The recent killing of George Floyd at the hands of police officers has brought on a massive uprising. In all 50 states, and even in other countries, protesters are pouring into the streets to call for change. People are banding together, yet again, to demand that the government make substantial changes to the police force and address the racial injustices occurring in the United States. And many more are calling on individual citizens to wake up and address the racism happening in their own communities and corporations.
Sharon Chuter, CEO and founder of UOMA Beauty, is one leader on the front line who's calling for change within the beauty industry. In an initiative launched Wednesday called "Pull Up or Shut Up," Chuter calls for beauty brands to release public reports stating their percentage of black employees, as well as the number of black employees holding a leadership role.
Chuter thanked brands for their #BlackoutTuesday statements of support, but explained: "Whereas we appreciate the support, be conscious that to piggy back off of a trending hashtag when you have been and continue to be a part of the problem is once again appropriating and exploiting the black community." Her call to action also calls for consumers to participate in silent protest by abstaining from purchasing products with these brands until their statistics have been released.
The "Pull Up for Change" campaign was created to promote real change within corporate companies, and not just in the form of a social media post or a monetary donation. "The corporations are the gate keepers of mass participation and they have failed the black community, woefully," said Chuter.
As for UOMA Beauty, it was founded in 2019 on the premises of promoting inclusivity. "My inspiration for this campaign was frustration. The same inspiration for me to set up my brand. It was once again frustration at the failure of corporations and the complacency," said Chuter.
Shop Our Favorite UOMA Beauty Products
Chuter is hopeful that this campaign will inspire brands to hire Black people, explaining: “This is not an exercise in naming and shaming but simply a call for all brands to review their own practices. It’s easy to say racism is other people’s problem but it’s important at this critical point in time that we all look at how we may have contributed to this issue and have the humility to accept it and make an effort to change it."
Black Lives Matter
-
Prince Andrew's Business Advisor Accused of Being a "Spy" and Banned From the U.K."We found a way to get the relevant people unnoticed in and out of the house in Windsor."
-
Kate Middleton Allegedly Rejected Idea to Seat Prince Andrew "Behind a Pillar" at Her Christmas Carol Concert"Although very much a family affair... there was no space for Uncle Andy."
-
32 Celebrities Who Got Their Start on Reality TVBelieve it or not.
-
18 Beauty Stocking Stuffers Guaranteed to Please Your Pickiest Family MembersBeauty editor-tested and approved.
-
23 Luxury Beauty and Wellness Gifts for Your Pickiest Self-Care Obsessed FriendsGuaranteed to please even your pickiest friends and family.
-
10 Winter Hair Color Trends Fashionable Women Love This SeasonThe season's top hair color trends are painfully chic.
-
10 Winter Haircut Trends Stylish Women Are Wearing in 2024It's time to get a little scissor happy.
-
Why Dyson's New Airstrait Ad Ignited a TikTok Controversy"They said y'all can buy the product but it is not meant for you."
-
What Is Sugar Waxing? Everything to Know, According to ExpertsIt's also less painful than some alternatives.
-
13 Best Drugstore Concealers That Feel Surprisingly LuxuriousGreat things *do* come with small price tags.
-
Starface Founder Julie Schott Shares Her Advice for Aspiring EntrepreneursThe entrepreneur spoke to editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike for the 'Marie Claire' podcast "Nice Talk."
