How to support Bakers Against Racism

Joel Hitchens

If you are a baker, or just someone who likes looking at delicious food online, you may have seen the hashtag #bakersagainstracism. This hashtag is tied to an organization of the same name, which was started by Willa Pelini, Paola Velez, and Rob Rubba. These three started the group as a way to apply their skills to support a cause they are passionate about. Each of them are chefs, bakers, organizers, activists, and Rob is a skilled graphic designer.

The three founders set out to put together a virtual bake sale that could raise money on a larger scale than a physical bake sale or pop-up, while also allowing for increased social distancing. Their initial goal was to get 80 professional and home bakers involved. However, thanks to their initiative, networking abilities, and the fact that it was just a great idea, the project grew way beyond expectations. Restaurants, bakers, and chefs from all over the country participated in the sale. By the end of June the group had raised over 1.9 million dollars in donations to anti-racist organizations!  The story is even more incredible coming from the organizers themselves, so I would encourage you to read the NPR and NYT articles about them, and check out their Instagram pages. Although the bake sale has officially ended, the movement is not over. You can get future updates from the group by signing up on their website and access to valuable resources through their Instagram page. 

There are still several different ways you can participate. Bakers across the country are using the hashtag to advertise that they are still participating. While the amount raised does not contribute to the official tally, these bakers are still donating proceeds from their sales to anti-racist organizations. I have seen people contributing to their local NAACP chapters, local bail funds, BLM, and numerous other local grassroots organizations. You can contribute to anti-racism efforts by purchasing baked goods from these bakers, or by selling your own baked goods and donating the proceeds. 

There is an option on Galora to mark your listing as “for a cause.” This indicates to other Galorians that the proceeds from your sales, or at least a significant portion, are being donated to a charitable organization or non-profit. It has been incredible to see people making connections with each other through their shared love of homemade and homegrown objects. We would love to see you post a listing supporting the BLM movement, or any other charities and organizations that you are passionate about! With this “for a cause” option on listings we hope that people will be able to further maximize the positive effect they are having on the world by sharing their homemade/homegrown things.

Image source NBC News