Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd. Three names, three deplorable killings. They were not the first nor, sadly, the last victims of acts of racism and violence targeting Black Americans. The video depicting Floyd’s murder triggered a national outrage with subsequent protests across America. They also led to  businesses of all sectors taking a necessary look in the mirror to identify the changes needed to put an end to systemic racism and racial injustices – including fashion.

Diversity has been important to the CFDA for years, from encouraging it on runways to studies to partnerships with Harlem’s Fashion Row and Fashion For All Foundation, for example. But there is much more work to be done, and after June’s board meeting, the CFDA issued a statement to embark on initiatives that aim to create structural change in fashion with a focus on employment opportunities, a mentorship program and an internship program focused on placing Black students and recent graduates within established companies in the fashion sector, as well as a Diversity and Inclusion training program for CFDA members.

This year, CFDA also expanded its partnership with the PVH as part of our joint commitment to create a more inclusive workforce. We have been conducting research to better understand how our industry can be more diverse and equitable, with a particular focus on race and the topics of talent acquisition and retention.

The goal is to create the kind of industry American fashion needs to be. The time is now.