How M.Gemi Is Doing Our Part

Alexandra Johnson @ 2020-06-18 13:01:54 -0400
{"category":"Ask Maria","body":{"nodeType":"document","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"paragraph","content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"#BLACKLIVESMATTER","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"data":{}}],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"paragraph","content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"We thought our eyes were open.  We thought that by treating everyone equally, we were providing opportunities. But as we continue to listen and learn, we realize that we have actually been part of the problem, and our passivity renders us complicit. Our eyes have been closed.","marks":[],"data":{}}],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"paragraph","content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"Although long overdue, we understand that treating people equally is not nearly enough—that there is a wide gap between equity and justice. We must actively remove obstacles, provide true equity, and be bold and intentional in our contributions that work to end systemic racism.","marks":[],"data":{}}],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"paragraph","content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"We are in our fifth year and have a team of 35 employees, and only 2 are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color)—although both are unfortunately furloughed because of store and office closures in NYC due to COVID-19. ","marks":[],"data":{}}],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"paragraph","content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"In understanding our own role and the urgency required, we have developed key steps for our organization and team.  It is a work in progress, but we need to start. ","marks":[],"data":{}}],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"paragraph","content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"\nOur initial plan:  ","marks":[],"data":{}}],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"unordered-list","content":[{"nodeType":"list-item","content":[{"nodeType":"paragraph","content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"Philanthropy","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"text","value":": As a start, we have made a donation to the NAACP.  Going forward we will actively seek ways to donate and raise money to support the BIPOC community and anti-racism.","marks":[],"data":{}}],"data":{}}],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"list-item","content":[{"nodeType":"paragraph","content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"Recruiting","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"text","value":": We have committed to over-hauling our recruiting and hiring process, ensuring we do not wait for Black & BIPOC applicants to apply.  We will actively recruit from communities, organizations, schools, and classifieds where BIPOC people are a focus. ","marks":[],"data":{}}],"data":{}}],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"list-item","content":[{"nodeType":"paragraph","content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"Creative","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"text","value":": We have committed to substantially increasing the use of BIPOC individuals in our imagery throughout our website and in our marketing channels. Going forward,  we will ensure our models and influencer partners represent a balanced and diverse community.","marks":[],"data":{}}],"data":{}}],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"list-item","content":[{"nodeType":"paragraph","content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"Training & Education","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"text","value":": We are requiring that all employees participate in an ongoing anti-racism training program. We are assessing several programs right now and will have this program in place no later than ","marks":[],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"text","value":"August 1.","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"text","value":" And we have established a central destination to share educational content, ongoing. ","marks":[],"data":{}}],"data":{}}],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"list-item","content":[{"nodeType":"paragraph","content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"Like-minded Partners","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"text","value":": We are committed to only working with vendors who embrace diversity, anti-hate, and inclusion. ","marks":[],"data":{}}],"data":{}}],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"list-item","content":[{"nodeType":"paragraph","content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"Community","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"text","value":": We are establishing a community engagement program for all of our employees where they are provided one paid day off every month to work with organizations focused on anti-racism activity. This is set to begin on ","marks":[],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"text","value":"July 1.","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"data":{}}],"data":{}}],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"list-item","content":[{"nodeType":"paragraph","content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"Mentorship","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"text","value":": In an effort to make real change in the fashion industry, we will launch a mentorship program whereby we will seek out BIPOC emerging designers who need help to realize their dream.  We will provide (1) real-world training on the steps required to bring their designs to life. (2) We will leverage our supply chain to build prototypes and samples. (3) We will provide a digital marketplace where we will introduce designers to an audience of customers and provide a platform to sell the products directly to the consumer. We are targeting a kick-off date on ","marks":[],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"text","value":"September 1. ","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"data":{}}],"data":{}}],"data":{}}],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"paragraph","content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"We will continue to provide updates on the progress we are making against all of our initiatives. We admit fully that we do not have all the answers and hold ourselves accountable to this mission. M.Gemi is committed to doing our part. \n\n—Maria, Ben, and Cheryl \n","marks":[],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"text","value":"Co-Founders","marks":[{"type":"italic"}],"data":{}}],"data":{}}]}}