“Equity for us is not only a seat in the room but more a voice in the discussion. Equity is not only diversity but inclusion as well. Equity is having black professionals feel comfortable and valued enough to share their much-needed views and perspectives. It can only be achieved by having Black people of diverse backgrounds at all levels, top to bottom. Not just Black assistants to be on set when you’re working with rappers or other Black talents, but Black EICs, Black photo editors, Black fashion directors, and Black members on your advisory boards. Equity is a big step away from tokenism and is giving real power, action, and dollars to a people whose experiences help shape American culture. Curb nepotism. The industry is filled with people who are all connected in one way or another, creating a space with people of like minds and experiences attempting to reach out to the masses–resulting in them regularly missing the mark.

Fashion companies should rework their college outreach programs to include HBCUs [Historically black colleges and universities], and other schools that they don’t regularly work with. Create tangible growth plans for new hires. So many young black professionals get hired as assistants and in entry-level positions, but never get promoted or even talked to about growth plans and career trajectory. Create tangible plans that they can follow to help ensure growth and retention. Explore new creative talent. Create opportunities for editors and directors to interact with young new talent (ex: Trade Shows, Exhibitions, etc). Make incentives for these gatekeepers to actually attend. Open the doors to people of different backgrounds, social status, and location.

– Alexander-Julian Gibbson, Stylist and Content Creator