Ureeka was built on the foundation of a commitment to help Next Wave entrepreneurs with the Black community at the helm of that mission. To see the blatant injustice and discrimination continue in our world is a reminder of just how important it is to not only continue to fight for change,  but fight even harder.

To our Black community members and those within our own Ureeka family, we recognize and acknowledge your pain and the feelings of fatigue over the injustices you face every single day.

Yesterday, we participated #BlackOutTuesday in solidarity with you and those beyond our corner of the internet.  We promise to continue listening, but also work towards our mission to help create economic opportunity, as well as to make space both on and offline.

June 1st marked the first day of Pride Month, during which we celebrate and uplift the LGBTQ community. This year’s Pride Month comes at a challenging time, but is another moment to work together to create a world of justice and equity for all.

Being queer intersects multiple identities, multiple communities, and that includes communities of color. We stand with the LGBTQ community this month, we also stand proud with the black LGBTQ community and acknowledge that this particular intersection is particularly challenging right now.

It is so important right now to not only show up, but lift up and we hope you will follow along with us as we do just that.

– The Ureeka Team

For a more personal perspective, here are thoughts directly from our co-founder, Melissa Bradley.