The Kelly Initiative

The eruption of protests against racist police brutality across the world has incited changes within various industries to become more inclusive of black talent. One such institution, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, has attempted to rectify the rampant racism in the fashion industry through a new series of mandates. These efforts include mentorships and internships, as well as another in-house program dedicated to employing exceptional black creatives to esteemed brands. Black designers, however, feel that these changes are too little, too late.

Thus, 250 black creatives signed the Kelly Initiative, a petition that would effect greater change than the proposals of the CFDA. Named after black fashion legend Patrick Kelly, the initiative demands that CFDA affiliates report the racial makeup of their staff, managers enroll in racial sensitivity training, and CFDA members sign a pledge that assures career opportunities for black creatives. The Kelly Initiative was the creation of editor Jason Campbell, creative director Henrietta Gallina, and writer Kibwe Chase-Marshall, and it has since been signed by such industrial authorities as designer Martine Rose and fashion publicist Kevin McIntosh, Jr. Now it is the CFDA’s responsibility to heed the words of an underrepresented section of fashion professionals and implement the proper changes to build a more inclusive industry. As stated by the Kelly Initiative itself, "There is no time to waste much work to be done. We assert that engaging dedicated Black fashion professionals in its architecting will ensure its enduring impact for Black talent pursuing newly equitable access to bright professional futures.”

Report: Nia Hunt