If you are not familiar, the 15 Percent Pledge is a powerful call-to-action urging retailers to commit a minimum of 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses. Founded by designer Aurora James & business entrepreneur Emma Grede in 2020 amidst the racial reckoning in the United States, the pledge aims to address systemic inequalities in retail and amplify the voices of Black entrepreneurs.
Soaring to new heights the saturday night the women hosted their $10,000 a plate dinner where celebrities and global retailers alike sat down in honor of raising funds for the pledge’s annual opperating budget which has seen significant Increase from Its price point of $500,000 to Its now sitting estimate of $7,000,000.
What started as a tweet from designer Aurora James in 2020, asking major retailers If African Americans make up 15% of the US demographic why the shelves at their stores do not reflect the market... Stating that many African American people struggle daily with purchasing the things they need on a daily basis, but their white counterparts can do so at ease. Has turned Into a nationally recognized and low covered organization, even more so the duo recently rang the bell at the nasdaq for their astonishing achievements.
On March 6th the duo made history by ringing the bell at Nasdaq to celebrate the achievements of their groundbreaking movement. The ringing of the Nasdaq bell symbolized a significant milestone for the 15 Percent Pledge, marking its growing recognition and impact on corporate accountability and representation. By ringing the bell, Grede and James highlighted the importance of fostering economic empowerment within marginalized communities and promoting diversity and inclusion in retail.
Grede and James' ringing of the Nasdaq bell serves as a testament to the power of grassroots activism and collective action in driving social change. Their dedication to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion has inspired individuals and businesses to take meaningful steps towards creating a more equitable and inclusive society.
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