We Stand in Solidarity.

A Message from our Executive Director

Redress Raleigh believes that Black Lives Matter. We see you and we are listening and learning. We stand in solidarity with you.

We are deeply sorry for the continued injustices faced by the Black community and we promise to do better. We regret that it took the tragedy of George Floyd’s murder to get us to pay attention and are saddened by the many losses the Black community has had, particularly through police brutality. 

As Executive Director, I feel like I haven't tried hard enough to make sure we include all. I, personally, have been adding Black voices to my social sphere, many specifically related to fashion and textiles. But I still feel pretty uneducated and ashamed that I haven't thought about this more. I will continue learning and listening.

As an organization, Redress Raleigh has been discussing how to move forward. We know that the fashion and textiles industry (along with many others) is rampant with systemic racism. We know that the sustainability movement has not done enough to include or advocate for People of Color. We want to be an anti-racist ally, not part of the problem.

Below are our immediate and long-term plans for becoming an active ally:

1. We will support Black and POC-focused sustainability and fashion and textiles events by promoting and attending them. 

2. We will actively seek out more Black and POC designers, retail stores, and voices within the fashion and textiles industry to highlight on our website, social media platforms, and newsletter. (We always appreciate suggestions from our audience too!)

3. We will continue to build our network with more diverse voices by growing relationships with local Historically Black Colleges and Universities such as North Carolina Central University, Shaw University, and St. Augustine’s University.

4. We will continue to diversify our team with more People of Color. We are always looking for additional volunteers and Board Members.

5. We will seek out more Black and POC speakers and panelists for every event we host. 

6. When we’re invited to be a speaker or panelist at other organizations’ events, we will speak up for our Black colleagues by encouraging the event planner to create a more diverse event and providing suggestions of contacts. 

7. We believe that Black culture has contributed significantly to the fabric of society and the fashion industry around the world and we will learn more about it, support it, and promote it.

We believe that it is vitally important to include all voices in the fight for a more responsible fashion and textiles industry and we will continue working on doing better.

— Executive Director, Beth Stewart, and the Redress Raleigh team