BLM BAKE SALE

Baked Goods for Black Lives Matter

Students raise $3,000 with a virtual bake sale in the only BLM issue that deserves sugarcoating

By MELODY BATHAEE

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! 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-

fered. When the exciting day came, Tang and Rogers gathered their recruited volunteers in groups that worked together to create a successful system after seeing the influx of offers for their wholesome goods. After releasing that the bake sale was going to be held for 8 hours, the excitement and yearning to donate in any way to the growing initiative turned “Baked Goods For Black Lives Matter” into a proud community moment for the youth of Orange County.

Every unit was sold within hours leaving the organizers tired, yet, starstruck with the rush of support and love received by their peers and strangers looking to help in any way they can. With aching hands and scattered thoughts, Amanda Tang and Hannah Rogers raised $3,000 towards their donations to three organizations fighting for racial equality. Rogers enlightens that “We started ‘Baked goods For BLM’ as a safe way to raise money for organizations that directly help black communities.”

Effectively, the donations from the fundraiser have been equally split between Equal Justice Initiative, ArtworxLA, and the Communities United Against Police Brutality. Each working in regards to achieving equality for black individuals in the U.S. The Equal Justice Initiative is committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the U.S., to challenging economic injustice, and to protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society.

Based in Los Angeles, ArtworxLA combats the high school dropout crisis by engaging students in long-term, sequential arts programs to offer a pursuable life path that inspires them to stay in school, evolve as unique people and flourish as creative adults. Communities United Against Police Brutality tackles defunding and ultimately changing the system of Minneapolis and St. Paul area police departments, in light of George Floyd’s death, by combatting brutality from many angles-- including political and social legislative action, education, research, and providing services and support for victims and their families.

This prosperous outcome of the “Baked Goods For Black Lives Matter” event leads Amanda Tang and Hannah Rogers feeling hopeful about a future enforcing equality for black individuals and dissipating the normalcy of racism. When asked about how they internalize the difference they are making, Tang emphasizes “If there’s anything I want to let the people who feel like they’re just one person so they can’t possibly make a difference know is that I used to feel that way too. You don’t need a large online platform or loads of money to do so. Use the talents you have! Small changes and big changes are changes nonetheless.”

Similarly, Rogers is ready-- as an ally-- to see change in the communities they worked to donate to: “We feel that this fundraiser will make a difference because through our chosen organizations we can help ensure justice for those who are wrongfully imprisoned, foster creative spaces for people of color to thrive in, and to support efforts to assist those directly affected by police brutality.”

When speaking on their inspirations and motivations for the virtual bake sale, each of them described what they are hoping to see as a result of all of the efforts that are constantly evolving as a result of the resparked movement. The activists converse how “there are many changes I wish to see in our communities and nation, but the one that was the main initiative to create the Baked Goods for Black Lives Matter bake sale is that Black people are killed by the police at a greater rate than any other race; but also that Black people, largely due to our nation’s colonial past and systemic racism, have been put at a disadvantage. The social issues in our country like unequal education, housing, food insecurity, the cycle of poverty, etc. can be traced and have roots in systemic inequality which affect marginalized groups, more specifically Black Americans.”

“Change is long overdue,” Rogers says, “and we must continue to fight for what we believe, no matter the opposition we may face on the road to freedom.”

The two find that their passions align with the ambition needed for initiative to be pushed forward, but “America has made progress, I acknowledge that, but we shouldn’t stop now. There is more work to be done.”