Check out Part I of our interview with multi-talented artist India Solomon and our co-founder Dy-Min Johnson below.
We commissioned India Solomon to create a mural in our new store and with her help we were able to create an inviting, fluid space.
Watch to learn more about her and the inspiration behind her art!
Affirmations is a LGBTQ+ community center that was founded in 1989, their mission is to provide a welcoming space for everyone to express themselves as they please. All gender identities, sexual expressions and cultures are welcome and can find support, socialize, will feel safe and have unconditional acceptance. Affirmations is more than just a building, they are authentically bringing love, inclusivity, hope and dreams to their youth and seniors.
We are so excited to be teamed up with them & Gathering Coffee Co to donate profits from our Pride goods! Profits will go towards supporting this amazing community center and the great work they do.
Here's a bit of what they do:
Offer resources for the youth like development and leadership programs- where they help mold the youth into becoming young adults with skills such as resume writing , mental health, racism, and much more.
Affirmations Angels is a senior program that help with the needed care of individuals that were affected by the HIV.AIDS crisis in the late 90's. In partnership with SAGE, Affirmations Angels provides non-medical assistance such as transportation, grocery shopping, light meal prep and other daily needs to the often marginalized members of the community. With COVID taking place they have zoom meetings frequently to check in, stay connected and complete grocery deliveries.
Affirmations also provides support and discussion groups. These are free and intended for anyone who needs support, connection and community. Some of the different groups they have are coming out discussions, disability, gentle yoga, LGBTQ+ parents, mens discussion, LGBTQ+ people of color, and transgender and nonbinary discussions. These are all held virtually at the moment and can be found on their website.
Other services they have include inclusion training, advocacy and health & wellness. If you are looking to volunteer, support, give or donate to this amazing center that wants to help individuals thrive in life you can do so right on their website under the get involved and support tabs.
"What is Juneteenth?"
Juneteenth is a national holiday celebrating the abolishment of slavery. It originated in Galveston, Texas in 1865 on June 19th. Federal troops arrived and declared that all slaves be freed. This happened nearly three years later after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed. Throughout this process the export of slaves from Africa to the United States ended.
