As a Black woman deeply invested in intersectional feminism, I often receive inquiries from friends and acquaintances about how they can contribute to racial equity in our society. While I appreciate their eagerness to help, it can be overwhelming to constantly guide them toward the right resources. I don’t have an exhaustive list of organizations and movements at my fingertips, and it’s perfectly reasonable for them to conduct their own research before coming to me for insights based on my experiences as a woman of color.
For those who genuinely want to engage but feel lost about where to begin, I highly recommend checking out the Safety Pin Box. This monthly subscription service was founded by two Black women, Tara Johnson and Mia Carter, in response to the Safety Pin Movement that emerged following the election of the 45th president. Many people of color viewed this movement as insincere, primarily serving as a way for white allies to alleviate their guilt rather than facilitating real change.
In response, Johnson and Carter created the Safety Pin Box to provide a platform for white individuals committed to financially supporting Black liberation while engaging in meaningful work. According to their website, the box offers guidance and educational resources from Black women, encouraging white allies to actively contribute to the movement for Black lives.
The Safety Pin Box is a transformative initiative designed by Black women to uplift others in the community. Proceeds from the subscription go to Black Women Being, which provides financial assistance to individual Black women working for the liberation of Black people but lacking the necessary resources to advance their causes. Each month, a recipient is selected to receive these funds, making your subscription an impactful contribution.
There are various subscription tiers ($25, $50, $100) that include monthly tasks aimed at educating allies on specific issues and historical figures, along with exclusive calls to action and access to a private Facebook group for further discussion and sharing of information. Each box has a unique theme, with monthly tasks designed to challenge allies and expand their perspectives. For example, one theme was ‘Radical Compassion,’ where subscribers reflected on the disparities faced by elderly Black individuals in their communities compared to their white counterparts.
To gain further insight, I spoke with a friend of mine who subscribes to the box. She shared, “I want to take action. This subscription is a fantastic way to get involved, and I feel great knowing where my money is going. While donating to organizations like Planned Parenthood and the ACLU is important, I want to directly support Black women, as I owe much of my understanding of activism to them.” She has even connected with other subscribers and participated in local calls to action, demonstrating her commitment to the cause.
Johnson articulated the target audience of the Safety Pin Box to me: “Our ideal subscriber is someone who recognizes that race is an issue, feels compelled to get involved, and is unsure of where to start.” It’s crucial for individuals who feel a call to action to seek out meaningful ways to contribute. If this resonates with you, I encourage you to subscribe. Move beyond passive concern and utilize this opportunity to support an important cause.
For more insightful content on home insemination, check out this article on our other blog. Additionally, those interested in pregnancy and home insemination can find excellent resources at ASRM and for practical tools, visit Make A Mom.
In summary, the Safety Pin Box serves as a vital resource for those eager to contribute to racial equity. By subscribing, you not only support Black women but also engage in educational tasks that challenge your understanding of systemic issues. This initiative effectively empowers allies to take meaningful action in the fight against white supremacy.