• I challenge you to set aside some time today or this week to educate yourself on the racial inequality in our country and ask yourself what you can do to help on a practical level. Here are just a few resources that have moved me personally in recent years. This list isn't perfect or complete, but it is a starting point. As you seek to educate yourself, ask God to help you let your defenses down and be teachable. Ask Him to give you clarity about where you should stand in this fight and what you can do to help. And pray for healing in our nation, too. We need it now more than ever. To Read I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown (currently reading) White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo and White Kids: Growing Up with Privilege in a Racially Divided America by Margaret A Hagerman (next on my list. I know these books are both by white authors, but they cover topics I am interested in. I will consciously seek out more books by POC moving forward, some linked below) More Books: http://austinchanning.com/library To Watch When They See Us (on Netflix- dramatic miniseries about the Central Park Five- very difficult to watch but also very important) 13th (on Netflix- about the prison industrial complex) All American (on Netflix- yes, it's a teen drama, but it does a great job illustrating issues that affect black communities. This would be a good one to watch and discuss with your older kids while they are on summer break.) To Donate (first two organizations local to Georgia) Atlanta Solidarity Fund (provides support for people arrested at protests) Fair Fight (against suppression of young voters and POC) National Bail Fund Network and The Bail Project (against mass incarceration) I also encourage you to check in on your strong black friends this week. Pray for them. Drop off a meal or a care package. Ask them if they want to talk. Offer to make a grocery run. If you are white and have been emotionally exhausted by the events of the past weeks, imagine how your black friends must feel. Remember that, while they may be open to discussion, it is not their job to educate you on these topics. (continued in comments)
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    I challenge you to set aside some time today or this week to educate yourself on the racial inequality in our country and ask yourself what you can do to help on a practical level. Here are just a few resources that have moved me personally in recent years. This list isn't perfect or complete, but it is a starting point. As you seek to educate yourself, ask God to help you let your defenses down and be teachable. Ask Him to give you clarity about where you should stand in this fight and what you can do to help. And pray for healing in our nation, too. We need it now more than ever. To Read I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown (currently reading) White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo and White Kids: Growing Up with Privilege in a Racially Divided America by Margaret A Hagerman (next on my list. I know these books are both by white authors, but they cover topics I am interested in. I will consciously seek out more books by POC moving forward, some linked below) More Books: http://austinchanning.com/library To Watch When They See Us (on Netflix- dramatic miniseries about the Central Park Five- very difficult to watch but also very important) 13th (on Netflix- about the prison industrial complex) All American (on Netflix- yes, it's a teen drama, but it does a great job illustrating issues that affect black communities. This would be a good one to watch and discuss with your older kids while they are on summer break.) To Donate (first two organizations local to Georgia) Atlanta Solidarity Fund (provides support for people arrested at protests) Fair Fight (against suppression of young voters and POC) National Bail Fund Network and The Bail Project (against mass incarceration) I also encourage you to check in on your strong black friends this week. Pray for them. Drop off a meal or a care package. Ask them if they want to talk. Offer to make a grocery run. If you are white and have been emotionally exhausted by the events of the past weeks, imagine how your black friends must feel. Remember that, while they may be open to discussion, it is not their job to educate you on these topics. (continued in comments)
  • This dreamy, at home session with Kaylee and Wes gives me all the feels 😍 I’m blessed to work with so many amazing humans through this job. If you’d like to document surviving 2+ months of quarantine with your people, hit me up for details on booking a socially distanced at home family session this summer. 🏡 #rachelparsonsphotography
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    This dreamy, at home session with Kaylee and Wes gives me all the feels 😍 I’m blessed to work with so many amazing humans through this job. If you’d like to document surviving 2+ months of quarantine with your people, hit me up for details on booking a socially distanced at home family session this summer. 🏡 #rachelparsonsphotography
