The world of fashion is on a long journey towards inclusivity, and some fashion influencers are helping in its progression. Chrissy Ford, Temiloluwa Otedola and Tamu McPherson are a few of those making it clear where they stand on issues of inequality.
- Chrissy Ford
“It’s not enough to just say “I’m not racist”
if you aren’t doing the work. It’s hurtful to see people being silent about the never-ending murders and oppression of black people in the US. I don’t care how many followers you have, non-black people should be spreading awareness, educating themselves, sharing anti-racism resources and donating if they have the means to do so. It’s also imperative to understand it is not our job to teach you how to not be racist. Finally: Check in on your black friends!”
Photo and caption: Chrissy Ford Instagram Post
- Jourdana Phillips
“God we need you more now then ever please show us the way out of this cyclical experience of fear death grief and anger. We’ve been through this so many times. Show us a new path help us breakthrough. The energy of anger burns out. We need your spirit to guide us, allow us to make a united plan of action, a plan not created from a temporary heavy emotional state of mind but created from the lightness and strength of spirit. Send us leadership god, a voice of hope to channel this energy to create the future we seek. The one you envisioned for us all. Please release the grip of fear and hate that possess some of us. Please heal those including myself whom have suffered from it. I am sad, scared and worried about a future that I can’t see clearly anymore. We are in the midst of what I hope is great change. We are all here right now for a reason. You chose us to be apart of this great shift in one form or another. Together we are creating “the new earth”. I pray that we stay present and allow you to use us in your new design. Consciousness is rising. Amen”
Photo and caption: Jourdana Phillips Instagram Post
- Lauren Conrad
“I like keeping it light on social media: flowers, dogs, baked goods, lots of blush. But staying quiet about the racism in our country will not help the situation. I want to be an ally—I want to be part of the solution. I’ve lived a very privileged life and I can’t relate to the struggles of racism since I’ve never experienced them myself. I don’t want to pretend to understand what people of color deal with on a daily basis.
Everyone has a different response and reaction to the hatred, inequality, and injustice affecting millions of Americans every day. I won’t assume that mine is right for everyone but I’m here to listen so I can learn how to be a more effective ally.”
Photo and caption: Lauren Conrad Instagram Post
- Temiloluwa Otedola
“What’s the point of having a platform if you don’t use it. I think if we can take anything from the Black Lives Matter movement happening in America, it’s that there is power in all joining our voices against injustice. That is why I MUST lend my voice to what is happening right now in Nigeria. We must all voice our outrage about the continued violence. We can often feel powerless about how to tackle such systemic issues, but start with what you can. Add your voice to the conversation. If you have the money to do so, donate to organisations (slide this post for more details). We owe it to Tina, Uwa, and the many other innocent souls that have suffered at the hands of unjust brutality.”
Photo and caption: Temiloluwa Otedola Instagram Post
- Naomi Elizée
“A lot is happening in our country right now as well as in my personal life that it has taken me a few days to formulate my thoughts. I’m not going to pretend that I am okay. I’ve been in a constant state of mourning and fear for my black community for most of my life. So many black lives have been lost at the hands of white supremacy and police brutality. Breonna Taylor was murdered for sleeping while black while her boyfriend Kenneth Walker attempted to defend their home in what he thought was a robbery. Ahmaud Arbery was murdered for jogging while black by white supremacists attempting to do a “citizen’s arrest” fueled by their inherent racism. Amy Cooper threatened the life of Christian Cooper by calling the police on him in an attempt to weaponize her white privilege against him. And the next morning, videos of George Floyd’s murder circulated online, yet another unarmed man who was murdered by yet another white cop abusing his power. And then to learn that this was all over an accusation of a bad check? And all of this during a pandemic? A pandemic that is hitting the black community HARDER than any others? They do not care about us. The police have been using social distancing in black communities as another excuse to harass us while offering masks and hand sanitizer to our white counterparts. I feel powerless, unprotected, unsafe, angry, heartbroken, frustrated, disconnected, and confused. I am in pain…in pain for every black life that has been lost due to the racial bias of our police systems. To my non-black friends, peers, and followers I hope you use this time to educate yourself and research ways on how you can help your black peers and be an ally during this time. Please, do not ignore or think a simply repost to your story is enough. “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” – Desmond Tutu Here are a few videos I’ve been watching over the last few days that have helped bring me peace, understanding, and calmness that I hope can do the same for you ?✊?✊?✊? #ripgeorgefloyd #ripbreonnataylor#blacklivesmatter #justiceforahmaud#justiceforgeorgefloyd #stopkillingus”
Photo and caption: Naomi Elizée Instagram Post
- Gianluca Vacchi
“‘I can’t breathe,’ these are the words that are in my mind, in my heart and in my soul.
