CANCELED!!! That was the feeling towards GUCCI not too long ago. The luxury fashion company had been involved in some serious racial couture scandals. However, GUCCI is doing its best to extend yet another olive branch in hopes of forgiveness. Besides, the previous apology, GUCCI is additionally enacting GUCCI CHANGEMAKERS. An initiative with the aim of improving African American communities in America; as well as with fashion representation and design.

GUCCI CHANGEMAKERS -Community fund and Scholarship Program

So what in the GUCCI Mane is going on? Well, there’s now money on the table and additional “accountability.” In regards to future actions, GUCCI states,

“Announcing GUCCI CHANGEMAKERS, a community fund and scholarship program for North America alongside a global volunteering program. A global program that supports industry change and fosters unity through community action; following the company’s announcement of a long-term diversity and inclusion action plan.

Initially launched internally in 2018; the program includes a multi-year $5 million Changemakers Fund and a $1.5 million scholarship program in North America. Alongside a global employee-volunteering framework that will fuel the company’s commitment to creating lasting social impact in our communities and within the fashion industry.”

GUCCI CHANGEMAKERS -Community fund and Scholarship Program (Continued)

Not going to lie that first part is basically fluff. However, the fashion label did take the time to also explain what each aspect of this “Changemakers” undertaking will accomplish. Consequently, GUCCI reveals,

GUCCI CHANGEMAKERS FUND

The Gucci Changemakers Fund will support social change by investing in community-based programs in cities across North America. This $5 million fund focuses on building strong connections and opportunities within the African-American community and communities of color at-large; while bringing positive change and inspiring solutions for a better future.

GUCCI CHANGEMAKERS COUNCIL

The external Gucci Changemakers Council includes community leaders and social change experts to ensure transparency, accountability and long-term impact. The Council will select non-profit partner organizations in cities across North America, starting with: Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Houstion, Los Angeles, Miami; New York, San Francisco, Toronto and Washington DC.

GUCCI CHANGEMAKERS -Community fund and Scholarship Program (Continued Part 2)

GUCCI CHANGEMAKERS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Our Gucci Changemakers focuses on empowering young people through education by giving a voice to the next generation. Scholarships for college students across various disciplines in fashion; will be offered to diverse talent from North America.  The Changemakers Council will help select eligible students from North American schools to participate in the Gucci Changemakers Scholarship Fund.

Over the course four years, each student shall receive a $20,000 grant toward completing their college education. Information on eligibility and application process will be announced this Spring. Inquires can be submitted to: changemakerscholarship@gucci.com.

GUCCI CHANGEMAKERS VOLUNTEERING

Announced in 2018, the Gucci Changemakers volunteering program empowers all 18,000 Gucci employees worldwide to dedicate up to 4 paid days off for volunteering activities in their local communities. Representing 8,000 days of volunteer support in North America, the first region in the global rollout, where volunteering opportunities cover four main pillars: equality; support for refugees; and the homeless; protection of the environment; and education. A parallel $5 million Changemakers Fund will be established in Asia Pacific.

GUCCI CHANGEMAKERS

To add a new ribbon and cherry on top to all of this newness. GUCCI CEO and President, Marco Bizzarri also made a statement. Regarding Changemakers, Bizzarri additionally shares,

“I believe in dialogue, building bridges and taking quick action. This is why we started working immediately on the long-term infrastructure at Gucci to address our shortcomings.

And now through our Changemakers program, 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.

I believe in the promise of the next generation, and through our scholarship fund we will also create more opportunities for talented young people of diverse backgrounds to gain access to careers in the fashion industry.”

GUCCI CHANGEMAKERS -Last Word

Nicely worded and explained. Furthermore, Designer Dapper Dan, who famously uses Gucci textiles and fabrics to create fabulous and iconic garments; also had a statement about Gucci’s Changemakers operation. Dan says,

“As a partner, I am proud to work with Gucci and other community leaders to help guide programs that will create meaningful impact for the Black community and fashion as a whole.

It is imperative that we have a seat at the table to say how we should be represented and reimagined. Through our work together, Gucci is in a position to lead the overall industry toward becoming a better more inclusive one.”

As one can see, at the moment it looks like Gucci is sincerely attempting to right some wrongs; while also making improvements inwardly and outwardly. Moreover, only time will tell what exact implications these programs will have on things. Nevertheless, as of now things can be summed up in exactly one word… “promising.”

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