06/08/2020
At the California Mermaid Convention, we are listening, we are trying to research and do the work, and we are standing in solidarity with Black Americans, and Black Mermaids; now and in the future.
When Che Monique started her movement, she made it clear that this was not an attempt to trivialize, or lessen the importance of this movement in history (please watch the video posted on her Instagram!). Che outlines the importance of using our platforms, and our shared interest of mermaids, to gain visibility and support for Black Mermaids in our community, and in the ‘real’ world. As Che says, “Even in our fantasy world, we have to take a stand”.
This is a moment for white mermaids to learn about the deep and varied history of Black Mermaids as goddesses, legends and fertility figures, the historical repression of access to swim safety in the Black community, and the struggles that professional Black Mermaids face every day in a world that will not hire them. These issues that are directly relevant in our mermaid community are a microcosm of the even larger issues that Black Americans face every day of their lives.
This is a time for white mermaids to become real allies, and not remain silent. We can do this through learning the stories of Black Mermaids, the way we spend our money, the way we vote and the conversations we have in our professional and personal lives. This is a time to support Black Americans in our country.
We wanted to show our support through our mermaid mascot, Poppy, and initially hesitated. Poppy, while based off of one of our founder's mermaid looks, does not effectively represent the mermaid community as a whole. Nor does she represent the full range of human experience and beauty that California represents in our hearts. We are taking steps to rebrand and redesign our logo and promo material to include more Black Mermaids, and Mermaids of Color. This will be a lengthy process, and we thank you as we take steps to ensure that all mermaids feel seen and represented at our event.
We are doing research to find organizations that support Black Americans in Sacramento, and plan on donating funds from our panels at the online convention to these organizations. We also will feature some new merchandise, the sale of which will be also donated to these organizations. These are both traditions that we would like to continue and grow as long as our event is held.
We wish to truly create, and foster the environment we have championed from the start; one of diversity, inclusivity and vast representation of mermaids from every walk of life.
We should, and we can, always do better
