Creating Bridges Worth Crossing For Creative Students From The Support of Gucci
By: ZaNaria Bowens
July 9, 2021
Gucci Change Makers North America Scholars highlights creatives working their way up in the fashion industry and from The Cut, Introducing a collective group of thriving 22 students from various backgrounds and ethnicities. While financial support is helpful during challenging times, the end era of Covid-19, deserving students shall be granted financial assistance to pursue their dreams in the fashion industry. On June 8, 2021, Gucci established the Change makers Scholarship Fund (Nguyen, Andrew, The Cut). The allotted awards to these creative students will be awarded in the amount ranging from $10,000-50,000, followed by additional resources, including internships and guidance navigating the industry.
First announced in 2019, Gucci advocates inviting diversity and inclusion through the Change Makers scholarship opportunity.
A statement released from Gucci’ “We are honored to announce the selection of these talented and creative students from all backgrounds and regions in North America,” said Antoine Phillips, vice-president of brand and culture engagement, in a press release. “Their diverse points of views embody the future of not only fashion but creative industries as a whole” (Holcombe Madeline, CNN).
Are Brands Deserving of Forgiveness, Let The Company Make Amends
Reflecting in 2019, when social media scrutinized the Italian brand Gucci for the ‘balaclava jumper’ that resembled black face caused rage from celebrities and users on all social platforms. The black turtle neck sweater imitated black face with red lips around the mouth as part of the design. Everyone deserves a second chance. Well, Gucci is making the right impression when supporting these thriving young students in the fashion Industry.
Gucci Black Face Sweater, CNN https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/07/us/gucci-blackface-sweater/index.html
The Healing Power Of Forgiveness
As reported from CNN News in 2019, Gucci released a statement stating, “We are fully committed to increasing diversity throughout our organization and turning this incident into a powerful learning moment for the Gucci team and beyond” (Holcombe Madeline, CNN).
We are made to believe that forgiveness is one thing, but it’s something else. From Greater Good, forgiveness is defined as a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group who has harmed you regardless of whether they deserve your forgiveness.
We are not excusing Gucci’s acts and misdoings but allowing peace and recognizing the exceptional and positive experiences it will bring to all 22 diverse students.
Listed below are the students we will be seeing impacting the Fashion Industry in the near future:
● Aboubacar Barrie, sophomore, Georgia Institute of Technology
● Akin White, freshman, Norfolk State University
● Ar’Myiah Lee, freshman, Parsons School of Design
● Beatrice Alisme, sophomore, Miami Dade College
● Brianna Bryson, freshman, Howard University
● Clayson Fletcher, junior, Humber College
● Diana McCready, junior, Bard College
● Dinasty Ly, senior, Fashion Institute of Technology
● Elijah Huggins-English, sophomore, Fashion Institute of Technology
● Jeffrey McCready, sophomore, Rhode Island School of Design
● John Davillier, freshman, University of Southern California
● Keith Herron, junior, Fordham University
● Kevin Ngo, freshman, City College of San Francisco
● Lacey Garza, freshman, Kingsborough Community College
● Matthew Williams, sophomore, Kent State University
● Mikaela Mosley, senior, Howard University
● Miles Richards, sophomore, College for Creative Studies
● Quinten Clifford, freshman, Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising
● Yetunde Sapp, junior, Parsons School of Design
● Zahri Jackson, senior, New York University
● Zuri Duarte, junior, The University of California — Los Angeles