Description
Few topics are as historically, emotionally, spiritually, and systemically loaded as racism. Over and over in history, ethnic and racial prejudice does not just give rise to verbal and physical violence but becomes entrenched over generations through economic exploitation, class warfare, and nationalism. So much of today's discourse on this topic—from both ends of the political spectrum—lacks the resources of empathy, optimism, and grace. These patterns can leave us hopeless that there could ever be progress in our wounded communities and relationships.
We’re interested in ventures that are pushing back on these difficult realities with creativity and hope, starting with relationally confronting and reframing exploitative narratives of domination and supremacy, and pursuing more equitable outcomes for all. These endeavors create cross-cultural journeys of learning and love that redraw the boundaries we have inherited from our broken past.
In today’s commercially-driven world people are more likely to be seen and referred to as 'consumers' than anything else. Instead of being met with resistance, this shift has often meant that individuals have formed their identity through a composite of brands, and product purchasing can be guided more by the desire to make a statement about one’s identity and values than strict utility. As a result, the lines between social movement, capitalism, and community are increasingly blurry (see: Nike, Whole Foods, and Patagonia).
Given this reality (which is with us for both better and worse), we’d like to support entrepreneurs with a vision for building brands with a counter-culturally virtuous and optimistic view of the world, spreading hope and beauty, eliminating stigma, and most fundamentally, redirecting our identity away from materialistic consumption and toward lasting contentment.
