Hi everyone,
So my dad’s beauty supply store Uptown Beauty, located in Kenosha, WI, was looted on Sunday night after the terrible shooting of Jacob Blake, and then it got burned down today. Unfortunately, my dad won’t be able to rebuild or reopen it and I am gutted.
My parents immigrated from South Korea in the eighties and my dad has had this store for 25 years. He’s worked so hard to build it up – working on holidays, day in and day out, getting to know his customers and them calling him “Lee”. He loved and cared for that store and I’m honestly so devastated, I know my parents must be, too.
Everyone is safe, which is the most important and we are so grateful. But my heart is still breaking. That store was a symbol of hard work and perseverance, my parents’ love and strength, and it has been a part of our lives for so long. We have so many memories there and I honestly really can’t believe it’s gone. It feels surreal and we’re not sure what the future will bring.
My family and I are going to do to everything we can to support each other, but I’ve created this gofundme (link in bio) because any little bit will help my parents pick back up after this heartbreaking loss. Insurance will not cover all the damage and losses, so anything given here will be given to my parents. They are the strongest people I know, and I know they will get through this like the badasses they are. I’m so proud of my dad for everything he accomplished with that store. Uptown Beauty was a staple in the neighborhood and I know it will be missed.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and in advance for those who donate. Please share this post if you feel so inclined. I know this is a hard time for so many people, so I truly appreciate the support. My parents and I are continuing to stay positive. Jacob Blake was a customer at my dad’s store and our hearts go out to him and his family.
#smallbusiness #uptownbeauty #kenosha #jacobblake #blacklivesmatter
Thought I’d try growing out my armpit hair. Made my mom take this. #longarmpithairdontcare #feminity #girlpower
💭
I had been complicit as well. I HAD been silent. I wanted to be the model minority. I had benefited from being a model minority. I had been a part of the problem, even if it was subconsciously. Wanting to assimilate to whiteness had been systemically so ingrained in me that I was unable to see I was also perpetuating anti-blackness. I don’t have all the words, so I’ve collected the sources above.
We need to have uncomfortable conversations with others, but I think we also need to have uncomfortable conversations with ourselves.
We need to look inside and see what part we have had in this, strive to be better and take action.
#blacklivesmatter #asians4blacklives
I had been complicit as well. I HAD been silent. I wanted to be the model minority. I had benefited from being a model minority. I had been a part of the problem, even if it was subconsciously. Wanting to assimilate to whiteness had been systemically so ingrained in me that I was unable to see I was also perpetuating anti-blackness. I don’t have all the words, so I’ve collected the sources above.
We need to have uncomfortable conversations with others, but I think we also need to have uncomfortable conversations with ourselves.
We need to look inside and see what part we have had in this, strive to be better and take action.
#blacklivesmatter #asians4blacklives
I had been complicit as well. I HAD been silent. I wanted to be the model minority. I had benefited from being a model minority. I had been a part of the problem, even if it was subconsciously. Wanting to assimilate to whiteness had been systemically so ingrained in me that I was unable to see I was also perpetuating anti-blackness. I don’t have all the words, so I’ve collected the sources above.
We need to have uncomfortable conversations with others, but I think we also need to have uncomfortable conversations with ourselves.
We need to look inside and see what part we have had in this, strive to be better and take action.
#blacklivesmatter #asians4blacklives
I had been complicit as well. I HAD been silent. I wanted to be the model minority. I had benefited from being a model minority. I had been a part of the problem, even if it was subconsciously. Wanting to assimilate to whiteness had been systemically so ingrained in me that I was unable to see I was also perpetuating anti-blackness. I don’t have all the words, so I’ve collected the sources above.
We need to have uncomfortable conversations with others, but I think we also need to have uncomfortable conversations with ourselves.
We need to look inside and see what part we have had in this, strive to be better and take action.
#blacklivesmatter #asians4blacklives
I had been complicit as well. I HAD been silent. I wanted to be the model minority. I had benefited from being a model minority. I had been a part of the problem, even if it was subconsciously. Wanting to assimilate to whiteness had been systemically so ingrained in me that I was unable to see I was also perpetuating anti-blackness. I don’t have all the words, so I’ve collected the sources above.
We need to have uncomfortable conversations with others, but I think we also need to have uncomfortable conversations with ourselves.
We need to look inside and see what part we have had in this, strive to be better and take action.
#blacklivesmatter #asians4blacklives
I had been complicit as well. I HAD been silent. I wanted to be the model minority. I had benefited from being a model minority. I had been a part of the problem, even if it was subconsciously. Wanting to assimilate to whiteness had been systemically so ingrained in me that I was unable to see I was also perpetuating anti-blackness. I don’t have all the words, so I’ve collected the sources above.
We need to have uncomfortable conversations with others, but I think we also need to have uncomfortable conversations with ourselves.
We need to look inside and see what part we have had in this, strive to be better and take action.
#blacklivesmatter #asians4blacklives
I had been complicit as well. I HAD been silent. I wanted to be the model minority. I had benefited from being a model minority. I had been a part of the problem, even if it was subconsciously. Wanting to assimilate to whiteness had been systemically so ingrained in me that I was unable to see I was also perpetuating anti-blackness. I don’t have all the words, so I’ve collected the sources above.
We need to have uncomfortable conversations with others, but I think we also need to have uncomfortable conversations with ourselves.
