Hellooooooooo wonderful. It feels good to be back with you for another dive into interior design. It’s been one heck of a week for me, with new content, client projects, plus all the usual info and inspo that I share on a weekly basis. Yes, things are definitely picking up, and I’m excited to see how things continue to grow. That said, here’s to a brand new article sure to give you a good dose of inspiration. It’s about who has taken part in the 15% Pledge.

After the death of George Floyd, the US and the world was set ablaze with calls to recognize the voices and experiences of black people and dismantle the systems of racism that have disabled our communities. Companies all over the country took to social media, place the now infamous black square, signifying themselves as allies to the black community. However, black people as a whole weren’t impressed. The community challenged companies and their practices, highlighting the severe lack of black leadership, products and creators. One such challenge came from Aurora James, fashion designer and entrepreneur. She felt that accountability was absolutely necessary to help the country really move forward, and so the Fifteen Percent Pledge was born.

Now a non-profit organization, the 15% Pledge was established to create accountability with companies who claim to be allies with the black community. In creating this, James has set out to call attention to those companies and businesses that cater to the black dollar, but do not contribute to black growth. In less than a year, the 15% Pledge has made agreements with some significantly large retailers, and there’s still more to come. As a black designer, it’s even more important for me to use materials from companies that have, or are working toward, bettering my community through action, not just word. Since I am focused on interiors, here are the home-based and department store retailers that have taken the pledge.

West Elm

Crate & Barrel

CB2

Macy’s Home

Bloomingdale’s Home

If you’ve noticed, I’ve featured a couple of these retailers in some of my other articles. Don’t be surprised if you see them and the others more as you continue to experience everything design inspo, info and art.

There’s always more where that came from, but I’ll take some feedback from you first. Like and comment on who you’d like to see take the pledge. And before you go, subscribe so you can be notified of everything dropping soon. Until next time!