The fourth annual Fifteen Percent Pledge gala has raised $3 million for Black-owned businesses amid a growing trend of companies scaling back their DEI efforts. On Saturday, 1st February, the Los Angeles-based event was filled with A-list celebrities like Ciara, Kim Kardashian, Kelly Rowland, Teyana Taylor, Jesse Williams, and Keke Palmer. All proceeds from the activation ticket sales go to businesses affected by the recent LA wildfires. “We are nobody’s DEI hire,” said the founder, Aurora James, according to WWD. “This country, in its best form, is a product of
The Fifteen Percent Pledge was launched three years ago by creative director, activist and fashion designer Aurora James to urge major retailers and corporations to commit 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses. Since then, more than 625 Black-owned businesses have developed business relationships with 29 companies across three countries that have taken the pledge such as Ulta, Sephora, Vogue, Macy’s and Old Navy. According to Forbes, the Pledge’s work with its partners has created the potential to shift $14 billion to Black entrepreneurs and businesses. Now, to mark
American clothing company, Old Navy, will donate $500,000 to the Fifteen Percent Pledge to support the growth of Black creative entrepreneurs. The collaboration, an expansion of the Old Navy’s Project WE series, marks the first product collaboration for the Pledge to support diverse artists as they enter the retail industry on a national level. Project WE, launched in 2021, has helped create a space for diverse and talented artists to gain visibility and equitable access. “Old Navy is proud to amplify and celebrate diverse voices through our Project WE initiative
