Keynote Speaker Rev. Dr. William Barber II face emanates neon purple rays against a background of dark blue with dark teal concentric pentagonal shapes that subtly meet one another to create a cohesive pattern as they radiate out in to space. Race Forward Presents Facing Race: A National Conference.

Blackface is popping up in the news eight months earlier than usual thanks to public revelations about several Virginia leaders’ affinities for racist caricatures. Gucci joined the fray by releasing, then subsequently recalling and apologizing for, a black “wool balaclava jumper” that featured a mouth hole with bright red lips. 

The Guardian reports today (February 7) that many social media users critiqued the brand for ignoring the $890 knit top’s resemblance to Blackface and related racist imagery:


Gucci’s statement says that the top was removed from its physical and online stores. “We consider diversity to be a fundamental value to be fully upheld, respected and at the forefront of every decision we make,” the apology reads.

Tags
Blackface
Fashion
Gucci