community, we’re learning that in order to have a positive impact we need to take a stand. ⠀
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We know that Snow Peak and the outdoor industry have work to do to further inclusivity and equality. We believe that Black Lives Matter. We believe in creating restorative experiences in nature, and to truly uphold this mission, we must work to actively create safe, inclusive outdoor spaces. And even before one can feel safe in nature, one must feel safe in society. That’s not the case for all people, and that is where we must examine how we at Snow Peak can have a greater positive impact. ⠀
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We’re committing ourselves to greater education, an unlearning of biases, prioritizing diverse perspectives, and creating sustainable change. We’re adding more accountability within our company by forming a team focused on these issues, and encouraging our employees to spend paid time to educate themselves and help us discover ways Snow Peak can have a greater impact, both within the company and within the communities we call home. We’ve included an initial list of resources in our bio. ⠀
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This is only the start. We aren’t perfect, we may make mistakes, but we are committed to being stronger listeners, learners, and agents of change.”

Tom Bihn

“We’ll be closed on Friday, June 12th in support of silent marches in Washington State organized by Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County. The TOM BIHN crew will receive 06/12 as an additional paid day off.”

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Publishers

Design Milk

“At @DesignMilk, we post pretty pictures + products but behind all those pictures, there are human beings. People are always, always more important than stuff. We use our platform to inspire and challenge people to look at things in a new way. It’s time to turn that lens on ourselves. We need to be the change. We have a lot of work to do as a company, and in our community. We stand in solidarity against racism, oppression, violence and injustice. We encourage you to do what you can to help, whether it’s donating (there are tons of options posted all over Insta), protesting, joining organizations, reading books, listening to podcasts on race and diversity, or having difficult conversations. Now is the time to take action. Black Lives Matter”

Grailed

As we have conversations within our company—just like the ones you’re having in your homes and with your friends and families—we want to explicitly say:

Grailed stands with the black community.

We’ve made contributions to the following five organizations that stand up and fight racial injustice. We hope you’ll consider learning more and donating to these organizations:

1. Black Lives Matter – A global network with the goal of bringing justice, healing, and freedom to Black people around the world.
2. American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) – A non-profit created to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person by the Constitution and laws of the United States.
3. NAACP Legal Defense Fund – Legal firm fighting for racial justice.
4. Reclaim the Block – A Minneapolis-based organization that works with community and city council members to direct money towards initiatives that promote community health and safety.
5. Committee to Protect Journalists – A non-profit that promotes press freedom and defends the rights of journalists.

The Perfect Pack

Pack Hacker

“Following the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent protests, we’re at a loss for words. We’re not experts when it comes to social justice, however, as a team, we’re against racism, violence, and hate. We’ve donated to @aclu_nationwide, @naacp, and @splcenter. We know this cannot magically fix the issues we’re facing. It’s one way we’re standing up for justice and equality.”

Gear Patrol

Every month, Gear Patrol reaches millions of readers seeking insights and knowledge to make the right purchasing decisions. Driving our content — and our mission — is the belief that information and insights about products can positively impact lives.

While the challenges we face from the Covid-19 pandemic and its fallout catalyzed a renewed purpose and focus for our work, it is clear that beyond our product journalism, our company’s actions must also contribute toward a society that rejects social injustice and racial discrimination. We stand in solidarity with the Black community and the Black Lives Matter movement.

As a 13-year-old company, Gear Patrol is not without its mistakes. Our company’s focus is squarely on how to impact people’s lives through products and our approach has been to question the need for our contributions to social questions. But the problems we face affect the world our team and its 44 employees live in. So we must take action, and to start, our team will work on identifying and addressing gaps in our coverage of products and culture. While we look forward to sharing those ideas with you soon, Gear Patrol is also taking immediate action. Here is an overview of that plan.

Gentleman’s Journal

“No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” – Nelson Mandela

Everyday Carry

“Black Lives Matter. Listen to their voices, educate yourself and others, and reflect on how you can do your part to effect social change.”

