Fifteen Percent Pledge to launch gala

During the height of the civil rights protests in 2020 demanding justice for George Floyd, the fashion industry reckoned with its issues of how it has long lacked representation for Black people. Many companies began to work toward more diversity, equity, and inclusion, actively recruiting more Black talent. In the wake of these diversity efforts, fashion designer Aurora James of Brother Vellies launched the 15 Percent Pledge.