Take action with us for a better humanity.

Devastating current events - most recently, the murder of George Floyd - has given a wake-up call for all of us looking to do better and help how we can. For people to educate themselves and others against systemic racism, white supremacy and the historic oppression of the black community.

It could not be more important to me personally, my family, friends and team at Bibi Van Der Velden that we do what is necessary with our voice, efforts and take action to make an impact now. Black people are a part of my family, my friends, a part of my business, a part of OUR humanity to be treated equally, with respect, love and care. It’s been said by many, but I mean it more than ever, I know that I will never truly understand, but I stand with you.

We pledge to listen, learn and share. The BVDV feed Instagram feed muted as part of #BlackOutTuesday to stand in solidarity with the #AmplifyMelanatedVoices movement.

Following this, we will continue to share ways we can all take action in our Instagram Stories along with educational resources we can all learn from.

So please share these too, and with us to raise awareness and join the movement for a better humanity.

These are the anti-racism resources we recommend.

Key reading for adults. It’s never too late to learn.

‘My Life as an Undocumented Immigrant’ by Jose Antonio Vargas for The NY Times

Black Feminist Thought by Patricia Hill Collins

So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo

White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo

Reads to teach children about race. Simple ways to inspire and educate the next generation.

As parents, we have a duty to educate our children on equality.

Little People, Big Dreams Series

This series presents the lives of pioneering figures for younger readers, the Little People, Big Dreams series is a marvel of clarity and colour. From Jane Austen to Martin Luther King, each book provides an age-appropriate overview of an iconic life in simplified text and bold, captivating illustrations. Inspirational and enlightening, these volumes are an essential addition to any child bookshelves. My daughter Charlie has always had a fascination with Nelson Mandela, and she would personally like to recommend reading this one first.