Dear Community,

These past weeks have been filled with heartbreak and tears. I have watched, listened, read, donated, gotten my son to march and at moments this week, even felt a small bit of hope seeing so many protest all around the country. The Black Lives Matter movement is hopeful and I am encouraged that we can all do something to raise consciousness and make some changes. I am also exploring ways in which Shibumi can help support or provide opportunities for black artists.

As an Asian, the "model minority", I have some idea of what racism and prejudice can feel like; once even having been spat at in the face by a white supremacist. And I have ZERO tolerance for this at any level.

I certainly can not, nor would ever claim to know what it is like to be black. But I am listening and learning and am humbled by the stories that are being shared by our black communities.

As a non-black parent, I strive to raise our kids and teenagers to be anti-racist. This is something tangible all of us can do as parents. Have uncomfortable conversations, form groups for kids to explore issues that are happening now, expose them to other races and share the appropriate news and stories. Do not protect them or think it will not affect them. Help them to be not only compassionate and empathetic, but a person who will stand up for others in their world.

I am honored to be raising a ten year old boy who is engaged in conversations with his peers, has gone to the children’s march in Oakland and watches and reads (age appropriate) portions of the news. Kids understand quickly what is wrong and right, and they need to be able to talk about these issues from an early age.

Last night, I said to my son, "You are our future, honey!” He replied, “Mom, I can do it!” At ten years old, this kid has lived through Obama, Trump, the Northern California fires, COVID, Shelter-in-Place, home-school, climate change, and now riots / looting / and marches for Black Lives Matter. He still remains buoyant and positive even though he is getting a taste of what his world will hold. We will need his energy and vision in years to come. Please plant the seeds with your kids.

During June we will donate 50% of sales from The Weekend Collection to programs that provide mentorship for black youth through high school and college. We are researching an organization or organizations that we feel connect with this mission. We will let you know as our plan unfolds and how Shibumi will be continuing to help keep the awareness alive and continue to support black youths in the future.

At this time we are open by appointment with strict safety guidelines in place Thursday - Saturday 12-6pm (Also for curbside pick up.) Please let us know if you need to schedule another time.

We all need to stay uplifted and buoyant. We need to keep listening and acting in order for change to happen!

Wishing you beauty, the empathy to understand pain and the strength to make a positive difference in this world.

And we thank you for your support during this time.

In solidarity,

April Higashi, Owner