Foot Locker’s Post

Think back to 2020, where we vividly recall brands making a commitment to support the Black community by installing DEI departments focused on hiring more Black talent, partnering with Black-owned brands and providing resources to support Black businesses growth or Black employees through internal business practices. However it’s no secret that layoffs and cutbacks in DE&I have been a primary topic of conversation this past year. As we've seen in the past few months, companies have undone the commitments made to the Black community by removing DEI focused departments, job roles and community initiatives. We can proudly say that Urban Outfitters has stayed the course in supporting the Black community. Last month, in celebration of Black History Month, UO launched an artist-in-residence program in partnership with 8 Black-owned brands and creatives. (DomoINK, Raven B. Varona, Troy Browne, Quintin Paschall, BrownMill Company, Adriana Williams) The partnership bought attention to some of our fave Black creatives and brands and we have to shoutout them out. Roll the Credits to learn more about the partnership. Let us know your favorites below and if you had the opportunity to #BuyBlack with UO. Watch the videos here: https://lnkd.in/eU2EsBc2 #blackhistorymonth #blackhistorymonth2024 #blackmoments #urbanoutiftters #transformthehustle #buyblack #UO #rollthecredits

As workplaces experience radical changes and upheavals, it’s easy for employees to feel like they’re on an island - disconnected, remote from the larger organization, and powerless in the face of uncertainty. Which is a terrible way to spend your day (as well as being a huge drag on productivity)! As employers, we need to find ways to help our people feel more connected, empowered and educated so they want to stick around and do the work we need them to do in the best way possible. The BRIDGE (Belonging, Representation, Inclusion, Diversity, Gratitude, Equity) program - created by freestyle+ and the Black Improv Alliance - is an evidence-based curriculum which builds that missing connection between individuals - by emphasizing & amplifying their unique perspectives and varied experiences in ways that bring people together. So let us help your people BRIDGE the chasm between feeling like they’re on an island, to feeling like they’re on a team. Give me a shout or email us at hello@freestyleplus.com!

Celebrating Black History Month: Inspiring Equity and Inclusion in Athletics with CEO Chris Jones This #BlackHistoryMonth, we're reminded of the invaluable contributions Black athletes, coaches, volunteers, and leaders have made to athletics and the incredible future they continue to shape. Chris Jones, CEO of #EnglandAthletics, shares his vision for promoting #Equality and #Inclusion in our sport, not just in October but every day of the year. Chris grew up in a vibrant, multicultural community where sport was more than a pastime—it was a way to build lasting friendships and inspire one another. His heroes included Daley Thompson and Cyril Regis, who, with unmatched talent and resilience, captivated young athletes across backgrounds and set powerful examples for others to follow. These figures embodied the spirit of "if I can see it, I can be it," a sentiment that underpins England Athletics' commitment to diversity at every level—from athletes on the field to board members in leadership roles. Athletics is a truly global sport where diversity shines. At England Athletics, we're committed to showcasing stories of diverse talent year-round, from highlighting achievements in our annual Hall of Fame to celebrating volunteers from all walks of life. Our partnership with Sporting Equals further amplifies our efforts to bring underrepresented voices to the forefront. Whether on the track, in the clubhouse, or within our governance, we’re dedicated to building a community where everyone feels they belong. Chris emphasizes that promoting diversity isn’t just a checkbox; it’s woven into our very culture and strategy. Leaders must reflect our communities and create a welcoming space for future generations. As Chris aptly puts it, “Diversity of thought, background, and experience isn’t just logical—it’s essential.” Let’s keep pushing the boundaries of inclusivity in sports. Together, we’re stronger, more connected, and ready to champion equity for years to come. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eegM7Kex #BlackHistoryMonth #DiversityInSports #Inclusion #Athletics #Inspiration #SeeItBeIt #SportsLeadership #RoleModels #EnglandAthletics

As HBCU 20x20 | The Application turns 7, we celebrate the thousands of miles we’ve traveled to connect students with opportunities. People often ask how I feel about constantly being on the road, and I usually say, "I love it." But behind the scenes, there’s a reality that few people realize—a reality that came to the forefront when I saw the recent incident involving NFL star Tyreek Hill. Hill’s police encounter isn’t just a celebrity headline. It’s a stark reminder of how quickly an everyday moment can turn into a life-altering experience for Black Americans, regardless of status. Watching that situation unfold, I couldn’t help but think about the countless miles my team and I have driven across the country, working to open doors for students while always having to look over our shoulders. We've driven over 70,000 miles since 2017, but we don't just map out stops—we navigate fear. Every trip starts with reviewing DWB (Driving While Black) rules. We share emergency contacts, avoid certain cities, and research gas stations based on safety concerns. We wear university-branded attire to play the game of respectability politics, and our phones are always charged—not for work, but in case we need to record an encounter. Our team prepares in ways most never consider: we drive low-profile vehicles, carry emergency kits, and ensure our license and registration are accessible at all times to avoid any misunderstandings. Two members and me are even CPR trained and certified by the American Red Cross, because we never know what we’ll face. This is the untold side of the work we do; the side where fear and caution ride alongside us in every mile we travel. The Tyreek Hill encounter isn’t an anomaly — It’s a reminder of what we carry with us on the road, long after the cameras stop rolling and the headlines fade. But still, we continue, with caution and hope, determined to keep pushing forward. See you on the road! #HBCU2020 #DrivingWhileBlack #RoadSafety #BlackExcellence #BreakingBarriers #StayPrepared #OpportunitiesMatter #OnTheRoad #DiversityInAction #TyreekHill #CommunityImpact #EmpowermentTour #BlackVoices #CreatingOpportunities

