Gucci Announces Global Diversity Program to Boost Diversity and Inclusion
Gucci is trying to make good on their cultural faux pas towards Black people. In February, Gucci was hit with a ton of backlash for their blackface inspired turtleneck. After admitting the design was offensive, Gucci stated that they were going to do better moving forward.
Dapper Dan took to his Instagram to reveal the action plan. The brand announced its formal plan to bring true inclusion to its billion-dollar business. Gucci issued a press release Monday, describing “a global program to support industry change and to foster unity through community action, called Gucci Changemakers.” It notes that the program was originally launched “internally” last year, but that this public phase will include three larger prongs.
Gucci CEO Marco Bizzarri says in the release, “We will invest important resources to unify and strengthen our communities across North America, with a focus on programs that will impact youth and the African-American community.”
The high-end fashion conglomerate introduced the Gucci Changemakers initiative which is a “global program that supports industry change and fosters unity through community action”. The program includes a $5 million fund that will support social change via community-based programs throughout North America. Additionally, a $1.5 million scholarship that intends to aid several students seeking a formal education in fashion with $20,000 grants towards their tuition. More information will be given out this spring. All inquiries can be submitted to changemakerscholarship@gucci.com. Employees will also be tasked to get involved as well with giving back to the community.
Harlem couturier Dapper Dan who is partnered with Gucci expressed, “It is imperative that we have a seat at the table to say how we should be represented and reimagined,” the designer said in the release. “Through our work together, Gucci is in a position to lead the overall industry toward becoming a better, more inclusive one.” Now, Gucci has to make sure that they continue to follow up on their words.