McDonald’s Announces $200K Fund for Black Fashion Designers

McDonald’s USA unveils a transformative initiative to support emerging Black fashion designers with mentorship, resources, and a $200,000 grant, fostering inclusivity and innovation in the fashion industry.

McDonald’s USA proudly introduces the Black & Positively Golden (B&PG) Change of Fashion program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at uplifting emerging Black fashion designers. This program seeks to provide these designers with essential mentorship, resources, and financial support to significantly enhance their career trajectories.

Despite their profound influence on fashion—from the zoot suits of the 1930s to the hip-hop tracksuits of the 1980s—Black designers constitute only 7.3% of America’s fashion industry, a statistic underscored by systemic barriers and racial disparities. This imbalance permits the fashion industry to benefit from Black culture without adequately recognizing Black talent. In response to this disparity, McDonald’s USA, celebrated by streetwear icons and renowned designers, has initiated the B&PG Change of Fashion program to advocate for comprehensive industry-wide change.

Expanding on the brand’s annual B&PG Change Leaders program, McDonald’s B&PG Change of Fashion pairs five emerging Black designers with five Black industry experts. This year-long mentorship program offers invaluable resources, education, and exposure to industry leaders, culminating in the launch of a capsule collection.

“Having navigated the fashion industry as a Black woman, I understand firsthand the challenges that Black designers face in breaking through and sustaining a profitable business,” stated media personality and television host Elaine Welteroth. “Partnering with a global brand like McDonald’s, I am honored to leverage my experiences as a fashion editor to mentor the next generation of designers and to ultimately help foster more inclusivity in an industry that thrives on Black culture.”

The B&PG Change of Fashion program will see McDonald’s and its Owner/Operators granting $200,000 in total funds to the participating designers. The initiative includes one-on-one mentorship sessions, access to expert-led masterclasses, and more. Additionally, the designers will be featured in a national television commercial alongside their mentors, who include:

• Elaine Welteroth, author and television host
• Justina McKee, CEO of Matte Collection
• Shawn Howell, retail executive
• Jacqueline Cooper, COO of Laquan Smith
• Sherri McMullen, Founder of luxury concept retail stores McMullen and Founder & CEO

“For decades, McDonald’s has leveraged its size and scale to invest in and support the diverse communities we serve,” said Tariq Hassan, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at McDonald’s. “The Change of Fashion program builds on that legacy, pushing new boundaries in an effort to inspire real change, not only for our five designers but for the fashion industry at large.”