How We Got Started
As a young girl I was profoundly affected by the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I had the benefit of going to a public school in New York City and it was in the first grade, when we were asked by the teacher to write about his death. What it meant to each of us. What we might do to help. My teacher gave the class a prompt to begin writing from and we were asked to describe how we felt.For me writing about how I felt just wasn't enough. I wanted to also draw a picture:
It never occurred to me that someone might be killed because of the color of their skin? It never occurred to me that someone who worked to promote Civil Rights might be killed for his or her ideas. A child views the world around them from an altruistic lens. I was raised in a household where we were taught men, women and children were created equal, all colors, all religions and I am very proud of that fact. One day, after a long, arduous day at work I realized I wanted to do more for humanity, in general and as a whole. I wanted to do something meaningful, so I thought about it, and I came up with the idea to put the word ERACISM on a standard eraser.
I remember that day very clearly. It was quite exciting to think that there was something I could do to make a difference in this world, that I could develop and create a product that could in essence be used to begin a dialogue about racism. I mentioned my idea to someone whom I trusted and he said, "Yeah, but they probably have it already." But, I didn't let that stop me from trying and try I did; much to my delight nobody had put the word ERACISM on an eraser, and eventually I become the proud owner of Eracism Erasers®. I didn't limit it to just erasers, in fact, I can print Eracism Erasers® on pens, pencils, and other general office supplies. A remarkable word, that can be used to spread the idea to 'erase racism', a simple phrase, yet infinitely meaningful.
It is my hope that my erasers are used to send a message to the masses. Eracism Erasers® presents a unique opportunity to start a conversation about what new steps it might take to promote tolerance and acceptance. These erasers can open the door of communication amongst all of us who are willing to take a look inside and share our thoughts of what we'd like to see take place to end racism. Whether it be in a school, office or public setting, we can work to make a difference for the most important race of all, the human race. - Jennifer