We Believe That Black Lives Matter
We moved here from the South twenty years ago in part, honestly, to escape the bigotry and narrow mindedness we were surrounded by growing up. We found a like-minded, diverse community in Brooklyn and began to think that things really were changing. But the reality is, we were living and working inside a very liberal and privileged bubble. Our eyes were closed to how much suffering and inequity was still all around us. So recent events have been a wake-up call to us as a business, as parents, and as human beings.
When we opened Campbell & Co. in 2013, our mission seemed clear: we wanted to bring good food to our corner of the neighborhood, all the while supporting local farmers and makers. We hoped our little shop would become a neighborhood fixture and a necessary part of our community. But beyond hiring a diverse staff, we honestly hadn’t given much thought to what it meant to really support people of color and to truly be anti-racist. So we’ve been listening, learning, and thinking about ways we can do our part. Below you’ll find some of the actions we are taking to get started. We appreciate any feedback and ideas on how we can do more.
We truly believe that together we can make change happen.
With love and solidarity,
Alana & Erin
1. SEEK OUT AND SUPPORT BLACK FOOD MAKERS & FARMERS
We find local BIPOC makers and promote them in our shop. All proceeds from these sales go to organizations that support BIPOC communities through food-related missions (like City Growers who provides city kids with access to urban agriculture).
2. SUPPORT DEAF PEOPLE OF COLOR AND SHARE INFO ON THE UNIQUE ISSUES THEY FACE
Our family has close ties to the Deaf community, and we consider ourselves to be Deaf allies. We feel that the struggle for racial equity must include and consider the difficulties faced by those who are both Black and Deaf. We use our social media platform to help share their message, and we donate to organizations that help the BIPOC Deaf community (like NYC Black Deaf Advocates and PS347 The ASL & English Lower School).
3. SUPPORT AND AMPLIFY BLACK-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES OF ALL KINDS
As small business owners ourselves, it’s honestly hard to imagine that it could be even harder. But when we hear the stories of the many extra difficulties faced by BIPOC entrepreneurs, we are simply in awe that they are able to make it. We applaud them, vow to support them, and will encourage our own customers to frequent them.