  • Maddie being cute at her senior session and also a perfect representation of my feelings about being behind my camera again after a couple months away 😍 tonight was the actual BEST. So good for the soul. I can’t wait to share Maddie’s session with you! #rachelparsonsphotography #rachelparsonsseniors
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    Maddie being cute at her senior session and also a perfect representation of my feelings about being behind my camera again after a couple months away 😍 tonight was the actual BEST. So good for the soul. I can’t wait to share Maddie’s session with you! #rachelparsonsphotography #rachelparsonsseniors
  • I saw a great post from a friend earlier asking what things are you doing to combat anxiety during this stressful time and thought it was a great discussion topic. About a week into the stay at home order, I was a nervous wreck and knew I was gonna have a problem if I didn’t get it together. This week has been filled with lots of worship music, podcasts and sermons (I love @armchairexppod @passioncity and @gwinnettchurch ), and talking to God, Chris or friends and family when needed. I’ve also gotten very disciplined about what Chris and I are eating, which has been good (especially since we’re trying to stretch groceries as long as possible). I’m carving out office hours when I need to but balancing that time with relaxing things like yoga, house projects and puppy snuggles. And keeping news/social media to a minimum. It’s important to know the basics, but there’s also a lot of unnecessary fear mongering out there right now. What are some things you’ve been doing to keep calm and find a sense or normalcy during this crazy time? I’d love to know! #rachelparsonsphotography . 📷 from #topoftherocknyc earlier this year, film processed and scanned by @dunwoodyphoto 💕
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    I saw a great post from a friend earlier asking what things are you doing to combat anxiety during this stressful time and thought it was a great discussion topic. About a week into the stay at home order, I was a nervous wreck and knew I was gonna have a problem if I didn’t get it together. This week has been filled with lots of worship music, podcasts and sermons (I love @armchairexppod @passioncity and @gwinnettchurch ), and talking to God, Chris or friends and family when needed. I’ve also gotten very disciplined about what Chris and I are eating, which has been good (especially since we’re trying to stretch groceries as long as possible). I’m carving out office hours when I need to but balancing that time with relaxing things like yoga, house projects and puppy snuggles. And keeping news/social media to a minimum. It’s important to know the basics, but there’s also a lot of unnecessary fear mongering out there right now. What are some things you’ve been doing to keep calm and find a sense or normalcy during this crazy time? I’d love to know! #rachelparsonsphotography . 📷 from #topoftherocknyc earlier this year, film processed and scanned by @dunwoodyphoto 💕
  • Felt cute, might keep mom and dad up all night later. #braelynimani #rachelparsonsphotography #rachelparsonsmilestones
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    Felt cute, might keep mom and dad up all night later. #braelynimani #rachelparsonsphotography #rachelparsonsmilestones
  • Chris and I spent the morning at a business workshop hosted by the wonderful @dashphotographyatl and it was just what I needed to feel recharged going into this year! I’m very grateful for more experienced industry peers who offer opportunities for others to learn from the expertise they’ve gained over the years. This May will mark three years since I made the jump to full time with RPP. Can you believe it!? God has been to good to us thorough this little business. I’m looking forward to applying what I’ve learned in the coming months and making year 4 the best yet for my amazing clients. 💕 PS-how gorgeous are Arian and Jadon here? I just loved their fall engagement session. #rachelparsonsphotography #rachelparsonsweddings
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    Chris and I spent the morning at a business workshop hosted by the wonderful @dashphotographyatl and it was just what I needed to feel recharged going into this year! I’m very grateful for more experienced industry peers who offer opportunities for others to learn from the expertise they’ve gained over the years. This May will mark three years since I made the jump to full time with RPP. Can you believe it!? God has been to good to us thorough this little business. I’m looking forward to applying what I’ve learned in the coming months and making year 4 the best yet for my amazing clients. 💕 PS-how gorgeous are Arian and Jadon here? I just loved their fall engagement session. #rachelparsonsphotography #rachelparsonsweddings