Black Lives Matter. Period.
We – The STUFF Sisters – grew up with an Earth Mother. We began our lives on her hip and holding her hand as she marched and volunteered during the Civil Rights Movement. She went on to be a dedicated and celebrated leader in the Women’s Movement and the ongoing fight for the Equal Rights Amendment. We spent countless hours and days sitting at the Missouri state capitol in t-shirts boldly printed with messages of equality, while we helped stamp envelopes, fold flyers, and make yard-signs.
We were raised on a healthy dose of social justice. We were taught that human rights are NOT political. We were raised to have voices and to feel empowered to speak our minds. We attended public schools during desegregation and our names were offered to be part of the landmark case to integrate schools in Kansas City and Missouri.
We are proud, opinionated women that became active, participating members in the fight for social justice and equality for all people in our country. Our store has always been a safe space for all people. Our store’s doors are always open to anyone and everyone. We represent artists and creators as diverse and beautiful as the world in which we live. In addition, we curate works that hopefully reflect that same diversity.
We will continue to grow, learn, listen, and evolve personally and professionally. We will continue to be a safe place for all people. We will continue to donate our time and resources to not-for-profits that raise people up in our community.
Black Lives Matter. Racism is systemic. Our country’s history for people of color is dreadful and shameful. Protesting and demanding change is heroic. Police brutality is not acceptable. It is time to kneel in protest and give the podium to black people. Period.
Our mother never once waivered. She was never afraid of a fight. She never became silent in the face of injustice. She always said, “Change is a long, hard road, but that is not an excuse to give up.” She currently has cancer tumors on her brain that make it hard for her to speak, and yet still she speaks about social justice. She still offers wisdom to finish the work she and others began. She is an unstoppable force for justice and equality. She is still the voice in our heads reminding us that if we are not part of the solution, we are part of the problem.
Our dream is that recent events are a renewal, a new beginning, not another disappointing chapter in our racist history.
- We will say his name.
- We will say her name.
- We will protest.
- We will listen.
- We will learn.
- We will give.
- We will speak up.
- We will fight for justice.
And, we will kneel…in front of our store, on Saturday, June 13th at 2:30pm in Brookside for 9 minutes. Please join us.
The STUFF Sisters
PS. If you would like to donate to a fantastic organization dedicated to increasing charitable giving within African American communities to benefit and make change in the greater Kansas City area, please consider giving to The Sisters’ Circle. You can learn more and give here… The Sisters’ Circle.
PSS. To learn more about the peaceful protest – on June 13th in Brookside – it is on Facebook. Click here.
Note: To read more about the artwork, you can click here.
SHARE THIS: 
What a beautiful legacy your mother has given you – you must be as proud of her as she is of you. May this be a time of REAL change!
Janel:
Your wish for this to be the time of real change is our wish!
Thanks for reading our words and then sending some of your own. We are lucky to have you in the STUFF Family!
Be well.
– sloane & casey
I love this particular edition of your blog.
I have never met your Mother in person, and yet I have “known” her for all of eternity. She is WOMAN; she is blessed! You two have brought her honor with the way you live.
All love, and light, and prayers to her, you two sisters, and all of your family.
Thank you,
Liz
Liz:
Thank your for your kind note. This exact point in history could not feel more like “we are all in this together”!
Your words to us and our mother are gracious and we will share them with her.
Take care of yourself and we look forward to seeing you soon.
– sloane & casey
Thank you SO much for this! Every time I’m back “home” in KC I come to your store because I LOVE IT! But after reading this, I love it even more if that’s possible. Thanks for being wonderful! 💕
Jeanenne Nichols
We sure look forward to your next visit to Kansas City!
Thank you for your gracious note and for taking time to read out blog AND respond.
Travel safely, and, again, thank you.
-sloane & casey
And these are just some of the things I love about you!
Janie:
The best thing every is that we have surrounded ourselves with amazing people who care deeply … about what is good and right and true. You are one of those people, hands down.
Thanks for reading our blog and for sending a kind note. We are all in this together…
xoxoxo
-sloane & casey
Loved reading this, absolutely beautiful history and passion from Mother to Daughters! Thought you would like to see this powerful artist’s piece in Time if you have not yet seen it.
https://time.com/5847487/george-floyd-time-cover-titus-kaphar/
Michele:
Thank you for taking time to read our blogs AND send a note. Your time is a generous gift.
In addition, thank you for sending the artwork. We both find much in it to lean into.
Take care of yourself and your family.
xo
– sloane & casey
Your mom and you girls absolutely rock . My dad was on the Civil Rights Commission for the Gov decades ago. I think your personal exposure/ contribution to the movement was more active them mine but this is absolutely my core belief system. I am proud to know you and what you do and who you each are. I will donate.
Thank you.
Rachel:
We are surrounded by the best people. Every family – every person really – who fights for what is right in any capacity has made a mark that never fades.
We are lucky to have your amazing work in our lives every day and please take a moment and realize all the magic in you AND your family. We all rise when someone takes a stand for what is right and true.
Hang in and hang on…..
-sloane & casey
This makes me so proud to be a part of the Stuff Family!! Thank you for being an unwavering force for what is right and for what is good! I love you both so very much. 💜
Julie:
We think it is truly the people you meet along this journey that make a family.
YOU and your family ARE our family and we are darn lucky to represent your work.
Thank you for taking time to read our words and then taking time to send a note.
You are the bestest.
– sloane & casey
Your words are powerful but even more powerful are your mother’s teaching and example, and your continued commitment to equality, justice and change. I will kneel with you while out of town Saturday but my heart is in KC. Onward!
Liza:
Thank you for not only reading our blog but for sending a kind note.
Travel safely and we look foward to seeing you in the store soon.
– sloane & casey
I’m coming in for the decal. It will be a perfect accent on my Zoom calls. See you Saturday. Love to your mom and to all the other sisters who made the world what it is today.
Barb:
Thank you for taking time to send a note and we REALLY look forward to your visit!
Take care:
– sloane & casey
I’ll be there!!!!
Monica!
We look forward to taking a knee with you!
-sloane & casey
I have always been inspired by your family and how much your whole family have participated in a positive way for this community I love you guys❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Marie:
Thank for you sending us a note and being so very kind. Taking time to read what we write is the greatest gift you give us. Again, thank you.
Families are amazing things and yours is not so darn bad either! We are lucky to share this Earth with you all.
Be well
– sloane & casey
I’ll be taking a knee, even if in Overland Park, and thinking about a brighter future. Thanks to Catherine and all of you for continuing to carry the torch. XOXOX
Thank you for being allies and warriors in this work, Sloane and Casey.
Thank you, too, for lifting up the Sisters’ Circle Fund as an effective resource for those who might want to support our mission!
Kansas City is so fortunate the STUFF Sisters chose here to build a great business that has become significant to the fabric and vibrancy of our City.
Pat:
You are sweet to send such a kind note. Thank you.
We are proud to have built a business in a city that has benefitted from the unwaivering support of the Sisters’ Circle.
Kansas City has a long way to go in the fights for equality at all levels. We know that and we want to help make change.
Be well and, again, thank you for taking time to read our blogs and for sending a note.
xo
– sloane