As the #BlackLivesMatter movement gains more momentum and both brands and government institutions are called to task on what they are doing in terms of black representation, hiring and real action in supporting the movement. WWD spoke to black creatives on what their thoughts on the future of fashion is and what the fashion industry needs to do about their racism problem. Among them were our very own Adebayo Oke-Lawal of Orange Culture and Dumebi Iyamah of Andrea Iyamah , Ifeanyi Nwune of I.N Official and Anifa Mvuemba of Hanifa .
Adebayo on what makes him feel hopeful:
‘It is time for us to unite as a race and not divide! We cannot ignore the numerous years of slavery and oppression because we live in a country where everyone is black. Our country was once colonized and to some extent is still colonized, whether it is we like it or not. It is time for us to fight for our freedom as black people and speak up for each other so our race can be empowered and not stifled by anybody that assumes they are superior because they are of a supposed race’
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Dumebi Iyamah on what makes her feel hopeful:
‘ More than anything there is a sense of togetherness in this fight for equality and I couldn’t be happier. There’s still more work to be done but I’m hopeful that advances in the digital world and technology will continue to illuminate the problems and simultaneously bring people together for the purpose of acceptance, love and unity’
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Ifeanyi Nwune shared:
‘My hope comes from the same reason I started working in fashion, which is to change the perspective of the world on African culture and inspire a higher taste level in our direct community. It is an adventurous journey but the destination is clear in sight’
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Anifa Mvuemba on what the media can do:
In many ways the media has one of the biggest responsibilities. They shape our view of the world by the images they show. It’s time for the media to do their research and to ask informed questions that reflect what our world actually looks like, Enough of superficial advertisements and launches. We want to see our meaningful selves in the media, Editors should be sensitive to consider the emotional climate during situations like the recent passing of George Floyd, and all of the other black lives that have been murdered. It’s incredibly disrespectful and insensitive to send a pitch about a new collection when the state of Black America is mourning.
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