kerby jean-raymond stands up for our people

Kerby Jean-Raymond (Pyer Moss), has eloquently called out BOF (Business of Fashion) for their offensive actions. Their recent gala resulted in immense pain for many of its Black participants feeling mocked and duped. The event that was marketed as an inclusive, diverse affair yet turned out to be anything but. Instead, it was a predominantly white event which included a select few Black people who were left feeling anything but comfortable. They walked into a room of cultural appropriation on display for a white audience in the form of a gospel choir that was clearly there for show.

 

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Link in bio— Same respect you showed me @bof @imranamed

A post shared by Kerby Jean-Raymond (@kerbito) on Oct 1, 2019 at 1:07pm PDT

Since Kerby’s post, this story has resurfaced on many pages of the attendees of this event and outside spectators.

 

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ty @kerbito — 🌹

A post shared by kimberly not kim (@museummammy) on Oct 3, 2019 at 3:25am PDT

While many accounts are in full agreement and thankful for Kerby’s response, some had a different experience at the event. Chika offers her point of view on the affair which differs from most of the stories that have surfaced.

 

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iight so boom, it’s later. we can talk now. i’ve gotten some insight and (not much) rest, lol. i want to start by saying thank you. to my supporters, my team, @imranamed and @bof for gifting me this experience. it was truly one of the best trips of my life and such a moment for me and my family. words can’t express my gratitude. now, let’s get into the conversation. the other night, after this gala, @kerbito expressed some valid concerns and critiques surrounding Bussiness of Fashion and the conversations surrounding inclusivity. paired with a rickety history and some circumstances i was unaware of prior to us speaking, this became a much larger conversation than i think anyone expected. i can say that after hearing Kerby out, there is a lot to be said about what it means to show respect and truly listen to POC (specifically black people) when they voice concern. i applaud him for standing up for what’s right in the way that felt most organic to him. although my personal experience with Imran has been nothing short of genuinely caring, i don’t think that makes any of us immune missteps. i’m sure there are talks being had and i, myself will be apart of some of those. what’s important here is that we respect the voices of the change-makers. that means publicly and behind the scenes. we have to treat each other better. taking responsibility for hurt and/or offense caused is simply the second step, as the first is to listen. i hear you, Kerby. and i feel you. i wish this post could’ve been a light-hearted, headass caption. full transparency, i wish people would stop tagging me in posts dragging one of the most amazing experiences i’ve ever had. i also wish people would stop telling me how to feel about the timing of this dialogue and how it pertains to me. but this conversation is important. and sometimes, life throws you a curveball. overall, i had a great time. and i think with the proper discourse, Business of Fashion (and hopefully the rest of the industry) will begin to move in the right direction. thank you again to everyone who has supported me & gotten me here. counting my blessings as i read the think pieces. hope you’re all doing the same. – chika

A post shared by CHIKA (@oranicuhh) on Oct 2, 2019 at 9:53am PDT

Read Jean-Raymond’s full account of the events HERE

 

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“Angry Black Man” — a photo series by my brother @dxprutting

A post shared by Kerby Jean-Raymond (@kerbito) on Oct 2, 2019 at 3:47pm PDT