With the creation and popularity of #diversknitty, #blackgirlsknit, #blackknittersofinstagram, and MORE there has been some increased attention paid to inclusivity in the maker’s realm. I feel like we celebrated together seeing the cover of Pom Pom Magazine Issue 23 (though a look through the back issues reveals a refreshing assortment of cover models). Indeed, this is an integral part of … Read More
Two Thousand and Eighteen : Breathing
Hello all. This post is many things. First of all it is an apology. I apologize that we have been behind and somewhat silent. I feel guilty about my unfulfilled ambitions and my lack of communication. However, secondly this is a note of appreciation. I appreciate every soul that have given time and space. I appreciate all of y’alls patience … Read More
Twin Cities: Upcoming Films on Justice
Jeanne writing here! I am writing this post in support of April Reign, who is pushing Hollywood to get better about Black representation in front of and behind film and TV cameras (and my love of film). Indeed, the rest of the world does a better job at representation than Hollywood does. That’s why I clear my April calendar every … Read More
An open letter to all “everyone is welcome regardless of race, sex, sexuality, political affiliation, etc” event organizers
Let’s set the scene. I wrote the following part of this post as an email to an event organizer and someone who tried to connect The Yarn Mission with said event coordinator. It, however, applies to many events floating around these days. The edited excerpt is followed by further discussion. I have to say that this event is not something … Read More
Invitation for White Supporters in the Twin Cities
This is an invitation for white folks in the Twin Cities who support The Yarn Mission from me, Jeanne Burns, a white knitter and Yarn Mission enthusiast. Last year after the election I saw an announcement for Safetypin Box, a subscription service for white folks to get learning assignments from Leslie Mac and Marissa Jenae Johnson, two Black women in … Read More
From Reparations to Regeneration: A call for the redistribution of wealth, resources, and access
The Case for Reparations By Ta-Nehisi Coates http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/06/the-case-for-reparations/361631/ What Does Justice Look Like By Waziyatawin, Ph.D http://www.livingjusticepress.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={C77C5426-031A-4F37-A7A4-09B76B8B3C5B} Collective Courage: A History of African American Cooperative Economic Thought and Practice by Jessica Gordon Nembhard http://www.psupress.org/books/titles/978-0-271-06216-7.html If you seek to learn about reparations specifically for Black people living in what we call United States of America, you will see a contentious … Read More