5 Things Friday

This week has been hard, so here are 5 little bits of beauty that we really care about. They also happen to be your antiracism action steps for March 25.

llustrated Black History (Harper Collins, Fall 2021) by George McCalman just dropped for pre-order.

If there was a word to represent one giant, exasperated, exhausted sigh, I would be tempted to make that the entirety of this week's message. I don't know about you, but these last couple weeks have ushered in some serious existential dread...just when we were getting giddy about the thought of a post-COVID world, we were swiftly reminded that even without COVID us humans have plenty of other ways to senselessly kill each other.

But I wouldn't bother writing this if it was just going to be another laundry list of shitty things...we have the rest of the internet for that.

Instead I am just going to share some thoughts about how we can keep going, and why it matters. Because I completely understand the impulse to pull the covers over your head, hug your kids, and let everyone else figure out the rest of it. And yes, I could remind you that option is a privilege, but I'm pretty sure you know that, and it's still tempting as hell. So, instead I will suggest that instead of closing your eyes to it all you simply look down at your own path—your own personal antiracism commitment—for a bit and focus on walking that.

For us here at REP CO, our path is telling one story at a time—if we spend too much time looking around we'll surely be overwhelmed by the fact that there are a million more out there that deserve to be told. And the small but steady steps we are taking today are sharing 5 little bits of beauty that we really care about with about 2,000 people. We're not going to worry that it's not 10,000 people. Or stress that we are missing a piece of breaking news. Or wonder which story has the potential to go viral. We'll just keep walking.

Here are your 5 Things.


ORDER THIS. Anyone who is familiar with George McCalman knows it's about damn time he wrote his own book. And here it is! Illustrated Black History (Harper Collins, Fall 2021) just dropped for pre-order. Written, illustrated and designed by McCalman himself, the book shines a light on the untold stories and unseen faces behind significant historical achievements and moments in the history of the African diaspora. Says McCalman, "This is essential reading for us all, 400 years in the telling." Pre-order your copy now!


DONATE TO THIS. Research shows that Black boys as young as 10 are not viewed in the same light of childhood innocence as their white peers, but are instead more likely to be mistaken as older, be perceived as guilty and face police violence if accused of a crime. To express this duality, Bréana Parks is producing a photo series, “Illusions of Innocence,” in which she layers contrasting portraits of her young subjects—an ethereal yet powerful presentation that lets the viewer see the jarring contrast between society’s perception of these kids, and their own youthful reality. Parks plans to print these double images on hand-dyed silks for the full gallery installation. An up-and-coming artist (and frequent REP CO contributor!), she is asking for community support to complete “Illusions of Innocence,” and has set up a GoFundMe to raise the modest budget of $2,500. “The funds will allow me to pay my students for their participation, and cover printing materials and installation equipment.” Read our interview with Parks about the project, then chip in to help her get it completed!

BUY THIS. This Women's History Month please remember to thank Black women for our past, present, and future. "We have done and will always do the work to make this world a better place," says Dr. Akilah Cadet, who has made it easy to show your gratitude by producing this rad tee with artist Phil America. All proceeds support the public and social media anti-racism education provided by Dr. Akilah Cadet.

READ THIS. Architect Adaeze Cadet has risen to the top of her field, but she won’t stop climbing until she’s cleared the path for other Black women to join her at the summit. In late January, HKS, an international architecture and design firm with more than two dozen offices around the world, announced that Cadet was promoted to Principal, one of the firm's most senior roles.This appointment makes Adaeze Cadet the first Black female Principal ever at HKS, an accomplishment that is considered both no small feat, and long overdue. Read her full story here.

KNOW THIS. In 1912, Willa and Charles Bruce bought a plot of land on the Southern California coast. It was an oceanside lot in an area dotted with sunny blossoms of evening primrose and purple clusters of lupine. The Bruces and their son, Harvey, were among the first Black people to settle in what would become the city of Manhattan Beach. They built a resort where other Black families could swim, lounge, eat and dance without being subject to racist harassment. The harassment came anyway, and the resort thrived despite it. But city officials shuttered the enterprise by condemning the land in 1924, claiming to need it for a public park. The Bruces fought the move through litigation, but failed. The city paid them $14,500, and they left their beach and lost their business. Nearly a century later, their descendants are still seeking restitution. Read the full story in the NYT take action by donating to help local activists get an ad in the local paper (Venmo @allyhales with the note ✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿). Follow and support the activists working on behalf of the Bruce family here, and if you want to get further involved fill out this quick Google form to join the team.