Aurora James’ 15 Percent Pledge has created a database of Black-owned brands backed by Google, called The Business Equity Community.
The database includes roughly 1200 businesses to help connect them with retailers who have signed the pledge committing to stock shelves with at least 15% of their shelf space with Black-owned brands. The news was reported first by Business of Fashion.
Google has will back the project for two years and will offering online trainings and workshops to the founders, along with market support. The 15 Percent Pledge was launched in 2020 as a response to the George Floyd protests. The goal of the 15 Percent Pledge is to encourage retailers to diversify their store shelves.
The major retailers in their project including Nordstrom, Macys, Bloomingdales, Hudson’s Bay Company, and Sephora.