Combatting Industry Racism.
Making changes to combat racism in the fashion industry, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) recently announced a series of initiatives to be put into place with immediate effect.
In a joint statement from Chairman Tom Ford and President & CEO Steven Kolb, measures include;
“• The CFDA will create an in-house employment program specifically charged with placing Black talent in all sectors of the fashion business to help achieve a racially balanced industry. This program will be tasked with identifying Black creatives and pairing these individuals with companies looking to hire.
• The CFDA will also create a mentorship program and an internship program focused on placing Black students and recent graduates within established companies in the fashion sector.
• The CFDA will implement and make available to our members a Diversity and Inclusion training program.
• We will make immediate contributions and take up fundraising activities in support of charitable organizations aimed at equalizing the playing field for the Black community such as, but not limited to the NAACP and Campaign Zero – amongst others.”
While the industry still has a long way to go, the organisation recognised this and also encouraged brands to take stock of their employees and ensure racial diversity across their workforce. Thoughts?
PHOTO CREDIT: @CFDA
