When I first began thinking about what I wanted this website to become, I knew it had to be created with the audience in mind. It had to be different than my own singular point of view (i.e. my existing travel website). I have a passion for sharing other people’s stories (especially in the form of interviews) and I wanted to expand on those stories – elevate the amazing things other people are doing with the hopes of inspiring others to see those as possibilities for themselves too – or at the very least, get inspired to try something new, or maybe even just discover a thing that they never knew was out there.
This site is in service to others. My greatest hope for it is for it to become a much bigger platform – one that amplifies the voices of all – especially of those stories that aren’t regularly seen in the media, but deserve to be – especially those related to technology, travel and creative. I hope it becomes a place where people come to be inspired, to connect with others, to find resources to further their skills, to see different points of view, and above all else, learn something new.
As a founder of a brand-new media platform in times like these, I admit I’m scared. What am I doing, bringing a new media platform to life? Especially in waters as hot as these? I have no idea what I’m doing. I freely admit I don’t have all the answers. I try to be an ally as much as I can, but I recognize I can always do better. I mess up and make mistakes and I hope you’ll help us/me identify them and learn from them, if they happen.
I intend for this platform to be inclusive. There is no place for hate here. I also don’t ever want anyone to feel like they are being labeled a certain way by sharing their story on this platform. This platform is for anyone who wants to share their story, perspective, voice, with the mission of helping to elevate the stories, perspectives and voices of womxn. My hope is that those who want to share will feel welcomed, empowered, and supported to do so.
The mission of Color & Curiosity is to provide inspiration and resources to support lifelong learning initiatives – and I know this site, as it grows, will be a lifelong learning experience for me. I also hope that through these stories, I can help to inspire people to see humans as fellow humans, be kind, and above all, learn empathy. And to have an open mind, and be receptive to different perspectives from our own and actively seek out new ways of thinking and educational opportunities to better ourselves.
Megan Zink
A note on lifelong learning: given the recent events in the Black and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) communities, it would be an oversight to tout this as a place for lifelong learning and not share educational resources with you – because taking the responsibility onto ourselves (especially those of us, myself included, who are white) for continual education on these issues is the only way things are going to change. Below are a few that have come to me over the past few weeks – and if you feel that any important ones are missing, please don’t hesitate to reach out via megan (at) colorandcuriosity (dot) com.
Foundations If You Can Donate
- Black Lives Matter
- Minnesota Freedom Fund
- Campaign Zero
- Nationwide Bail Fund
- Color of Change
- NAACP
- The Loveland Foundation
Anti-Racism for Beginners Master List of Resources Google Doc
Articles
- How to Talk to Kids about Racial Violence and Police Brutality
- Resources from The Conscious Kid
- How to Tell Someone You Love They’re Being Racist
- Here’s What to Say to Racist Family Members During the Holidays
- How to Talk to Your Family About Racism
- What Exactly is a Microaggression?
- Microaggressions Don’t Just ‘Hurt Your Feelings’
- How to Create Diversity Within Your Online Business
- 75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice
Books
- White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard to Talk to White People About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
- Stamped From the Beginning: A Definitive History of Racist Ideas by Ibram X. Kendi
- How to Be An AntiRacist by Ibram X. Kendi
- Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World and Become a Good Ancestor by Layla F. Saad
- The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander
This is only scratching the surface – if you feel there is one missing please let us know and email megan (at) colorandcuriosity (dot) com!