Lane Change
Highlighting some inspiring black people in the organizing industry.
Like so many, I am saddened and outraged of the recent killing of George Floyd in Minnesota. It is one in a long history of racial attacks and injustice. Rather than stay in my lane and provide you with an organizing how-to post, I've decided to highlight some of the amazing professionals of color in the organizing and productivity industry.
I don't have a following of millions or even thousands, but I do have a voice here on social media and I'm going to use it to amplify the message that black lives matter.
So if you need some more color in your social media feeds, please follow and support these talented and inspiring black professionals.
In addition to the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO), there's also the National Association of Black Professional Organizers (NABPO).
Three podcasts aimed at organizing that I'd like to recommend are:
The Super Organizer Show with James Lott, Jr. He not only is a professional organizer but a certified life coach.
Organize Me! Radio with Naeemah Ford Goldson, CPO. She holds the highest organizing credential; Certified Professional Organizer and has experience working with celebrities and businesses.
Black Minimalists Podcast hosted by Farai Harreld. This podcast centers on the experiences of black people but welcomes other minimalists of color as well.
Some minimalists that I'd highly recommend if you're looking for inspiration on simplicity would be:
Roshanda Cummings and Erin Johnson of Unapologetic living (Instagram handle: @brownkids). And here's a great article that Goop did about them.
Christine Platt of The Afro Minimalist. She leads a minimalist life influenced by the African diaspora and she has a great Ted Talk.
Antonia Prata (or just Nia) of She Is Awake (Instagram handle: @she.is.awake) Her focus is on slow and sustainable living.
Some Instagram accounts that I personally follow for home decor and design inspiration are:
Shavonda Gardner of @sgardnerstyle
Catherine and Bryan Williamson of @beginninginthemiddle
Medina Grillo of @grillodesigns
Donyea Tollie @rejuvenationhomestudio
And lastly, some of the NAPO industry colleagues that I've attended meetings, workshops, and conferences with who I can personally recommend would be:
Letitia Charles of Sankofa Professional Organizing Services and Interior Design
D. Allison Lee a Digital Productivity Coach and Certified Professional Organizer
Let me leave you with this article: How to Support the Struggle Against Police Brutality that has a long list of organizations playing different roles and how to help/donate.
I hope you too can change lanes and listen, learn, and amplify in your own way.