Supporting ABG’s BIPOC Community with Action and Resources
In Ashtin Berry’s critically arresting keynote speech for the Lift Collective virtual conference this week, she challenged the wine community to do more to reduce the violence that exists in community on a daily basis as a result of systems of racism and white supremacy.
Berry spoke to her belief that safe spaces do not exist, but brave spaces do, challenging the industry to create space in community where difficult discussions can be had. I interpreted this to be spaces where we can be brave enough to lean into those areas where we may not feel equipped to do so and, as Berry urged, to build communities that lean into truth, trust and accountability.
As ABG’s founder, I recommit to leaning in more.
When A Balanced Glass was conceived in early 2017, one of the very first and most important tenets was to create a space where people could share their stories without fear or judgement.
We have always strived to do our best in building this community, and we recognize that as we have continued to learn, we also play a role in the oppression of marginalized communities, just simply by being part of an industry where these concepts are deeply engrained in its foundations. We now recognize that this commitment needs to go further to create even more inclusive spaces for people. We commit to doing more.
We stand against racism, and in solidarity with the BIPOC community. We are here to support our community members in need, and we commit to continue learning from the BIPOC community, educating ourselves, and taking anti-racist actions.
Over these past few weeks, our attention has been focused on supporting the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, at this time of escalated violence and loss, and supporting our friends, families and colleagues who are traumatized as a result of ongoing acts of violence in the community.
This week, we would like to share some resources with you that we have found to be helpful. ABG has never shied away from addressing difficult subjects head on, and right now this is the most difficult subject we see and feel within our Community.
Here is a list of ways to support the AAPI community right now:**
Take action on the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund website, and donate to Hollaback! and Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC. Speak up and report a hate incident.
Donate to any of the Go Fund Me campaigns including AAPI, #StopAsianHate, Support our Elderly and Fight Anti-Asian Violence, or via DirectGive.org
Follow and support AAPI Instagram accounts including @kimsaira @advancing_justice_atl @advancingjustice_aajc @risenow.us @amandagocnguyen @intersectional.abc @asiansformentalhealth @asianmentalhealthcollective and @asianamericancollective for updates, news and genuine conversations.
Wine professional, Ungrafted Podcast Founder and ABG Community member Icy Liu has a website dedicated to supporting and building the network of Asian Wine Professionals. Please help support Liu’s commitment to building the network by adding your details, and also follow her on Instagram here.
You can find all the above links on our website here. We are listening, learning, and ready to take action.
Namaste,
Beck
What We're Reading:
Here's what has piqued our interest this week in the world of wine and mindfulness.
What to Know About So-Called Post Pandemic Stress Disorder, by Natasha Hinde for Huffington Post
It's not an officially recognized mental health condition. But maybe it should be.
What's Happening in Our Nervous Systems? by Christine Runyan for On Being
Pandemic brain and “skin hunger.” How our bodies have been trying to care for us. Strategies for bringing our conscious selves back online.
Alcohol in Adland and Its Impact on Staff, by Brittney Rigby on Mumbrella
It would appear adland has a drinking problem, and it is impacting staff of all levels, isolating non-drinkers and addicts alike.
Meet the Community!
Here we meet some of the talented folks who make our community and profession so dynamic.
Jesse Kirkpatrick, AGM/Buyer at Elemental Spirits Co. (Atlanta, Georgia, USA)
Years in the Industry:
I’ve been in the Food and Beverage industry for over a decade, beginning with a summer job as a delivery driver with Qdoba. Since then, I’ve worked as a hostess at a Michelin star restaurant, server at a trendy pizza parlor, manager of restaurants and bottle shops and now, I get to play with my own wine program at Elemental Spirits Co. and have never had more fun.
My Top Three Challenges to Wellness:
My biggest challenge to wellness is getting out of my own way. Ultimately, that challenge lies inside my own head. Keeping my anxiety and self-criticism in check is tough, and I’m often unsuccessful. I’m also challenged by learning when to say ‘no.' I’m a chronic people-pleaser and I am not often successful at saying 'no’ to opportunities when my gut tells me to. I tend to over-extend or over-promise and will work myself to the breaking-point to get things done.
How I Keep It Together to Stay Well:
I’ve recently been trying to practice sticking to boundaries and prioritizing time for myself. I’ve come to realize that I am an introverted person who works (successfully!) as an extroverted person, and I really need time to recharge to be able to get through my work week. I lay low, treat myself to a face mask and a book or TV show binge, and am very picky about who I choose to spend my time off with. When I truly give myself space to rest, I am so much better prepared to tackle the week ahead!
What Inspires Me:
My community. When I first began answering this question, I listed my friends, my family, my work and coworkers, but I realized that this is just all of my people. I consider myself incredibly lucky to be surrounded by people (and particularly a large group of amazing women!) that I am constantly motivated by, inspired by and who push me to be my best ‘me’ just by being ’them’.
A Quote I Love:
“Already am, always was, and I still have time to be.” — Anis Mojgani
You can connect with Jesse on Instagram @jessecat12 and @afterflours and on Facebook.
