bites | BLM
2020
Baked Goods for Black Lives Matter Students raise $3,000 with a virtual bake sale in the only BLM issue that deserves sugarcoating IN SPITE OF ORANGE COUNTY TAKING ON THE LABEL of the “red curtain” for its localized conservatism amidst the continuously rising economy, the youth of southern California are taking social and political initiative into their own hands. By donating their talents and skills to raise awareness for injustice all over the world, these community leaders reshape their geographical region one step at a time. A recent rejuvenation of the Black Lives Matter movement has shaken the United States’ population and has spread its aftershocks all over the world. However, the discussion has only grown stronger through the bonds created by those who have had enough with continuously ignored racial discrimination. Marches, protests, and unplanned riots are pronounced the booming microphone of the voices taking action against police brutality. The video-recorded murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020 has created a momentum inspirational enough to carry a liberative togetherness of diverse communities across the nation. At the pinpoint of Mission Viejo, individuals and allies of the movement use their innovative minds to find a safe, positive way to contribute to fundraising towards this globally ensured cause. In fact, two strong-minded women alike took their passion and baking expertise to a county-wide collaborative bake sale. Saddleback student, Amanda Tang, and close friend Hannah Rogers thought up the delicious idea organizing a socially distanced event on June 19–– otherwise known as Juneteenth, the day in which the last slaves in America were emancipated from Texas slaveholders once the news of their freedom finally reached them two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was passed in 1863. The two leaders brought in friends and family from different SoCal cities to volunteer over 40 different kinds of pastries, delivery drivers, and packagers. Even so, there were more positions to be filled. “What was so great about the bake sale is that there were so many different jobs people could do,” Tang says in an email response. “Everything you bake burns? That’s okay! You can volunteer to drive and deliver the orders. Too young to drive/don’t own a car? That’s okay, be a baker! Can’t bake or drive for the sale? All good! Buy some delicious baked treats from our sale! Don’t live in the South Orange County area, but want to help? Great! Donate! 8
Orange Appeal | 2022
Can’t donate? That’s okay, too! Share our posts on Instagram to get the word out.” Like the movement, there is always a way to play a part in resolving injustice. The “Baked Goods For Black Lives Matter” event was to take place one week after initially spreading the word through Instagram stories. Tang and Rogers also created a platform to post the different announcements and desserts they were going to offer. However, the support from the OC community was overwhelming. The “virtual” bake sale’s name was spread across the platform after being seen on various stories and posts regarding the unique juncture. As Tang has been known around the campus to be a notable baker after being taught by her own mother––a bakery owner herself––chatter began to form about what delectable treats were to be of-
COURTESY OF AMANDA TANG AND HANNAH ROGERS
By MELODY BATHAEE
