The dandelion is a symbol of healing, survival and overcoming emotional hardship.
As someone who has battled depression over the years, I know that I am not alone in this, but at times it sure can feel that way. That is why I created the Dandelion Pendant. I wanted to make a piece of jewelry that you could give to someone who has been going through a hard time. Something they could wear everyday to remind them that they are loved and they are not alone.
And because the dandelion can survive through rough conditions, I felt it was also the perfect symbol for someone who has come out of the other side of hardship. This necklace can be a celebration of your overcoming challenges, and a reminder of your strength and perseverance.
Also, 10% of the proceeds from the Dandelion Pendant go to the Black Women's Health Imperative and Black Mamas Matter Alliance (5% each). “Black Mamas Matter Alliance is a Black women-led cross-sectoral alliance. [They] center Black mamas to advocate, drive research, build power, and shift culture for Black maternal health, rights, and justice.” and the Black Women’s Health Imperative has, “been the only national organization dedicated solely to improving the health and wellness of our nation’s 21 million Black women and girls – physically, emotionally and financially.”
I chose these two organizations in part to help raise awareness about the black maternal health crisis that is happening in the United States. As Sister’s Keeper reports on the CDC’s findings, “Nationally, Black babies die at over 2 times the rate of white babies, and Black women are 3-4 times more likely to die from pregnancy related causes than white women. In places like New York City, Black women are 12 times more likely than white women to die of pregnancy related causes. These trends are present across class lines.” And from this in depth article in the NYTimes, “a black woman with an advanced degree is more likely to lose her baby than a white woman with less than an eighth-grade education.”
As reported by the Root, “The potential causes are numerous, including lack of access to health care and attention and prenatal resources to disenfranchised and disproportionately of color communities, a lack of attention given to health concerns expressed by black women, and even psychological stress and PTSD caused by racism.”
Please consider donating to an organization working to address this issue or other issues affecting BIPOC. Below are a few suggestions, but before giving money to any organization, I encourage you to do your own research.
Black Women's Health Imperative