I'm extremely saddened by the recent tragedies and openly condemn any acts of racism, violence and oppression against the Black community. TLL stands in solidarity with the #BlackLivesMatter movement and with the efforts to fight for justice and equality. I'm doing everything I can to educate myself and show up - and you should too. We must look within ourselves and identify our own biases, as well as holding those around us accountable for their own. I've donated, signed petitions for the justice of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and sent emails demanding that our elected officials pay attention and work on police reform. All of this to say that I believe these are just the first steps: for true allyship, it's necessary for us to have a long-term strategy and commit to long-term change.
How do we keep this momentum going?
One of the ways we can do this is by supporting Black-owned businesses and creating a more inclusive circle - in your life and in your feeds. Follow Black influencers, fashion bloggers, and activists. For us fashion lovers, shopping from Black-owned brands is a great way to help and advance meaningful change.
Amid unrest and protests against the latest example of police brutality in America, some major fashion houses have been incredibly quiet. In an industry where Black talent is often missing due to lack of diversity, racially offensive pieces still make headlines, and designers and models are given less spotlight during Fashion weeks, this is unacceptable. For more on how fashion must work to combat racism, read this article by Business of Fashion: "On Racism, Fashion Must Do More Than Speak Up."
Why Support Black-Owned Brands
An important takeaway for us, from the research we've done and the feedback we've listened to in recent days, is that supporting Black-owned businesses is a hugely significant way to make an impact.
Designer Aurora James started the 15% Pledge in an effort to bring more Black businesses to major retailers. Giving them space is giving them representation, equal opportunity, and investing in the future of black-owned fashion and beauty brands.
Here's her post:
To help honor these efforts, TLL is committed to purchasing more from Black-owned brands and wants to encourage you to do so as well! Here our some of the brands we've fallen in love with and are proud to highlight here on the blog!! Get shopping and use your wallets to demand change & make an impact.
You have power as a consumer - use it to stand up and bring about change! Buy from Black-owned fashion brands and make a difference!
Happy shopping :) We hope you fall in love with these brands like we have! And as always, DM us on Instagram if you have any more suggestions we can highlight on our feed.
With love,
TLL