How to Support BIPOC Businesses in 2022 and Beyond

Minorities have been given many names throughout history. In most cases, they were insensitive or unapproved words that mocked our culture. But in recent years, with the many protests and social activism, minorities are given a more inclusive acronym: BIPOC.

What does BIPOC mean?

BIPOC [buy-pock] stands for “Black, Indigenous, [and] People of Color.” The acronym first appeared in 2013, and in 2020 "POC" and "BIPOC" became national terms. After the murder of George Floyd, people began advocating for civil and human rights for Black people in America. Eventually, this led to advocating for mental health and participating in protests. 

There is a common misconception that BIPOC is synonymous with Black people or Black Americans. 

That’s not the case. 

Even though BIPOC became popular during the Black Lives Matter movement, the acronym is used to highlight various ethnicities, races, and nationali…

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  • January 21, 2022
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The Startup Thread- Blistey: Showing us how to Create Social Change One Business at a Time

EDITOR'S CHOICE FOUNDER THREAD Blistey: Showing us how to Create Social Change One Business at a Time November 2, 2021 Dan Stein I recently spoke with Franklin Forbes, an architect, urban planner, and the CEO of Blistey, the travel app and online business directory for Black, Asian, Latinx, and Indigenous businesses. Last July, he launched Blistey to encourage people of color and their allies to engage and patronize businesses in their communities and cities globally. His Latino heritage growing up in Brooklyn and the importance of the increased visibility of Afro-Latino/a/x people in the business culture have shaped his goals and experiences. As a result, he decided to use his passion and urban planning background to connect people and make cities more livable and enjoyable. Blistey is available in 25 cities; 16 are located in the United States, and the rest are internationally. There are over 2,500 businesses currently that are a part of our listings globally. At…
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  • November 13, 2022
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Resources for Domestic Violence Victims

Resources for Domestic Violence Victims

If you or a loved one is suffering from abuse of domestic violence please call 1(800) 799.7233

You can also text the hotline at 88788 or chat live with a person at https://www.thehotline.org. 

You are not alone, and will never be alone. 

  There is no way to make domestic violence something other that what it is. It is awful. And unfortunately, it is an experience that women and children go through at times with no fault to them. To be a victim is to be harmed by a person or situation regardless of if it’s a conscious decision or not. And no case should ever be seen as less than if the victim is consciously returning. Each case is different, but at the end of the day if someone is being mistreated whether that be verbal, physical, or mental, it is unwanted and is therefore abuse. We as a community must gather our resources …
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  • March 18, 2022
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Celebrating World Poetry Day with a World of Wonders

In honor of appreciating women in March and World Poetry Day happening on the 21st, I’ve decided to write a book review for one of my favorite poets, Aimee Nezhukumatathil.

Aimee Nezhukumatathil is an English professor at the University of Mississippi. She graduated from Ohio State University with a Bachelor’s degree in English and a Master’s in poetry and creative nonfiction. She is also an editor in the Orion magazine and has written four books, one of which was a chapbook co-written with Ross Gay. 

My love for her poetry was when I read one of the reviews posted on her website, simply titled, “Lucky Fish”. What made me want to read this was a line in her second paragraph:

“You could say that this charming and buoyant book is ‘about’ a lot of things—finding a home, love—but really, these poems point toward the importance of attentiveness as a path to joy, however fragile.”

Katrina Vandenberg, "Lucky Fish"

Because of this li…

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  • March 15, 2022
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Postpartum Support for BIPOC Mothers

Postpartum Support for BIPOC Mothers   Becoming a parent can be so hard-let’s just be honest. It is especially true for those who have never experienced it before, or for individuals who had traumatic experiences their first time around. It’s a lot! It’s the overwhelming thought of, “what should I expect?", but often, we don’t think enough about the unexpected. Mostly because, well, how do you even begin to anticipate what you don’t know. That is why having support is so vital to new mothers and parents.  Apart from the painful and unnecessary changes that occur to the body, there is also risk of developing temporary or permanent mental illness. Nobody ever really wants to say it, having negative thoughts during or after pregnancy are so frowned upon, yet they’re so common. Postpartum depression affects many, and without taking care of yourself, watching over a newborn will only be that much harder. So please, if you are a pregnant person, reach out.    Mae…
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  • March 11, 2022
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13 Women’s Social Justice Organizations That #BreakTheBias

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is “Break the Bias,” which unpacks gender bias and discrimination within our society.

This global holiday celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. So, for International Women’s Day, we’re showcasing women’s organizations that are breaking the cycle of sexism and discrimination.

1. Black Mamas Matter Alliance

Their mission is simple: Give Black mothers equal rights and resources to help them before, during, and after their pregnancy. Unfortunately, Black mothers face the most discrimination when wanting to access maternal health care, which can lead to many complications for the mother. Luckily, this organization is using political action to fight against this. 

2. National Latina Institute for Reproductive Injustice

Similar to Black Mamas Matter Alliance, this nonprofit fights for fundamental reproductive rights, respect, and justice for…

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  • March 8, 2022
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