In the past few weeks, Americans have taken to the streets to protest police brutality and systemic racism. Though largely peaceful, many media outlets and government officials were quick to shift their attention to the rioters and looters, condemning their actions for destroying property, including Black and brown-owned stores.

Law Roach was having none of this. Last month, the Image Architect took to social media. “BLACK PEOPLE,” he wrote, “If you don’t agree with or understand what’s going on please have this for breakfast!!!” Accompanying his message was an image of a mug stating  “Here’s a Cup of Shut the F*ck Up.”

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To show his solidarity with the protestors fighting for justice and provide aid to casualties, Roach took his support one step further. With $25,000 of his own money, he started a fund to benefit uninsured, Black-owned businesses impacted by the riots to help them rebuild.

“The initial post was out of frustration that I wasn’t able to be out protesting and in the streets because of some health issues,” he said. “Secondly, I was frustrated at the kind of outpour of opinions, like how ‘uprisings are impacting our own neighborhoods.’ I thought what I could do is lend my voice and a chunk of my money to assure the people who had suffered losses during the uprisings that they will have some support to lean to when the smoke settles and the dust clears.”

The Chicago-native teamed up with Rebuild the Hood, a non-profit whose purpose is to “revitalize distressed neighborhoods via investment in small businesses in real estate,” and is dedicated to the economic growth and sustainability of impoverished neighborhoods in the city. Dubbed the fLAWless Fundraiser, Roach enlisted support from the fashion industry, friends, clients, and allies to quadruple his contribution and reach his goal of $100,000.

“I think what people need to realize, even with the Civil Rights Movement there was more than just the NAACP,” Roach said, “There were organizations all over the country fighting towards the same goal. I love to see that’s what’s happening right now. I’m supporting and supportive of every black voice that’s trying to make a stance in our industry.”

As one of the few top Black stylists in the industry, Roach has consistently been an advocate for diversity and inclusion in fashion throughout his career. Despite the outpour of responses from many companies, he remains skeptical of change.

“I’m hoping that the brands that are saying certain things…that it’s more than just a black square and a hashtag,” Roach said. “I’m praying that [these brands] will listen to the grievances of the people in the industry. I hope that it’s not just becoming an over-glorified publicity stunt. We have evidence that our industry has taken a stance of some things, and when it wasn’t the hot topic anymore, they went back to the way they always were. I’m optimistic the change will be real, and the change will be permanent.”

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Roach has also taken this time to reflect on his own career and on areas for personal growth – specifically the support of young Black designers and creatives.

“I will pay closer attention to and champion the brands that champion us,” he noted. “Meaning Black talent and Black creatives.”

“I had to do some self-reflecting and smack myself on the wrist, because I’ve built a great reputation of finding, nurturing, and elevating smaller brands and designers using my platform and client’s platform to launch their career. As a creative of color – a Black man – I didn’t do enough for African American brands and designers. I have to take responsibility for that. I could have done more”.

Despite the unprecedented challenges this year posed, Roach remains an optimist. He sees hope for the future of fashion and is inspired by the young talent entering the industry – whom he encourages to “find the courage and speak your truth and scream and yell and knock shit over until you’re heard and people pay attention and change is made.” However, he acknowledges the need for people in power to finally address the grievances of the black community and create real opportunities for systemic change.

“At this point, I want to hear from my white counterparts in the industry,” he continued. “What are their ideas, plans, and call to action? What is their idea of how race and inclusion can happen in the industry? Unfortunately, they are the gatekeepers, the ones with the power, and privileged ones. One hundred reporters can ask me and you’ll get the same answer every time. I’ve been preaching this for years, and it’s like, when do our allies take the responsibility to transfer some of their privilege and their power to people that wouldn’t necessarily get those opportunities? The gatekeepers need to relinquish the power and privilege and give opportunities to those that don’t look like them. That’s when change will happen.”

Donate to the fLAWless fundraiser here. 

Portrait by Easton Schirra