“Equity for Black professionals means the part of the fashion industry that we, Black professionals, own or can call our own. I’ve been in this industry for more than 25 years and it’s really nice to see other people of color on sets, in magazines, and represented at the table. There was a time that I was the only person who looked like me in the room and now that isn’t as much the case. While it is more than it has ever been, it is still not up to the level of our white counterparts. It mirrors the world we live in today. We still have work to do to make it a non-issue though, so until then, we keep doing what’s right. Having more people of color ‘in the room’ and not in secondary or adjacent roles…We need more high-level creatives, executives, faces at the forefront. I am fortunate enough to have a diverse group of co-workers. Every job we cast we make a point for it to represent the world we live in, one that is full of colors, sizes and gender identities. Having allies in life is important and in an industry which can be elitist, it’s nice to feel like your voice and presence matters is nice. Don’t get me wrong, not everyone sees the need to be as inclusive in this industry, so during those moments, it’s up to me to inform my client that what they are asking for is not realistic and is tone deaf. There is nothing worse than when you see a fashion show or editorial/advertising shoot where there are 10 Caucasian talents, 1 Black, 1 Asian and maybe a Hispanic. That is not inclusive, it’s just someone trying to get a pass by checking a box to save face. It actually highlights the problem more than just leaving the faces of color out of the project.”

– Calvin Wilson, Casting Associate at Establishment Casting