Every single brand you support should be sharing exactly what they do and do not stand for at this critical moment in history, along with an explanation of how they are going to take action. Ashlee Hamon Photography is no exception.

Amidst the backdrop of a crippling global health crisis, our society continues to be traumatized by the systemic racism that permeates American law enforcement. As you are aware, there has been a large and appropriate response of outrage to the murder of Black Americans by police officers. Our Black neighbors live in perpetual fear that their names or the names of their children will become yet another hashtag. We are well past the time to demand justice; to remain silent is to remain complicit.

There is no short-term solution to dismantling structural racism. This is a long and uphill battle, and the real work has only just begun. As a small business owner, it is my responsibility to share the specific, meaningful action that I am taking. 

-I am committed to using my platform to promote the Black community and to amplify their voices.

-I have signed petitions, e-mailed officials, and left voice messages for local and federal representatives. 

-As an ambassador with Empower Events I will be specifically seeking out and referring to Black entrepreneurs, business owners, and creates in Tampa Bay. 

-I have set up a recurring monthly donation to Black Lives Matter.

-I have participated and will continue to participate in peaceful protests across Tampa Bay and have began arrangements to attend the March on Washington on August 28th. 

-I have compiled all of the resources I have found so far into a hyperlinked step-by-step action plan and am following along with accountability partners in my FAMILY,  FRIENDS,  & INDUSTRY. 

I pledge to not waste the current (and long-overdue) momentum of this movement. This is just the beginning. Long-term change is coming, and you can expect to hear more from me. No lives matter until Black Lives Matter.