Dear Wine Coven,

 

As you know, we gals call Minnesota our home. While there is much to be proud of about our state, it also has deeply rooted problems that must be addressed. Minnesota has made many progressive steps in its history, but hides the fact that we rank in the top five most segregated states in the country. The Minneapolis Police Department has a long history of violence against our BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color) neighbors. We’ve broached this subject on our show before covering the killing of Philando Castile, and given the unrest our country is experiencing now after the murder of George Floyd, we feel that it’s time to give this movement our full attention and reach of our platform. 

 

We are three white women who have been functioning and benefiting within a system of oppression, and we know from surveys that many of our listeners have the same privilege. It would be easy for many of us to turn a blind eye to racial injustice. We are asking you now to redirect your privilege into seeking out the work that BIPOC leaders are already doing in your communities, and to bring the knowledge you gain from them into everyday actions to dismantle systems of oppression. 

 

For the majority of our listeners, this task probably feels daunting. Countless books and other resources have been written by people of color, and it is our responsibility to seek out their teachings, to learn, and to act. (Find a starting list of resources here.) In order to help guide those seeking information, we are building a new page on our website highlighting a number of resources centered on positive social change, justice, wellness, and reform. In addition to information on issues ranging from voter’s rights to mental health, we want to boost community organizations with missions centered on providing the vital resources that have been proven to increase the safety and prosperity of its citizens.

 

Along with the necessary work of evaluating our own privilege, listening to our BIPOC community, providing resources, and rallying our incredible listeners around this long-overdue movement, we are donating $10,000 to Black Lives Matter. There are many other organizations equally deserving of attention and funding, including Color of Change, Minnesota Freedom Fund, and Reclaim the Block, to name a few.

 

In lieu of an episode this week, we are participating in the #PodcastBlackout campaign, launched by Texas-based podcast Cult 45 (give them a listen!). This campaign encourages content creators in our industry to withhold your next episode, and instead release audio of your participation in reading the names of just some of the growing list of victims of fatal police brutality. We encourage other podcasters to pull together and use our reach to amplify the voices of the unheard. 

 

It is crucial that we all show up, do the work, donate if we can, and have tough conversations when necessary. Our mission is to help to rebuild our communities as just, safe, and equitable spaces for all. Anything less disrespects the legacies of those we have lost. 

 

#SayTheirNames #GeorgeFloyd #PhilandoCastile #TanishaAnderson #TamirRice #BreonnaTaylor #EricGarner #BlackLivesMatter #BLM #ICantBreathe

 

Xoxo, 

The Wine & Crime Gals