There have been countless examples of companies signaling their support for racial injustice after the murder of George Floyd. Some have been downright embarrassing, like the Washington Redskins attempt to support Black Lives Matter on Twitter.
However, Babynames.com showed its support for the black community in a thought-provoking manner that shows how companies can show their solidarity with people of color without pandering.
The website that helps parents-to-be select a baby name added a black banner to the top of its homepage featuring the names of dozens of black people who have been killed by the police or—in a few cases— at the hands of civilians.
"Each one of these names was somebody's baby," it says above the box.
Showing that all of these people who've lost their lives due to racial injustice were once babies, just like everyone else, gives a personal touch to the names we've read in the headlines. it also helps bridge the racial divide by exposing the common bond we all share as humans.
The powerful sentiment created a rush of traffic to BabyNames.com, which eventually crashed the site.
😮was not expecting that. That hit me hard.
— Linseigh✨ (@Linseigh) June 9, 2020
Holy shit that's powerful.
— Allison Steele demands justice for George Floyd (@trulyaliem) June 9, 2020
I don't know who at babynames thought this up, but it's very moving and profound. Too many companies trying to make these vaulted statements that just come out insincere and flat.
— Heather Wants Justice for Breonna (@exacademius) June 9, 2020
Babynames.com is where future mothers and fathers go to learn more about names and their origins. They can make lists of names they like and debate with their partners over which one will suit their baby.
The long list of African-American names at the top of the site such as Laquan, Darrius, LaMontez, Dominique, Breonna, Ahmaud, also calls attention to another unfortunate barrier faced by people of color: name discrimination.
Companies are twice as likely to to call applicants of color if they submit "whitened" resumes than candidates who reveal their race. When HR people read ethnic-sounding names on a resume they can either reject the application due to covert racism or subliminal discrimination.
"Discrimination still exists in the workplace," says Katherine A. DeCelles, the James M. Collins Visiting Associate Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School. "Organizations now have an opportunity to recognize this issue as a pinch point, so they can do something about it."
In one study performed in 16 metropolitan areas of the U.S., 25% of black candidates received callbacks from their whitened resumes, while only 10% got calls when they left ethnic details intact.
Twenty-one percent of Asian people got calls if they used whitened resumes, where's 11.5% received calls back if they used resumes that referenced their ethnicity.
Babynames.com understands that it's important for parents to find the perfect name for their child. But here they showed it's important for everyone to know the names of those who've lost their lives to racially-motivated violence.
Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
Juicy subject matter
Giphy from The Blacklist.
We could start a rumor.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.