When we describe Americans as diverse, we are stating they are all Americans identical members of society. If we believe this to be true, the challenge is to first learn about oneself, considering and appreciating one’s own multiple cultures, all related to characteristics that one shares with others, like race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and sex, religion, class, age, national identity and even geographic region. One such institution that questioned monolithic perceptions of being an American is the Black Retail Action Group (BRAG). This organization has looked at culture – both the important arts and activities in everyday life to find values and meanings of people of color in society. BRAG has for 40 years looked at its own culture while gazing at other cultures to learn about its place in the fashion industry.
The fortieth anniversary of BRAG is a momentous occasion for an organization with Black and Action in its name. There is a wonderful awareness of satisfaction and accomplishment that BRAG has developed – at times with hesitancy and difficulty – along the trail from concept to reality. Nevertheless, this anniversary is a milestone of significant importance as we intend to highlight the work around equity and inclusion the organization has been involved with for the last 40 years. Important toward that end involves linking the BRAG legacy to the larger body of the fashion industry and formulating the work of the organization in a larger social historical context. This is a lofty goal, but one we feel can be achieved!
First in recognition of BRAG at 40, we are launching an inaugural Executive Leadership Roundtable. This leadership forum will provide an excellent opportunity for Ms. Celia Clancy, President, A.J. Wright; Mr. Richard Dent III, Sr. VP. COO & Co-Leader, Victoria’s Secret PINK; Mr. Ron Onorato, Regional President, Stop & Shop Metro New York Division; Michael Vitellis President, Best Buy, Americas and Robert Wallstrom President, Saks Fifth Avenue Off-5th Stores to share their vision for diversity and inclusion initiatives, best practices and new developments to drive innovation, employee engagement, customer loyalty, multi-cultural merchandising and/or vendor development in the Workplace and Marketplace. The discussion topics will be moderated by Michael C. Hyter, President & CEO, Novations Group, Inc., who is a recognized diversity and inclusion thought leader.
We will continue our celebration with our fortieth Annual Scholarship and Awards Dinner Gala. This year our theme is “BRAG at 40: Innovators, Inspirers, Legends”. Our honorees this year include: Mr. Larry Barkley, Senior Vice President, Retail Operations, Tourneau, Inc.; Essence Communications; Mr. Tommy Hilfiger, Principal Designer and Chairman of the Design and Strategy Board, Tommy Hilfiger Inc.; Mrs. Cookie Johnson, Owner, CJ by Cookie Johnson and Ms. Delena M. Sunday, Executive Vice President, Human Resources & Diversity Affairs, Nordstrom’s. All are truly inspirers and each sends an important message of equality, inclusion and how personal responsibility and involvement can affect social change. Like BRAG, they have all raised the level of social consciousness, by supporting, encouraging and sanctioning acts of service and volunteerism. Their efforts mirror the work of the BRAG organization to empower all people to achieve at levels beyond their expectations.
In addition, on the same evening we will introduce our 2010 scholarship recipients. More than two decades ago the BRAG scholarship fund was founded and I am proud to say that the BRAG Board of Directors has stayed the course. We understand leadership and good citizenship comes with education. To that end, BRAG is firmly committed to our continued support of students who may have an interest in pursuing a career in retail and related industries Last year we were able to award 24 scholarships to students who achieved academic success and who exhibited financial need. We fully expect to better that number this year.
The BRAG organization has been and will continue to be an active, breathing part of the society it arose from, rather than an unmoving timepiece to be observed from a distance. This organization not only denotes its culture, on the contrary it is an undividable part of that culture. Throughout the BRAG organization’s 40 year history, it has become conscious of the politics that live in the daily life of the fashion industry and tackled them head on.
However, the ability of BRAG to favorably influence the retail industry depends on constant vigilance and continued support. We want to encourage everyone to get involved with our cause to continue to foster the development and implementation of diversity and inclusion in the industry. Together we can ensure that the organization has another forty years to celebrate!
Gary L. Lampley
garylampley@bragusa.org
