truLOCAL is a proud Black-owned and led business. We stand with the Black Lives Matter movement, and fully support the fight to end systemic and institutionalized racism, prejudice, and brutality that is still prevalent in our society.
We were completely overwhelmed by the number of amazing Black-owned or founded businesses that applied to the truLOCAL Equal Opportunity Grant. Choosing the winners was not an easy decision to make! While we were only able to award 4 x $5,000 grants, we will be featuring many of the businesses in upcoming communications to increase awareness in our communities. Check out the four grant recipients below!
When we first launched this initiative, we were incredibly hopeful and unbelievably excited, but we didn’t really know exactly what to expect. Hands down - we were absolutely blown away. We had the opportunity to get to know so many incredible local businesses - and we want you to meet some of them, too!
It’s not an easy or carefree time in the world. What we’re seeing, hearing, discussing, learning, protesting, sharing - it’s hard, it’s emotional, and it’s overwhelming. We are each digesting the tragic, senseless, and inhumane murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and those before them. We’re also filled with hope that real change is on the horizon as the Black Lives Matter movement is finally receiving the platform it deserves. Hard work is never easy, but we’re committed to doing that hard work - internally on our team through open discussion, education, and the sharing of resources - and externally within our community.
The #BlackLivesMatter movement started in 2013, following the acquittal of self-appointed neighbourhood watch man, George Zimmerman who senselessly gunned down 17 year old Trayvon Martin. Despite evidence against Zimmerman, he was acquitted of all charges, which in return paved the formation of the BLM movement. BLM strives to create a shared agenda between all marginalized Black communities to combat years of systemic oppression, racism, discrimination and violence. The underlying objective is to transform the justice system and achieve a world where Black lives are no longer systematically oppressed.
As a Black owned business, with Black employees and Black customers, we feel that it is important to utilize our platform to address the injustices that target Black communities across the globe. Black Lives Matter is a movement that we align ourselves with because we have a fundamental responsibility to stand up against oppression, marginalization and systems that perpetuate cycles of violence. This movement strives to create a better, equal world of opportunity for all - regardless of one’s racialized background. Now is the time to stand up against injustice and stand with Black Lives Matter.
There is always more to be done. We’re donating $5 from the sale of each Fathers’ Day box to Black Health Alliance. Black Health Alliance is a registered charity that works to improve the health and well-being of Canadian Black communities. As an organization that has always placed a strong emphasis on both health and community, we’re thrilled to contribute to the initiatives carried out by the Black Health Alliance across the country.
For ways to help the Black Lives Matter movement: https://linktr.ee/blacklivesmatter
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Please note the videos will be used for marketing purposes and featured on this page. We will be accepting applications until June 26th.
Select applicants will have their business featured on this page, and will have the opportunity to be featured in our weekly newsletter.
