Last week, I struggled to talk with my 6-year-old Black son about the injustices of our country and the world. I’m faced with the challenge of educating and preparing Him to be a strong, resilient Black man in America. Like many families, our dinner table conversation has become focused on, together, unpacking and processing the brokenness of people, the divides in our nation and its history, and the deriving shortfalls of the systems that are supposed to protect us.
These conversations are not easy but are immensely important to have with our loved ones, community, and colleagues. As an organization and as individuals, however, we recognize that actions speak louder than words. We need to listen and learn from one another, admit where we misunderstand or make mistakes, and most importantly, take action. Together, we must actively pursue justice, equality, and unity.
Acceptd was founded on the mission of connecting artists with opportunities to follow their dreams regardless of skin color, origin, or socioeconomic status. We have been running hard with that lens for the last 10 years. Diverse perspectives lead to the creativity and craft that is art as we know it today.
We are actively working on new initiatives to double down on this core mission and have identified immediate actions we can take to reinforce our values within the arts community and beyond.
As a brand, we commit to:
- Continue the use of our platform to represent all artists equally and advocate for equal representation and opportunity in the arts industry.
- Launch an annual scholarship program to support BIPOC artists applying to arts programs worldwide.
- Actively address internal systemic changes we can make as an organization to recruit and hire more diversely.
To put it simply, Acceptd does not tolerate any form of racism or hate. We are wholeheartedly committed to being part of the solution. If you have initiatives that we may be able to assist in, please do not hesitate to reach out.
We are stronger together,
Don Hunter, Co-Founder and President
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