Juneteenth, an American holiday celebrating the emancipation of the last remaining enslaved African Americans in the Confederacy on June 19, 1865.
And in honor of this date, our team at Living Room Coffee Craft decided to something a little extra this year. Due to recent events, we believe it is time for our voices to be heard – we will not stand for racism, sexism, or prejudice.
Until the end of business on Saturday, June 19, all proceeds from our pastry sales in our shop will be donated to the East Oakland Collective (EOC), a group “invested in serving the communities of deep East Oakland by working towards racial and economic equity. With programming in civic engagement and leadership, economic empowerment and homeless services and solutions, [EOC] help amplify underserved communities from the ground up. [They] are committed to driving impact in the landscape, politics and economic climate of deep East Oakland.”
“We are armed to fight racism with the tools we know how to utilize, our FOOD,” the initial call to action, which was released about a week ago on the official @BakersAgainstRacism Instagram account, reads.
Our action is both inspired by and in partnership with Bakers Against Racism. Founded by executive pastry chef Paola Velez, pastry chef Willa Lou Pelini and chef Rob Rubba, Bakers Against Racism is a local bake sale effort that has quickly turned into a global movement aimed at ending racism, fascism and the unjust treatment of Black people in America. They have asked bakers from all around the world to donate 150 pieces of dessert to sell. All proceeds are donated to charities fighting for racial equality.
“Our goal was to get 80 participants to hopefully raise $96k to multiple organizations that support Black Lives,” Velez of Dona Dona, a Latin American doughnut popup, shares. “Now we’re at 3,700 participants, 16 countries, 170+ cities and 41 states.” Wow. All participants have been asked to donate their proceeds to a charity that fights for racial equality, like the National Bail Fund Network, Black Lives Matter, Equal Justice Initiative and Communities United Against Police Brutality.
So, please help us. We invite you to visit us this week. One small pastry is one small step to help bring about justice and equality for all.
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And if you would not like a pastry and but would still like to donate, we are more than happy to accept your donation, no matter how big or small. All funds collected will be donated to the East Oakland Collective. And if money is an issue, just please, help us SPREAD THE WORD to your family and friends. Thank you!