Church Street Bridal exists to support the YWCA and its programs to empower women and eliminate racism. As a white woman this makes me feel inadequate and overwhelmed. How can organizations and brides help promote inclusivity on their wedding day, and even beyond?
I was so thankful to sit down with one of my trusted friends Sofia Thomas and ask for her perspective on what “eliminating racism” looks like for each one of us.
Sofia is a wife, mother, business owner, church staff member, and black woman who lives in Lynchburg. She acknowledged the size of the task: “It sounds so big, sounds so...where do we even start?” However, the first steps are simple, yet powerful; “At its heart, the goal of wanting (to eliminate racism) is practical and simple. It’s about providing and educating.”
When Sofia married her husband Marcus, her search through Pinterest for wedding details surprised her. The brides were overwhelmingly white, the blogs full of white hairstyles, and there were little to no people of color portrayed in the bridal industry.
It was hard for Sofia to deny the subliminal messaging of what she saw online. “Black people get married!” she said. “But this industry displays styles for one type of person.”
This is how Church Street Bridal supports the mission of the YWCA— we promote and celebrate black brides and styles that honor people of color. When we feature brides, grooms, and bridal parties full of people of color, we provide a powerful message and invitation into the bridal industry.
It’s so encouraging to see brands and stores provide representation for people of color. However, how can each of us educate ourselves to promote inclusivity in our own minds and perspectives?
Sofia encourages women to examine whose voices they listen to. Who do you follow on Instagram? Whose books are you reading? Who are your mentors? If all these voices are one ethnicity, Sofia encourages us to include new and diverse voices. “The experiences and voices of people of color are valuable and allow us to learn, which is where compassion and understanding start.”
At Church Street Bridal, we believe a world without racism can start with each of us.
What steps can you take today to help eliminate racism?
Continue to support the YWCA of Central Virginia. Donate. Volunteer. Shop at Church Street Bridal.
Support brands and stores that provide representation for women, of all colors and ethnicity.
Follow authors, thinkers, and influencers of color. Sofia has included a list of black authors, bridal inspiration, and thinkers to help us expand the voices influencing us.
Jena Holliday is a creative mom, based in Minnesota. Follow @spoonfuloffaithstudio for incredible illustrations and inspiration.
Tune to the My Girl Podcast to hear Ruthie Ridley and Phina Ellerman “create a safe place for all women to feel welcome.”
Prepare to lose yourself in the gorgeous bridal stories and photos on Black Bridal’s site.
The books and poetry of Maya Angelou have been inspiring readers for over 50 years.