We need to look inside and see what part we have had in this, strive to be better and take action.
#blacklivesmatter #asians4blacklives
I had been complicit as well. I HAD been silent. I wanted to be the model minority. I had benefited from being a model minority. I had been a part of the problem, even if it was subconsciously. Wanting to assimilate to whiteness had been systemically so ingrained in me that I was unable to see I was also perpetuating anti-blackness. I don’t have all the words, so I’ve collected the sources above.
We need to have uncomfortable conversations with others, but I think we also need to have uncomfortable conversations with ourselves.
We need to look inside and see what part we have had in this, strive to be better and take action.
#blacklivesmatter #asians4blacklives
I had been complicit as well. I HAD been silent. I wanted to be the model minority. I had benefited from being a model minority. I had been a part of the problem, even if it was subconsciously. Wanting to assimilate to whiteness had been systemically so ingrained in me that I was unable to see I was also perpetuating anti-blackness. I don’t have all the words, so I’ve collected the sources above.
We need to have uncomfortable conversations with others, but I think we also need to have uncomfortable conversations with ourselves.
We need to look inside and see what part we have had in this, strive to be better and take action.
#blacklivesmatter #asians4blacklives
Then and now 😂 #happyfathersday to the coolest, funniest, strongest, smartest guy I know. And to all the dads out there, here and above. I feel lucky and grateful and blessed to be my dad’s daughter every day. 사랑해 아부지!! ㅋㅋㅋ
Then and now 😂 #happyfathersday to the coolest, funniest, strongest, smartest guy I know. And to all the dads out there, here and above. I feel lucky and grateful and blessed to be my dad’s daughter every day. 사랑해 아부지!! ㅋㅋㅋ
Then and now 😂 #happyfathersday to the coolest, funniest, strongest, smartest guy I know. And to all the dads out there, here and above. I feel lucky and grateful and blessed to be my dad’s daughter every day. 사랑해 아부지!! ㅋㅋㅋ
Happy pride ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤 #pride #loveisloveislove
Feeling mad then sad then hopeful and repeat. “This goes out to the underdog, keep on keepin’ at what you love. You’ll find that some day soon enough, you will rise up” #aliciakeys #underdog #cover
The journey to ending systemic racism, oppression and inequality, to dismantling a racist system that upholds white supremacy, is not over!!! We have to keep learning, keep questioning, keep reflecting, keep sharing. And take action in whatever way you can. Donations, petitions, protests, among others. I wanna believe that it’s possible to live in a society where we can all live and thrive fearlessly, but we have to keep putting in the effort. #blacklivesmatter #allblacklivesmatter #blacklivesstillmatter #beantiracist
The journey to ending systemic racism, oppression and inequality, to dismantling a racist system that upholds white supremacy, is not over!!! We have to keep learning, keep questioning, keep reflecting, keep sharing. And take action in whatever way you can. Donations, petitions, protests, among others. I wanna believe that it’s possible to live in a society where we can all live and thrive fearlessly, but we have to keep putting in the effort. #blacklivesmatter #allblacklivesmatter #blacklivesstillmatter #beantiracist
The journey to ending systemic racism, oppression and inequality, to dismantling a racist system that upholds white supremacy, is not over!!! We have to keep learning, keep questioning, keep reflecting, keep sharing. And take action in whatever way you can. Donations, petitions, protests, among others. I wanna believe that it’s possible to live in a society where we can all live and thrive fearlessly, but we have to keep putting in the effort. #blacklivesmatter #allblacklivesmatter #blacklivesstillmatter #beantiracist
The journey to ending systemic racism, oppression and inequality, to dismantling a racist system that upholds white supremacy, is not over!!! We have to keep learning, keep questioning, keep reflecting, keep sharing. And take action in whatever way you can. Donations, petitions, protests, among others. I wanna believe that it’s possible to live in a society where we can all live and thrive fearlessly, but we have to keep putting in the effort. #blacklivesmatter #allblacklivesmatter #blacklivesstillmatter #beantiracist
The journey to ending systemic racism, oppression and inequality, to dismantling a racist system that upholds white supremacy, is not over!!! We have to keep learning, keep questioning, keep reflecting, keep sharing. And take action in whatever way you can. Donations, petitions, protests, among others. I wanna believe that it’s possible to live in a society where we can all live and thrive fearlessly, but we have to keep putting in the effort. #blacklivesmatter #allblacklivesmatter #blacklivesstillmatter #beantiracist
The journey to ending systemic racism, oppression and inequality, to dismantling a racist system that upholds white supremacy, is not over!!! We have to keep learning, keep questioning, keep reflecting, keep sharing. And take action in whatever way you can. Donations, petitions, protests, among others. I wanna believe that it’s possible to live in a society where we can all live and thrive fearlessly, but we have to keep putting in the effort. #blacklivesmatter #allblacklivesmatter #blacklivesstillmatter #beantiracist
I discovered this visual poem written by @antonsongwriter a couple weeks ago and was deeply moved. It resonated with me in so many ways and it brought me to tears. I wanted to share it. May Asian Americans continue to create and share stories about our experiences as well as stand in solidarity with all those who are marginalized. May we remember that the liberties we are able to experience today were paved and fought for by the Black community. May we all embrace and love ourselves wholeheartedly. Directed by @jimmyvi. Thank you to these guys and their team for creating this beautiful piece. #malcolm
