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.

The organization is dedicated to getting retailers to commit to stocking at least 15 percent of their shelf space and racks with Black-owned brands and recruiting Black employees. To date, the company has signed major retailers including Sephora, Nordstrom, and Rent the Runway.

Now, after 2 years since its founding, the organization will host its first fundraising gala in New York City, hosted by actress Nicole Ari Parker. The event will also honor voting rights activist and Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams and legendary supermodel Iman.

James announced the news in an Instagram post saying, “It's truly our honor to be able to honor these two groundbreaking Black women. Both of whom have inspired so many of us every single day. Not even two years ago when the [Pledge] launched on this very platform none of us knew how strong this movement would become. I am so grateful to all of the women working tirelessly everyday at our non-profit to bring this work to fruition. And so incredibly inspired by the Black women across this country creating change and taking up well deserved space in a country that has excluded us and underestimated us for far too long. Look how far we've come."

The Pledge has currently signed over 28 retailers, shifting 10 billion dollars of revenue to Black-owned businesses. The organization recently launched the Business Equity Community, a directory of Black businesses ranging from fashion to food.