CFDA launching initiatives to target systemic racism
The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) has announced that it
is looking to bring about “systemic change” within the fashion industry
following the “deplorable acts of racism and violence” that has been
highlighted following the deaths of black people at the hands of police.
Following a board meeting on June 2, the CFDA stated that it had
formulated four initiatives, including to create an in-house employment
programme and mentorship scheme for black talent, which would be undertaken
“immediately” to “stand in solidarity with those who are discriminated
against.”
The joint letter signed by chairman Tom Ford and president Steven Kolb
said: “Black people in this country are reeling from years of injustice
stemming from institutional constructs such as slavery, segregation, mass
incarceration, police brutality and economic and voter suppression. The
black community is experiencing anger and frustration on top of the effects
of the global pandemic that has hit communities of colour the hardest.
“Having a clear voice and speaking out against racial injustice, bigotry
and hatred is the first step, but this is not enough. This is a deeply
disturbing moment that speaks to us all. Our world is in deep pain.
“Our industry is in pain and it is not enough to simply say that we
stand in solidarity with those who are discriminated against. We must do
something.”
CFDA announces four infinitives to combat racism in fashion
Among the initiatives, the CFDA said it plans to create an in-house
employment programme specifically charged with placing black talent in all
sectors of the fashion business to help achieve a “racially balanced
industry”. This programme will also be tasked with identifying black
creatives and pairing these individuals with companies looking to hire.
They will also create a mentorship and an internship scheme focused on
placing black students and recent graduates within established companies in
the fashion sector, as well as implement and make available to its members
a ‘Diversity and Inclusion’ training programme.
The final action point it stated will be to make “immediate
contributions” and take up fundraising activities in support of charitable
organisations aimed at equalising the playing field for the black community
including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
(NAACP) and Campaign Zero.
The letter from Ford and Kolb concluded by urging CFDA members to “take
stock of their corporate structure to ensure that they have a racially
balanced workforce,” as well as challenging the retail sector to “ensure
that their roster of brands and their product assortment is representative
of the black talent within the industry.”
The CFDA’s announcement follows calls from designer Aurora James,
creative director and founder of shoe and handbag brand Brother Vellies,
who launched the for major retailer’s like
Net-a-Porter, Sephora, Target, and Saks to pledge a commitment to buy 15
percent of its products from black-owned businesses.
Image: via CFDA website