Black Lives Matter

We stand with Black communities, now and forever. In light of the recent devastating events, the Fashion Roundtable community would like to express our solidarity, and share the following statements from our Fashion Director Karen Binns and Dr. Royce Mahawatte, our research and development director (who is currently leading our Representation and Inclusion in the Fashion Industry Policy Paper):

“The current visualised state of emergency sparked by gross racist brutality against Black men, women and children has been going on since the civil rights movement of the 1960s in America. We must take a stand GLOBALLY. This is a human rights situation which can no longer be ignored or treated as a social trend amongst the fashion industry. Real change needs to happen… which means true equality. This is where it needs to go— directly into the fashion industry as a real equal opportunity. No more TOKENISM, or 1-2 percent of hiring people of colour. We need them in positions of power, more people of ethnic backgrounds. There needs to be a full consideration of your consumers lives, cultural importance and viewpoints. It starts from within the workplace— no more excuses, there needs to be a new form of inclusion. We’ve done enough talks and panel discussions on this issue. The time is now for action. It’s all well and good to march for change but it’s more effective and honest to practice the idea individually, become more aware of your privilege, and understand the importance of taking a real stand in true equality by putting more than just one of us in the room. Allow us to stand equally in the room.“ — Karen Binns

“We have watched the events unfold in Minneapolis this weekend with sorrow, outrage and also anger at the unjust loss of another Black person’s life at the hands of law enforcement. During a global pandemic the ongoing implications are grave. The protests against the death of George Floyd, the recordings and reports of police brutality, the systemic racism that is evident, more than ever, reminds us that we all have to work harder to use our skills and resources to combat inequality and especially systemic anti-Black racism in all areas of our lives. We at Fashion Roundtable stand with Black communities and we send our support and solidarity to all those affected by these events. Here are links where you can donate to legal costs for protesters.” - Dr. Royce Mahawatte

Sign the petition demanding the police officer who killed George Floyd is charged:

Donate to the Minnesota Freedom Fund to assist protesters in Minnesota:

Donate to the Brooklyn Bail Fund to assist protesters in Brooklyn:

Donate to Black Lives Matter:

Donate to George Floyd Memorial Fund:

Donate to Reclaim the Block:

Donate to the #SayHerName campaign:

Donate to the Louisville Community Bail Fund to help protesters arrested demonstrating against the police killing of Breonna Taylor:

Donate to the Ahmaud Arbery memorial fund:

Donate to the Northstar Health Collective mutual aid fund:

Donate to Unicorn Riot to help provide accurate on the ground coverage:

Donate to the family of Belly Mujinga, a woman who was spat on by someone claiming to have COVID-19 whilst working for @transportforlondon and died in Barnet Hospital