HiConsumption

“In light of recent events, we at HiConsumption have come to the conclusion that it is our moral and social responsibility to ourselves and our audience to speak up. We stand with the Black community (and all marginalized peoples) against systemic racism. Nobody should fear for their own safety or the safety of their friends and family in their home, community, city, country, or anywhere else — regardless of the color of their skin. As a global community, we must do better; we must be better than those who came before us. And we are of the mind that, along with recognizing these deeply ingrained issues, we must take steps to educate ourselves and those who surround us so as to set our hearts and minds down the right path. We encourage anyone and everyone reading this to utilize the following resources for the betterment of themselves as individuals and humanity as a whole.

We understand that words have power, but we also believe actions speak louder than words. We will be donating to several organizations working to dismantle social injustice, including the NAACP and ACLU.”

Ape To Gentleman

Highsnobiety

“Within brands and companies, unconscious bias and prejudice are some of the most dangerous forms of racism. ⁠It’s the old world policies on hiring, agency procurement, and campaign production. ⁠
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These things may seem small, but they accumulate and add to race-based trauma. It’s deep and complex, and part of the process in becoming a true ally is asking yourself the hard questions, and facing and addressing the uncomfortable truths about yourself and your business. And while there isn’t a set checklist for brands to be checked off when it comes to being an inclusive organization, the following points and questions need to be considered.⁠
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We’re not exempt. We’re questioning our own stance on these matters, and working towards change internally.” 

Hypebeast

Below are accounts that provide valuable information on where to donate, how to educate ourselves, and keeping up to date with new information.⁠
@naacp⁠
@blackvisionscollective⁠⁠
@committeetoprotectjournalists

Acquire

Sign the petitions. Donate. Educate. Black Lives Matter. Organizations you can help support: @splcenter @endlifeimprisonment @naacp_ldf @innocenceproject @eji_org @ccrjustice @aclu_nationwide @100blackmen @ncrmuseum

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Retailers

Backcountry

Huckberry

“It’s time for us to show up for all members of our community, and to do our part in inspiring a better tomorrow.”

Mr Porter

“BLACK LIVES MATTER: As we bear witness to all the injustice in the world, MR PORTER stands against racism.”

REI

“As a cooperative, REI is built on a set of ideals that we hold dear—we are stronger when we come together.

However, the heartbreaking racial violence and injustices that the Black community continues to experience across this country provide a stark reminder that for many, those ideals are not a reality.

It’s just as stark a reminder for us at REI—that for all our ideals, we are still a long way from achieving them for all in our own community.

We must do better. We must continue to challenge ourselves, and our community, to be better listeners, better partners, better advocates for one another. For us to see the change we want in the world outside, we must start inside.

We will continue to work with our partners, across the country, who have worked for years in service of greater equity and inclusion in the outdoors. And we call on our entire community to come together with collective resolve and a commitment to respect, understanding and support.”

MEC

“Our purpose is to inspire and enable everyone to lead active outdoor lives. MEC stands in solidarity with our black communities in Canada. Anti-Black racism is an injustice that must be named specifically and resisted actively. We encourage allies to learn more about anti-Black racism in Canada through the link in our bio.

MEC calls on its member and staff allies to amplify the voices of black leaders and communities, and to actively oppose all racism everywhere.
MEC signed the Outdoor Industry CEO Diversity Pledge in 2018. It specifies the work we need to undertake – and continue – and it holds us accountable.

We are aligned with the guiding principles of the pledge, which include:
1.Hiring and supporting a diverse workforce and executive leadership 
2.Presenting representative marketing and advertising in the media 
3.Engaging and supporting broadly representative ambassador athletes 
4.Sharing our experiences with other leading brands”

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Update: if you’d like to talk about brands and social activism, there’s an interesting conversation happening over at Carryology Classified.