5 Things / BHM edition
Black History / Heritage Month began this week with many companies making new commitments to Black equity. Many retailers, in particular, released or are spotlighting products designed by Black artists and also made donations to organizations supporting the Black community. (This should happen all year, btw.)
This week, Gap became the latest retailer to join the 15% Pledge. The Pledge is a commitment to guarantee Black-owned businesses at least 15% of a store's shelf-space. Since Gap carries its own label, the company's commitment instead is to amplifying Black voices and expanding opportunities.
Old Navy and Peleton also released products designed by Black artists. Nordstrom (which has best-in-class DEI programs, but has yet to sign the 15% Pledge) is highlighting Black-owned brands through a national immersive pop-up experience.
But, what I really love about what Gap did is that members of Gap's African-American Employee Resource Group (ERG) drove this initiative. In fact, members of the ERG who also happen to be awesome artists created a new collection of products celebrating Black excellence. This matters because ERG members were given a voice and opportunity express themselves in a way that also moves the business forward. This is a truly excellent way to use an ERG.
Here are some other good vibes I found this week:
The Knot Worldwide, which provides resources for both wedding professionals and engaged couples, launched a new equity initiative. The company will now offer an accelerator program for early stage businesses owned by people from underrepresented groups. All businesses will also be able to self-identify as Asian-owned, Black-owned, Hispanic or Latinx-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, Native American-owned, Veteran-owned and Woman-owned, and searchable by filters. This matters because it's a systemic solution to inequity by amplifying underrepresented voices and expanding their access to the marketplace. (h/t Rhodes Perry)
If you've ever searched stock photos for images of hands holding a phone or typing, you may have discovered that the hands in the photos are usually white. Nappy, a free stock photo site with beautiful images of Black and brown people, released a new "All Hands" collection. Nappy also committed to representing accessibility, gender fluidity, age, and body positivity in the photos. This matters because showcasing diversity makes others feel more welcome and included. (h/t Billy Kolber)
Have you heard about an inspiring recent diversity, equity, and inclusion, or corporate social responsibility initiative? Or has your organization done something inspiring you'd like to share? If so, please reply! I'm always on the lookout for new things to share with you.
Image by: @NappyStock