We are at a tipping point in our nation. More than ever, it is clear that our systems are inherently racist, built by, built for and fully empowering white people to the disadvantage of people of color, most specifically black Americans. This systemic racism, often invisible, has ensured consistent lack of access to equal education, jobs, equal pay, homes and business capital for black people. It has led to higher rates of police brutality, incarceration and even death. George Floyd is just one of many in these past few months alone that has been brutally murdered for simply being black. 

We must now look inward, in our communities and our businesses, in our institutions of learning and governance to change the system, to right those wrongs. It will be a painful process, and one that will require a great amount of self reflection and vulnerability. But we must rise to the occasion, especially if we are in roles of leadership. For white people this absolutely means using our white privilege to provide that same privilege to everyone, no matter the color of their skin. 

For me, this means rethinking how and what I teach—to go beyond our euro-centric fashion system. It means advocating for more parity in the fashion system, an industry that is primarily led by white males, by facilitating training and challenging broken systems—systems that favor white hires, white promotion and therefore white leadership; systems that commodify black culture, but but don’t profit black people. It also means putting my money where my mouth is when it comes to my buying power, beyond simply calling companies out and then moving on once they’ve posted a press release and apology. That’s not good enough and won’t lead to real change. 

These issues are difficult, but must be addressed now. 

In March 2020, Fashion Consort began production of “Retail Revolution” a podcast that engages experts in discussions about fashion retail. Our focus was on the fast changing world of fashion retail, especially during the pandemic. Our goal was to provide a space to consider a new way forward for retail, that values authenticity and innovation. And now, this conversation extends far beyond the pandemic, to the revolution that must take place in the fashion industry around issues of racial justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. Today, as part of News Bytes, we are sharing a special episode of “Retail Revolution” that begins to tackle these issues. We hope you’ll join us for this 40-minute conversation, and then share your own voice.

Learn more: www.fashionconsort.com

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