THE POWER OF CHANGE EQUALS DIVERSITY!

This year our theme, “The Power of Change”, recognizes that the world at large including the retail and fashion industries are on the cusp of a significant transformation.  Even as we hear on a daily basis about corporate meltdowns, the global recession and massive layoffs we must remind ourselves that uncertainty breeds creativity. The fact that the global fashion industry’s landscape is not as vibrant as it once was gives us all the opportunity to create a better industry.

That means advocating for diversity and inclusion, demanding change in an industry that exists on the very notion of change and to be recklessly brave in our attempts to move the needle on diversity.

Our honorees this year understand this concept because each of them has made special contributions to bring about change on the diversity landscape in our industry.

• Best Buy Corporation’s leadership in the industry and methods of effecting change has challenged industry standards to ensure African Americans and all people of color are embraced, mentored and given opportunities.  The BRAG Board of Directors recognizes Best Buy for this accomplishment and has selected the organization as the recipient of The BRAG Corporate award.
• Richard Dent, Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer & Co- Leader, Victoria’s Secret PINK receives the BRAG Special Recognition award for the power of presence. He has proven time and time again how important it is to have a seat at the table. Because of his presence PINK by Victoria Secret has entered into a highly successful product agreement with Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
• Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Chairman and CEO, Magic Johnson Enterprises receives special recognition for the power of philanthropy. He has used his celebrity status to build a retail presence in communities that were underserved. He didn’t stop there. He continues to donate resources to worthy causes throughout the country.
• Shawn Outler, receives special recognition for the power of excellence. She was the first African American women to hold the title of VP Divisional Merchandise Manager at Lord & Taylor and she continues her streak for excellence in her role as Group Vice President, Multicultural Merchandising and Vendor Development, Macy’s Inc.
• Steve Sadove, receives special recognition for the power of leadership. As Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Saks Fifth Avenue he has guided a diversity initiative that has diverse representation in several merchandising roles and other functions inside the organization.
• Constance White, Style Director/Fashion Spokesperson, eBay receives special recognition for the power of pen. She has been influential in bringing attention to people of color in the industry with her columns and her blog. Many of these previously marginalized subjects have Ms. White to thank for the notable levels of success they have achieved in this industry.
• Latisha and Colin Daring founders of Pieces Boutique receive the J.J. Thomas Business Innovators award for their creativity as entrepreneurs.

  
We thank our honorees for their contributions to this cause and we challenge the industry to do the right thing and help the BRAG organization continue to educate young and bright students of color who have dreams of a career in retail and retail related industries. We challenge the industry to advance the many people of color who languish in jobs and who continue to be overlooked for advancement. We ask the industry to diversify their assortments with products from people of color.

Each of us has a purpose and responsibility to use our talents for the greater good. As we carry out this work please carry proudly the BRAG legacy of community service, bold leadership and social justice. If we work together to achieve these goals and objectives we will all realize the possibilities that do not yet appear. 

Gary L. Lampley
garylampley@bragusa.org