Bloomingdales, Macy’s, and Blue Mercury Join Aurora James’s 15 Percent Pledge

Aurora James, the founder of Brother Vellies, started a movement to help decrease the racial injustice in our communities.

This year our world suffered a great deal due to the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and many other people of the Black community.

In light of those events, James launched the 15 Percent Pledge, which explains that Black people in the United States make up nearly 15 percent of the population. The pledge asks major retailers to commit a minimum of 15% of their shelf to Black-owned businesses.

Stores such as Target, Whole Foods, Net-a-Porter, Sephora, Saks Fifth Ave, Bloomingdales, Macy’s, and Blue Mercury have all joined the movement to help make a difference in our world.

We have a long way to go on the road to Black economic equality. Have you signed the #15PercentPledge petition yet? https://t.co/OJDkxo7W3P

— 15PercentPledge (@15PercentPledge) July 15, 2020

The 15 Percent Pledge is broken down into three proposals which can explain what steps your company should take to be apart of the movement. First, you should examine your current inventory and contracts dedicated to Black-owned businesses, as well as the representation at your company. Next, you should share your findings with the company and the public to foster transparency. Lastly, your company should map out a new strategy to address your company’s shortcomings and how you’ll commit to dedicating 15 percent of your shelf space to Black businesses.

A few days ago, the 15 Percent Pledge posted on Instagram announcing that Macy’s, Bloomingdales, and Blue Mercury joined the movement. They continued by saying, “that such an influential, omnichannel fashion retailer has committed to drive racial equity across the industry demonstrates that companies are willing to beyond one-time donations and ensure that Black businesses are front and center.”

This movement is a great step in the right direction, and we have Aurora James to thank for leading it. If you would like to donate or sign the petition, you can go on the 15 Percent Pledge website.