Cookies for a Cause
I’m sitting in front of my keys, filled with so much emotion and turmoil after digesting more news everyday about the world. Some of the news has been positive — scientists are edging closer and closer to finding a cure for COVID, the environment is healing itself, unlawful police officers are finally being brought to justice. On the other hand, every media channel is saturated in the hot dumpster fires burning all around the world. As we have been cooped up indoors for far too long, tragic incidents like the death of George Floyd and previous deaths of innocent black folk ignited fires to fight for a better future.
Being an Asian American young woman, I honestly have never felt so helpful in this situation. Saying nothing in fear of saying the wrong things could also communicate to others that I don’t care. Speaking out about the issues with racism and inequality on my platform may also cause others to believe I’m only speaking out about this now because it’s “trending” and I don’t want to appear insensitive.
There’s really no winning here. What I do know is that no one, regardless of your race, skin color, gender, looks, or background should be treated with hate and disdain. Life is already tough enough as it is so isn’t our purpose as humans to make our world a better place to live for everyone? This, to me, means:
NO JUDGMENT, NO HATE, NO VIOLENCE, NO INEQUALITY.
The bottom line is that I will never understand what it’s like to walk a day in another person’s shoes who experiences racism, prejudice, or unequal treatment. I do understand that this type of behavior has been going on for far too long and it needs to cease.
I felt the need to use my skills in some way to support a movement bigger than my petty everyday problems and far before the social media propaganda took flight.
For three weeks, I baked cookies and donated all of the proceeds to three organizations:
Black Food NW - a coalition that fights to break down the political barriers withholding minority areas from accessing healthy, nutritious food.
NABSE (National Alliance of Black School Educators) - an organization driven to provide educational opportunities for Black Youth.
Unicef - the people at the front lines of the crisis in Yemen and the children who simply need a decent meal.
The donations totaled $1,500 after all proceeds were matched by VM Ware, a technology company on the East Coast that my childhood best friend works for. Although this may not seem like much, what it demonstrates is that people of all walks of life agree with the notion that we need to support those in need in any way we can; even if it’s by purchasing a few cookies.
I chose these three organizations because, for those who lived a privileged life like myself, having everyday life essentials such as nutritious food, clean water, a roof over my head, and an education, is such a blessing. In fact, 11% of the world is STARVING. Most kids who grow up in lower income areas are never given the opportunity to attend college because it’s costly. It is a luxury to choose what we want to eat and what type of career we want to pursue. Everyone has the right to live a long, healthy, fulfilling life of freedom on all spectrums.
If you’re also interested in contributing to these organizations and believe education and food are quintessential human rights that should be offered to everyone, please consider donating your dollars here. The website to these organizations are hyperlinked above. Thanks for reading.
Much Aloha,
Geminieats