Are You Supporting These Black Women-Led Movements?
It is one thing to read a book about antiracism or unequal pay. But to connect with others and take action is what ultimately facilitates change. That is the beauty of these social media movements run by Black women. They aren’t merely conduits for education. They’re organizations that require accountability and work toward a better future.
We’d be remiss to let Black History Month pass without amplifying and celebrating these changemakers. We’d also be remiss to not support them every other month of the year. From the workplace to the fashion industry to representation in beauty, these creative businesswomen are leading the charge in creating social media content that makes a meaningful impact IRL too. Give each of their accounts a follow and consider how you can better support their efforts.
View this post on Instagram
15 Percent Pledge
Founder Aurora James, known for her iconic fashion brand Brother Vellies, was inspired to create this organization after seeing how the pandemic disproportionately impacted Black business owners. She also cited her own experience of starting a designer brand with little resources and support, as well as the economic inequities she has faced in her industry.
The goal of the 15 Percent Pledge is to have brands commit at least 15 percent of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses, as Black people make up 15 percent of the population. So far, Old Navy, Crate + Barrel, and Sephora are just a few of the many brands to pledge their support. The organization’s website also hosts a career board, and links for making donations, a consumer commitment, and more.
View this post on Instagram
Pull Up for Change
UOMA Beauty founder Sharon Cuter was emboldened by 2020 protests and the shared workplace experiences of Black people to create Pull Up For Change, a “direct action movement” promoting economic equity. Anyone who followed the Instagram account last year will remember the collective gasps we took when discovering just how white company lineups were; some had just a handful of PoC employees while a majority had none.
Those who did share their stats were also challenged to make changes and share them six months later. Now, Pull Up For Change has expanded its work with Make It Black, “an initiative developed by Pull Up For Change to create meaningful conversations around the definition and society’s sentiment to Black.” It includes a partnership with multiple leading brands to sell products in sleek packaging and proceeds going toward a Small Business Impact Fund.
View this post on Instagram
Black in Corporate
Social media expert Candace Marie is advocating for Black people working in corporate spaces with her Black in Corporate Movement. Understanding how important mentorship, self-care, and advocacy is to the health and advancement of PoC in the workplace, this movement is a must-have on your Instagram feed because it reminds the supporter to not be defined or broken down by their day job.
In addition to incredibly helpful infographics and gentle reminders, Black in Corporate also hosts Instagram Live convos with experts and a #MentorMondays series where followers can learn while they scroll.
View this post on Instagram
Black in Fashion Council
Editor Lindsay Peoples Wagner and public relations specialist Sandrine Charles aim to “represent and secure the advancement of Black individuals in fashion and beauty” through the Black in Fashion Council. Banding together with editors, models, stylists, freelance creatives, industry stakeholders, and more, BIFC is already disrupting and creating change through brand partnerships and events.
For example, the BIFC is curating showrooms during Fashion Week as a way to promote the discovery of Black designers in the U.S. (and plans to expand to Europe).
Subscribe to the BlogHer newsletter for more tactical advice, exclusive content, and timely event updates.