Old Navy to donate $500,000 in support of black creatives

American clothing retail company Old Navy has announced that it will donate $500,000 to the non-profit Fifteen Percent Pledge to support the rise of Black creative entrepreneurs. The brand is also expanding its Project WE series—a collection of graphic tees designed by diverse artists to imagine a more inclusive world through art—in partnership with the Fifteen Percent Pledge.

The Project WE x Fifteen Percent Pledge collection marks the first product collaboration for the Pledge, supporting diverse artists as they break into the retail industry on a national level, according to a press release by Old Navy.

“I know first-hand how artists and designers from marginalised groups have been historically excluded from opportunities to scale their businesses,” said Aurora James, founder of the Fifteen Percent Pledge. “This project gives artists a chance to increase their visibility as business owners and social impact leaders. The partnership will also support the Pledge’s efforts to expand access and opportunity for Black creatives, and take us another step closer to building a more equitable retail industry.”

Through the Project WE x Fifteen Percent Pledge collection, Old Navy will provide a platform for artists to grow their businesses and expand their audience, a focus for the Pledge’s Business Equity Community.
“Old Navy is proud to amplify and celebrate diverse voices through our Project WE initiative in support of creating a better future for future generations,” said Sarah Holme, executive vice president of design and visual merchandising at Old Navy. “Through our collaboration with the Fifteen Percent Pledge team, we are thrilled to shine a light on the next generation of talented Black creators.”

Originally launched in January 2021, Project WE creates space for vibrant, diverse artists to gain visibility and equitable access. With the expansion of the series, Old Navy and the Fifteen Percent Pledge will curate a selection of artists from historically marginalised groups to share their visions and voices with graphic tee releases through 2023.

The new Project WE series kicks off with two incredible talents: Brazilian artist and illustrator Camila Rosa and Brooklyn-based artist Shanée Benjamin.

Following in the footsteps of Project WE’s inaugural Latinx designers, Camila Rosa’s tee honours Latinx Heritage Month with a depiction of two strong women interwoven with flame and flower symbols, a celebration of her community’s strength, family, and heritage, added the release.

Shanée Benjamin’s design features a diverse array of faces, each with nods to Pride culture, in honour of LGBTQ History Month. Her work pays homage to queer history and those who paved the way for her community.

Coming in October, Old Navy will add Toronto-based artist Benny Bing to the new Project WE series. His tee will feature a portrait design that celebrates Black womanhood and the beauty and resilience of Black culture. Bing saw the lack of Black female subjects in contemporary art, and dedicated his craft to increase their representation. The subject of his design is inspired by meaningful features of four different Black women close to the artist.

The first two editions of the expanded Project WE collection are available at Old Navy’s website and in stores. Benny Bing’s Project WE graphic tee will be available in-store and online in late October.