Black Lives Still Matter

We often mark time by looking at changes – how much we’ve done, how far we’ve gone, how much we’ve grown. For the Black community, however, time too often shows a lack of change, a lack of progress, and – yes – a lack of growth. 

Did you know Black Americans are 3 times more likely than white Americans to be killed by police? 2021 is proving to be no different than previous years. Black families still warn their sons and daughters about acting right when it comes to police interactions. Not much has changed there. 

Did you know police violence is a leading cause of death for young Black men in the United States? Over the life course, about 1 in every 1,000 black men can expect to be killed by police. Not much has changed there. 

Did you know Black-owned businesses are twice as likely to get turned down for loans? Although Black-owned businesses are the most likely to apply for financing, less than 47% of those applications were fully funded. Not much as changed there. 

I am thankful to say – on the one-year commemoration of George Floyd’s death – his killer will be held accountable, but in reality, not much has changed. Police are indicted in less than 1% of killings, while the indictment rate for civilians is 90%. 

At PuffCuff, Black lives still matter. That’s why we continue to support those individuals fighting against systemic racism and police brutality. One dollar of every ‘I Support Black Business’ apparel purchase goes to support the African American Policy Forum, the Know Your Rights Camp, and the Grassroots Law Project. 

Not much has changed, but change-makers are making a difference, and they need all the support we can give. #sayhisname #sayhername #saytheirnames