Old Navy has joined forces with the Fifteen Percent Pledge to support Black creative entrepreneurs.
A press release states that the announcement is under the clothing company’s Project WE — an initiative that highlights T-shirts designed by diverse artists. It marks the Fifteen Percent Pledge’s first product collaboration. What’s more, Old Navy donated $500,000 to the nonprofit.
As previously reported by AfroTech, the Fifteen Percent Pledge is a nonprofit that avidly supports Black-owned businesses and founders/entrepreneurs.
Within the partnership, it aims “to improve visibility of Black creatives and artists who’ve been impacted by systemic racism.”
“Old Navy is proud to amplify and celebrate diverse voices through our Project WE initiative in support of creating a better future for future generations,” said Sarah Holme, executive vice president of design and visual merchandising at Old Navy, according to a press release. “Through our collaboration with the Fifteen Percent Pledge team, we are thrilled to shine a light on the next generation of talented Black creators.”
Up first for Project WE’s new series are Latinx Brazilian artist and illustrator Camila Rosa and Brooklyn-based artist Shanée Benjamin, a press release notes.
“I know firsthand how artists and designers from marginalized groups have been historically excluded from opportunities to scale their businesses,” said Aurora James, Founder of the Fifteen Percent Pledge, in a press statement. “This project gives artists a chance to increase their visibility as business owners and social impact leaders. The partnership will also support the Pledge’s efforts to expand access and opportunity for Black creatives, and take us another step closer to building a more equitable retail industry.”
