15 Percent Pledge

The 15 Percent Pledge is an initiative aimed at advocating for economic equality and supporting Black-owned businesses. The pledge calls on major retailers to commit a minimum of 15% of their shelf space to products from Black-owned companies, reflecting the approximate percentage of the Black population in the United States. This movement seeks to address the systemic disparities in retail representation and create more opportunities for Black entrepreneurs. It was founded by Aurora James, a fashion designer and activist, to respond to the racial inequities and social justice conversations that gained momentum in 2020. The pledge encourages retailers to take actionable steps towards supporting Black-owned businesses through representation in their product assortments, thereby fostering diversity and inclusion within the marketplace.