In my capacity as a fashion observer, I strongly want to share my support for #BlackLivesMatter so that we can all progress towards the right action plan that we need to undertake.
I need to do better in educating myself.
I have to support black voices and welcome them in the community.
I need to speak out, when I see the opposite happening.
I need to listen so they feel heard.
It’s essential to use resources out there to read, follow, uplift, donate.
I know there is a lot to learn and even more to unlearn. Am I thoughtful enough in checking out my favourite designers and editors whether they present and execute their anti-racism as they proclaim to?
Living in NYC, I have been joining the rallies. These peaceful marches are a unifying experience. We owe a debt to the black and brown community.
The fashion industry, still a largely white industry, has a moral obligation to tackle racism. For instance, we must commit ourselves to integrate black models, creatives and artisans in the fashion community. We must make essential efforts to hire black colleagues on every level within companies, but above all have a balance at a senior level. With the guiding hand of #PullUpOrShutUp, an organisation asking companies to disclose their percentage of black employees, we can execute this starting today.
As Ericka Claudio, a social impact strategist, said: “Putting your resources behind supporting black lives and advancing black success is really what’s required to dismantle racism.”
I can make a change by buying and wearing clothes by and collaborating with black designers. I also will reconsider buying from organisations that are not actively anti-racist.Not as a one off, but building up a continuous relationship with black fashion.
Another action plan with an ongoing character is that stores and brands sell 15% of black-owned business on their shelves and on their e-commerce platform. Black people account for 15% of the population in the United States. The #15percentpledge is now a nonprofit organisation thanks to Aurora James, the shoe and accessories designer of Brother Vellies. By doing so, we commit to backing more black-owned brands who will be able to reach broader audiences.
Because at the end of the day I want to see that we are all part of one community, where color identity is insignificant. For instance, let’s focus on initiatives for all people of color in fashion like Latinx, Asian, Middle-Eastern descent and Native American communities. Solidarity is not a one time thing.We must be changemakers and once we get going in the right direction, it becomes the (new) norm.
For the following weeks, I will be posting about black fashion talent on a daily basis. My hope is that, by sharing and presenting them, they take up their seat at the table of fashion-makers where they belong.
To be continued,
TeDe
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