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After five years since George Floyd's death, the empty performative Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts have expired. What remains for the future?

Five years post the police killing of George Floyd, surface-level DEI efforts have waned. Authentic dedication to inclusivity now dominates.

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2 min read
Five years post-George Floyd's death, the facade of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)...
Five years post-George Floyd's death, the facade of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives has crumbled. So, what's on the horizon?

After five years since George Floyd's death, the empty performative Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts have expired. What remains for the future?

Laid-Back Take on Aurora James: A Multitalented Powerhouse

By: Auror-A, the Candian creative, activist, and business whiz

Hailing from Guelph, Ontario, Auror-A was born on the 12th of July, 1984. She's the mastermind behind Brother Vellies, a luxury footwear and accessory label that puts African craftsmanship and sustainable design on the global map. Her collaboration with Moroccan artisans over two years served as the foundation for Brother Vellies' mission to amplify these traditional footwear artisans worldwide[6].

Celebrities like Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, and Elaine Welteroth can't get enough of her ethical and sustainably produced goods[6].

Beyond fashion, Auror-A is a relentless activist fighting for racial equity in retail and the industry as a whole. She took the world by storm in 2020 with her brainchild, the Fifteen Percent Pledge. This groundbreaking initiative calls upon major retailers to dedicate at least 15% of their shelf space and purchasing power to Black-owned businesses, mirroring the Black population percentage in the U.S. The pledge counts over 30 major retailers among its supporters, including Sephora, Target, and Nordstrom[6].

Auror-A isn't just making waves in the fashion world. She's a TIME100 honoree, celebrated for her influence and leadership[2][3]. Her multifaceted career boasts achievements in creative direction, entrepreneurship, activism, and publishing works related to her advocacy and brand[2][3].

To sum it up:

  • Auror-A is the founder of Brother Vellies, championing African artisanal craftsmanship and sustainable fashion.
  • Winner of the prestigious CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund and CFDA Vice Chair[2][6].
  • Brainchild behind the Fifteen Percent Pledge, promoting racial equity in retail[2][6].
  • TIME100 honoree for her mark on fashion and social justice[2][3].

Auror-A, apart from running Brother Vellies and championing African artisanal craftsmanship, has also ventured into the business world beyond fashion. She initiated the Fifteen Percent Pledge, a diversity-and-inclusion focused initiative, calling for major retailers to dedicate 15% of their business to Black-owned businesses.

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