The force behind the 15 Percent Pledge

The killing of George Floyd sparked designer Aurora James’ decision to launch the 15 Percent Pledge, but her challenge to retailers to dedicate at least 15% of shelf space to products from Black-owned brands was also the product of years of frustration at not seeing those brands in stores. More than 20 retailers have taken the pledge, including Sephora, which was the first to sign on.