For the past week, we have contemplated how to address what is going on right now. We have been exhausted by the persistence of anti-Black racism, even in a global pandemic.
Black people in the USA (and, let's face it, in the UK and around the world) are still being killed by police for existing. Black people in the UK are still being disproportionately impacted by the effects of this pandemic, both in terms of health outcomes and outcomes in the criminal justice system. We have followed the stories of Armaud Arbery, George Floyd, Tony McDade, Breonna Taylor, and Belly Mujinga. We are disgusted. We are tired.
Our mission is to solve fashion's biggest problems - yes, we are starting with the problem of sizing - but it would be disingenuous of us to ignore the damage that fashion does to minority communities. Just take a look at manufacturing practices and the individual designers/trendsetters whose work is often co-opted or stolen. If we can call out brands for the damage they do to the environment, we cannot ignore the negative impact they have on people. We cannot ignore race in a world that is racialised.
So what can we do about it? Sign petitions. Donate to causes. Protest if you are able to. Take note of the organisations that exploit Black people. Lobby your local representatives about the injustices in your community. Use your voice (and your purchasing power) wisely.
Black lives matter. Now and always.
Take care of yourselves,
Judith and Elizabeth x
RESOURCES
We have collated some of the wonderful resources we have seen around the web to petition, donate and educate. We have also included a list of black-owned platforms/businesses you can begin to purchase from/engage with during this time.
Petition
Sign the petition for Justice for George Floyd
Sign the petition for Justice for Belly Mujinga
Sign the petition to Stand with Breonna
Sign the petition for Justice for Tony McDade
Sign to re-open Sandra Bland's case
Sign to re-open the case involving the death of Tamia Horsford
Donate
Lobby
Educate
The New Jim Crow - Michelle Alexander
Me and White Supremacy - Layla F Saad
Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire - Akala
Why I'm No Longer Talking To White People About Race - Reni Eddo-Lodge
13th - Ava DuVernay (Watch on Netflix)
BLACK-OWNED
platforms & businesses you can begin to purchase from/engage with during this time.
Gainage
LAPP
Cashmere
Jendaya
Chuku's - Tottenham, London
Dark Sugars - Brick Lane, London
Beautystack
Antidote Street
The Fashion Scholar
Vitae London