During Blackweek Hill shared the disproportionate representation of the Senate and the true power they have. 💬 Hot topics in our industry are having a seat at the table and disproportionate representation. ⏸️ Hill's breakdown is a great parallel to what we see in advertising where large holding companies have few or no leaders of color outside of the DEI role, and how this lack of diversity affects the "agency culture" in which diverse talent is required to. ❓️ If agencies are hired by brands to help tell authentic and resonant stories to audiences that are increasingly diverse, yet they lack diverse talent at every level across every capability, how will they be successful? ❗️They won't. "It all goes back to who is in those seats... and that's why when seats come up, no matter where they are we have to grab them." -Hill Harper "And if they are seats of leadership/power, pull up a seat next to you for someone who looks like you." - Brandi Rand #Blackweek #advertising #adagency #WAATBP #RandRecap #diversityinadvertising

The Crayons & Marketers team had the pleasure of attending the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce's Executive Insights event, 'Visionary Leadership: A Fireside Chat with Fawn Weaver,' today at the National Museum of African American Music. Fawn is the CEO and Founder of Uncle Nearest, Inc., the fastest-growing American whiskey brand in history. Her insights this evening were inspiring, emphasizing a message of inclusion and hope. In an op-ed she penned for TIME, Fawn noted, “Women and people of color make up 70 percent of America. We are not the minority—we are the majority. And our numbers are growing. If companies don’t figure out how to fill their boardrooms and marketing sessions with this reality—with or without mandates or programs requiring and measuring it—they will be left behind. For publicly traded companies, when boycotts are threatened, consider what the future consumer looks like. If you do the hard work now, you might find that your key to success lies not in the consumer base of the past, but in the one of the future.” As inclusive marketers, we believe inclusion is not just an ethical choice but also a smart business strategy. Consumers of tomorrow are increasingly multicultural, and embracing diversity and inclusion today is key to staying relevant. #InclusiveMarketing #Multicultural #FawnWeaver #UncleNearest #Leadership #CrayonsMarketers

Only a week left for you to register…. On 8th October, I am getting real about diversity in creative spaces. Let's be honest, the creative industry has a long way to go when it comes to diversity and inclusion. We've seen too many examples of racism and insensitivity, like: A black boy wearing a "monkey" shirt in a Gap ad… Black soccer players having bananas thrown at them by racist fans… And as creatives, we have a responsibility to do better. We need to: - Listen and amplify diverse voices, not just give lip service. - Actively create opportunities for underrepresented talent. - Be intentional about the messages we put out. This isn't about checking boxes or being "politically correct." It's about creating an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued for who they are. So what are you doing in your studio or creative space to make a real difference? Are you: - Implementing diversity and inclusion training for your team? - Reviewing your work for potential cultural insensitivities before it goes out? - Partnering with organizations that support diverse talent? We are going to discuss all this and more with Bimi Ibok, Kelly Elaine Garthwaite, and Rachel Miller at Henry Stewart’s HS Creative Operations! Register here: https://lnkd.in/gX2Cexnc

The title of this NYT article says it all! The ad industry thrives on innovation fueled by diversity. Diverse teams bring fresh perspectives crucial for success. Yet, the lack of diversity in agencies, especially for Black talent, remains disheartening. In 2019, I launched Elevate, a leadership program for rising Black women talent. This year, I have had the honor of partnering on a new program focusing on elevating Black men in advertising. However, the industry-wide issue persists - a lack of sponsorship and investment in Black talent. Without sustained commitment, diversity initiatives falter when leaders championing these efforts leave or change roles. The key to lasting change eludes us; progress will remain stagnant without consistent efforts. #Diversity #Innovation #Sponsorship Read more: [Link to the article](https://lnkd.in/eFke2-9b)

HBCUs have been and continue to be pillars of excellence, resilience, and empowerment for Black communities across the nation. These institutions, founded during a time when opportunities for Black education were scarce, have grown into spaces that cultivate leaders, preserve culture, and inspire generational transformation. From producing trailblazing doctors and lawyers to empowering innovators in STEM and beyond, the impact of HBCUs reaches far beyond the classroom. They are living legacies of determination and progress, shaping a brighter, more inclusive future. As we honor the profound contributions of HBCUs, let’s celebrate their role as cultural sanctuaries, intellectual hubs, and beacons of hope. The future of these institutions is as bright as the students they inspire, and their mission is as vital as ever. Together, we must uplift, support, and champion the invaluable work of HBCUs as they continue to transform lives and drive change in our communities. 🌟 #HBCUPride #BlackExcellence #LegacyOfLeadership #EmpowermentThroughEducation #MiamiTimes

Back in 2020, many of the more senior briefs we worked on specifically requested people of colour. Our advice then was that this would just be moving the few senior black/brown folk available between agencies. Your agency would be that little bit more diverse but it was a zero-sum game for the industry as a whole. More sustainable change would come from making Adland more open to a wider pool of talent and it is admirable that various schemes were developed to help improve diversity at the bottom of the pyramid. Four years is clearly too soon to see these cohorts in decision-making roles. However, It's disappointing that so many feel that any success seems not to have yet translated to significant opportunities for POCs to even make it to these more senior positions.