Joining other fashion companies who have shown solidarity with the Black
Lives Matter movement since the senseless death of George Floyd, who was
killed by police last week in Minneapolis, Minnesota, PVH Corp., which
owns Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, has stated that it is “reaffirming”
its commitment to the black community by taking a stand against racism
within its global company with update guidelines and resources.
In the letter from PVH Corp. chairman and chief executive Manny Chirico
and PVH president Stefan Larsso, the two share the company’s stand against
racism: “Like many of you, we continue to be upset and outraged by the
tragic and senseless losses of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor,
and all victims of racism in the US and around the world. We will never be
able to fully understand how the families of these victims and the entire
Black community are feeling right now, but we are reaffirming our
commitment to use this moment as a catalyst for change.
“While the recent headlines have been focused in the US, inequality of
marginalised communities is a problem around the world – and has been that
way throughout history. The immediate global response to act in solidarity
with the black community in America is like nothing we’ve ever seen.
“At PVH, we condemn racial discrimination. We stand against the systemic
racism that has plagued our country for too long. We stand in solidarity
with the black community.
“Black lives matter. This shouldn’t be a controversial or divisive
statement. It is a universal truth. And until it is treated that way, PVH
will keep working.”
The letter, which was sent to all of its global associates, stated that
the company took part in the National Day of Mourning on June 4, and they
encouraged its staff to use the time to think about how they could “make a
positive impact or contribution to achieve equality” as well as take time
to process their feelings and emotions.
There was also a statement of support for its black employees, stating:
“We have heard from many of you and know you’re hurting deeply. We want you
to know that we will try our best to listen, understand, and learn from
each of your experiences – we stand with you. We are here for you, and your
PVH family supports you.
“We want to share the immediate actions we’re taking as a company, as
early steps, knowing we don’t have all the answers right now and there is
much more to come on this journey.”
PVH donating 100,000 US dollars to organisations supporting racial
justice and equality to support Black Lives Matter movement
Starting immediately, PVH Corp. has confirmed its commitment to
amplifying the voices of its black employees and the wider black community
with its business resource group, BRAAVE (Building Resource for African
American Voices and Empowerment) by partnering to create a task force
inclusive of our leadership, HR, inclusion and diversity, the PVH
Foundation, legal, and corporate responsibility teams, to ensure the
company is “taking the right steps to make the most impact”.
In addition, the PVH Foundation is donating 100,000 US dollars each to
The NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, which supports racial justice
through advocacy, impact litigation and education, and seeks to achieve
structural changes to advance democracy, eliminate disparities and achieve
racial justice, and The National Urban League, a historic civil rights
organisation dedicated to economic empowerment, equality, and social
justice. The Urban League collaborates at the national and local levels to
elevate standards of living for African Americans and other historically
underserved groups.
Throughout June, beginning Monday, The PVH Foundation will also match
100 percent of North America corporate associate charitable donations,
allowing employees to contribute to organisations supporting racial justice
and equality by utilising its matching gift programme. Retail and warehouse
associates will also have the opportunity to donate towards this cause and
receive a company match.
The global company has also compiled resources to help its associates
educate themselves about racism and bias, includes an anti-racism resource
guide, associate check-in guide, PVH U course offerings, videos, podcasts,
and articles.
Co-chair of its business resource group, BRAAVE, Attallah Foucault,
senior human resources director at PVH, said: “As a Black American, I feel
obligated to not be silent, this is the time in which we, as a collective
group need to stand together and speak out against any and all forms of
racism against our black community. This isn’t new territory for America,
but it is an opportunity to act differently and make a change.
“This moment in American history can be a “real turning point” if we can
channel our efforts into sustainable and effective action, and it starts
with acknowledgement. I’m so proud to work for an organisation that
continues to do what’s right and lead by example through not just words,
but by our actions, in fully supporting our Civil Rights and Social Justice
Community leaders.”
Chirico and Larsso, added: “Our associates are our most important asset
at PVH. Take this time to reach out to your PVH colleagues. Let’s show each
other compassion, empathy, and respect. Ask a colleague how they’re doing,
have honest conversations, educate yourself, and brainstorm with each other
on ways to effect change. Now is the time to leverage the power of us.”
The PVH management also called on its staff to share ideas and
recommendations: “Now more than ever, your voice matters. We want it to be
heard. We pledge that we will be transparent in reporting the progress we
make.
“As we work toward driving fashion-forward for good, one of the best
ways we can do this is to fight for racial equality – within the walls of
our company, our industry, and our society.”
Janelle Parker Lunnon, director of marketing and co-chair of BRAAVE,
added: “This is an extremely painful time within the black community across
the country. We all have a responsibility in the fight against racial
injustice and can no longer look the other way. The Power of PVH has always
been our people.
“As an organisation, we must create space and time to listen, learn, and
be empathetic. I challenge each of us to have the difficult and
uncomfortable conversations to ensure inclusion is not just something we
speak about, but something we act on.”
PVH Corp. has more than 40,000 employees operating in over 40 countries
and 9.9 billion US dollars in annual revenues. Its brand portfolio includes
Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Van Heusen, Izod, Arrow, Warner’s, Olga and
Geoffrey Beene brands, as well as the digital-centric True&Co.
Image: courtesy of PVH Corp. / Tommy Hilfiger
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