Dearest Kula friends,

 

I hope that all of you are having a beautiful week and Happy Black History Month!

 

We all venture outside for so many reasons... but members of the Black Community were historically not allowed in outdoor spaces. Until the 1940s, even the National Park Service denied access to Black visitors. Sadly, even today, members of our Black community share experiences of feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome in the outdoors - a place where they have been historically excluded and underrepresented.  We are currently in a strange space in time where it feels like we are walking backwards -- where diversity and inclusion efforts are confusingly being thwarted and denied. As frustrating as that feels, it does not mean that each of us cannot still work within our local communities to uplift and support folks in the Black community. Just because somebody else says that Black History Month is cancelled does not mean that we have to stop celebrating our Black community. In fact, quite the opposite.  

 

It's easy to get sucked into the trap of yelling into the void on social media and spending a lot of time making zero impact on strangers, but I do believe that each of us has the power to make a positive and measurable difference, particularly within our own small and local communities that can and will ripple out into the world. You don't need to change everybody else overnight. The process of uplifting others and cultivating a more inclusive world starts with finding a sense of openness and curiosity within your own heart. First and foremost, listen to the members of the Black community who are speaking and sharing their experiences. Acknowledge their pain and set down your own ego.  As Thich Nhat Hahn says, “Understanding someone’s suffering is the best gift you can give another person. Understanding is love’s other name. If you don’t understand, you can’t love.”

Tough Cutie - a hiking sock company founded by Brittany Coleman (my favorite socks!)

White Paws Run Mitts - A patented fleece fingerless mitten for runners (I LOVE THESE!)

The Bronze Chapter -- founded by Denice Rochelle, hosting world class events in the PNW (check their calendar for upcoming local events and a really cool restaurant fundraiser in Seattle!)

She Colors Nature -- Chelsea, an incredible human and mom who candidly shares her experiences as a Black woman in the outdoor community 

 

Friends, it is up to each of us to speak up for and support the people on our planet who have been marginalized and excluded. It is up to each of us to be a part of the welcoming... a part of the including... a part of the sense of belonging that every single human on this planet deserves to feel. In every moment of every single day, we can either bring more love to it... or not. We each have that capacity to create infinite good on this planet. It starts within our own hearts... and then, we can take that loving kindness and we can share it with others.

 

As the founder of an outdoor brand, I want to make it very clear that Kula Cloth is and forever will be, deeply committed to continuing the important work of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion through supporting Black artists, amplifying Black creators, and supporting Black owned businesses and non-profits.  

 

May we each be that beacon of light for each other. May we find healing as a planet. May the members of our Black community feel honored, cherished and loved this month, and all months.

 

Be well, friends. You ARE loved.

 

Love,

Anastasia