The world of luxury fashion has a new hero. Aurora James, the creator of the coveted Brother Vellies brand, isn’t just here to change the fashion industry for the better; she’s also working to bring injustice and inequality to light. This innovative designer is fighting for justice in the world, and is inspiring others to do the same.
1. A Designer’s Campaign for Justice: How Brother Vellies Creator Aurora James is Making a Difference
Brother Vellies creates ethically sourced, handcrafted footwear and accessories created and manufactured with love in South Africa, Kenya, Morocco, and more. Design and footwear industry leader Aurora James founded this company aiming to foster economic growth and sustainability in African countries. Her ambition doesn’t stop there – the Brother Vellies creator is using her success to drive for justice right now.
- The 15 Percent Pledge
- James launched the15percentpledge.com to push for brands to invest 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses in a bid for racial equity and justice.
- As it stands, Black-owned businesses only get .0006% of venture capital funding – and even less of the consumer market.
- The bigger brands who have already committed to the pledge include Sephora, Gap Inc., Rent the Runway, and West Elm, among many more.
- The Sister Fund
- Established in June of 2020, this grant fund provides financial support to those in the Black creative community.
- The fund awards grants of up to $500 to those who demonstrate the potential to build economic security through creative practice.
- It’s currently open to applicants in the US, Canada, UK, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
James’s tireless work to bring justice and equity to the fashion industry is inspiring. It’s through her dedication and passion that countless creatives are seeing success in the face of difficult times. She’s definitely making a difference – and her peers are definitely taking notice.
2. Aurora James’s Vision for Positive Change: Setting an Example for Business Leaders
Aurora James, a Canadian-born fashion designer and owner of Brother Vellies, is setting a precedent for business leaders worldwide. She is leading the charge in bridging the gap between fashion sustainability and equality.
James has a vision of a more equitable and sustainable future. Through her campaigns 15 Percent Pledge and RE_SET, she approaches this goal in two different ways. By the 15 Percent Pledge, James is advocating for larger retailers to commit to dedicating 15% of their shelf space to products made by Black-owned businesses. With the RE_SET program, James is offering support to the Black-owned businesses who have been affected by COVID-19. The goal is to help them become financially resilient through financial grants, workshops, and mentorships.
- Reference: The 15 Percent Pledge, Brother Vellies
3. Partnering with GlobalChange.org: The Impact of Aurora’s Initiatives
Aurora’s commitment to fighting climate change has resulted in a powerful partnership with GlobalChange.org. Through this partnership, the two organizations are focused on effecting lasting change by sharing research, organizing campaigns, and supporting projects for positive environmental impact.
- Research Sharing and Dissemination – Aurora and GlobalChange.org collaborate to ensure that research on climate change is available and understood. The organizations also work in tandem to produce content and resources that help educate the public on the implications of climate change.
- Campaign Organization – The organizations combine their resources to organize campaigns and rallies on a global scale to spread awareness on climate change and our responsibility to fight it. This includes the use of digital platforms, local outreach, and educational initiatives.
- Project Support – Through careful selection of relevant and effective initiatives that align with Aurora’s mission, the organization provides major support to projects, applying resources to ensure they are successful and make a lasting impact.
Aurora’s partnership with GlobalChange.org has already made a sizable impact in the fight against climate change, and signifies a major commitment to preserving the environment for future generations. By coupling a mission of environmental stewardship with reliable resources, the two organizations are working hard to help make the world a better, healthier place.
4. How Everyone Can Make an Impact: Aurora’s Call to Action Towards Social Justice
The fight for social justice is far from over. Our duty as citizens of this planet is to inform, educate, and empower those who seek progress. Activism is more important now than ever before, and our actions can make a real difference. Aurora has given voice to the voiceless, and issued a call to action for all of us to join their cause. Here’s what we can do to make an impact:
- Engage in Conversation. Reach out to your family, friends, and neighbors and start a dialogue about social justice issues, staying informed on current events, and engaging in dialogue about racial and social inequalities.
- Register to Vote. Educate yourself about the issues, do your research on candidates that reflect your values and passions, and fill out the necessary paperwork to become a registered voter.
- Speak Up. Amplify minorities’ voices in all aspects: online, in your circles of influence, in person, and on the job. If you see someone being treated unfairly, speak up and stand with them.
- Be Proactive. Make a personal commitment to make an even greater impact: volunteer and become an active member in your community, fundraise or donate to organizations that are advancing the cause, and encourage others to get involved.
Through these simple steps, we have the power to make a positive impact in this turbulent time. Let us join forces across all walks of life, power up, and affect real change – as Aurora so beautifully put it: ” Fight for what you believe in so we can make the world a better place for everyone.”
The inspiring story of Aurora James and the work she is doing through Brother Vellies is a testament of her passion and persistence to stand up and fight for what she believes in. She is an example for us all to admire, serve as a reminder of the power of persistence, and a spark of hope for a greater tomorrow.