We have come to a time in wich we need to say stop! Whatever the cost is. We need a change. When possible with a hug as a weapon; but if to get to a hug we need to stand for your rights,
this is the moment to do it!
Floyd’s life as well as all the lives of all other black men and women murdered or mistreated have to carry to a different world for black human rights to happen. We need to come together, each one of us, black or white, in order to end racism.
#gvlifestyle #blackouttuesday”
Photo and caption: Gianluca Vacchi Instagram Post
- Tamu McPherson
“I have been at a loss for words over the past few weeks.
I have felt like I have an expanding cloud in my head, that often prohibits clear thought.
It felt like I was continuously running into a brick wall when trying to articulate my feelings regarding the grotesque state of affairs concerning George Floyd and the countless number of other black people murdered by the police and white supremacists in the United States.
I am traumatized by the fact that the pandemic is killing blacks at a disproportionate rate in the US (and elsewhere). And as if that is not enough, we are required to expend vital energy into avoiding being killed by the police and white supremacists. We are required to protest for justice in the face of unequivocal, glaring video evidence proving these murders, and we are subjected to further brutalization while doing so peacefully. I am traumatized for the families who have lost their cherished ones to this senseless and despicable violence. My feelings are a mixture of desecrated hope, helplessness, profound sorrow, empathy, alarm….and haze. I am not okay.
However, presence is key, now more than ever. So, I have turned to those whose voices have remained strong, young and old.
In her speech at a press conference in Minneapolis this week, @tamikadmallory demanded complete justice for George Floyd, addressed infiltrators at local protests and the US White Supremacist historical practice/policy of looting and violence. — Video via @shaunking
In his speech @killermike encourages Atlanta residents to refrain from damaging their homes and properties and to use their vote to bring down the criminal justice system. Video via @guardian. Linked in stories.
Please listen closely as both speak irrefutable truths.
To all my non-brown friends, if you are sincerely committed to being anti-racist incorporate these videos into your re-education and re-conditioning.
To everyone, love and always love.”
Photo and caption: Tamu McPherson Instagram Post
- Camila Coelho
“It frustrates me to still see so many people commenting “all lives matter”. Yesterday, as I took some time to speak with friends, family members & also reply to direct msgs here on IG, I found myself trying to explain why #BlackLivesMatter is so damm important. If you truly believe that All Lives Matter, then that is exactly why we need to stand up for the Black community – who are too often treated like their lives don’t matter! (Please read the example on second slide) #blacklivesmatter ✊?✊?✊?”
Photo and caption: Camila Coelho Instagram Post
- Michelle Phan
“United we are stronger. This is the time to support our brothers and sisters. Open your mind and heart. Listen to their stories. Don’t invalidate their personal experiences. What we do now will shape the future generation. When we look back, which side of history were you on? #justiceforgeorgefloyd
art – @shopsundae”
Photo and caption: Michelle Phan Instagram Post
- Aimee Song
“We should all collectively come together and challenge the current system that makes it ok to kill unarmed people, especially black people. It doesn’t matter if it doesn’t affect us personally. We can’t look away and turn a blind eye. We can’t accept this behavior. Staying silent doesn’t change the world. We all know that this isn’t ok.
Get involved. Recognize your privilege. Talk to your friends and family members. Donate to organizations and sign petitions. Educate yourself.
Please share resources in the comment section. #blacklivesmatter#justiceforgeorgefloyd
P.S. first photo is from the book I’m currently reading #WhenThingsFallApart. ❤️”
Photo and caption: Aimee Song Instagram Post
