June 2020

We had some really fun activities  to keep you busy this June but given recent events, that would be inappropriate.

On the 25th of May 2020, George Floyd suffocated and died as a result of a police officer kneeling on his neck and subsequently killing him.As a result, conversation around police brutality and the broader (though not monolithic) black experience across the world focussing on systemic bias and inequality began.

As a business which aims to improve the access African creatives in the fashion and art world to the world, I have experienced the inherent bias when it comes to the perception of African products in meetings with buyers as well as potential customers. Aside from say, coffee, there is a perception that Made in Africa goods and services are somehow either unsophisticated, unrefined or somewhat inferior.

Of course, informed individuals know that is far from the truth with musicians, politicians and retailers buying and collaborating with African brands - but the perception is largely still quite negative.

In light of this, and in solidarity with the message, we are not having any events in June. This goes beyond a black square on our Instagram page. Black lives, black creativity and black talent deserves to have a fair, and unbiased experience just as much as any other ethnic group or community.

For those of you who believe that supporting the Blackout Tuesday is politicising what is a , I will leave you with this:

When African brands are presented or pitched, there is often a requirement to tell a compelling brand story or something that fits better into the narrative of the time - such as sustainability (which is very important). Acknowledging African creatives as individuals who bring their own skill, expertise and dynamism to the creative ecosystem means removing the necessity for grandiose and elaborate brand stories sometimes. Some simply just want to do what they love - create beautiful pieces of clothing and art.

It is unfortunate that in 2020 we are still talking about racial disparity and even more unfortunate that a man (and several other men and women across America) has had to die for better discussions on systemic racism to take place but here we are.