From the desk of Dr. Tomayia Colvin, a statement on racism and brands.

In the wake of hate crimes committed against Black men and women and the necessary protests against injustice and inequality in the US, some brands have found their voices. They’ve used their platforms to speak out against racism and put their money where their mouths are by pledging millions to fight racial, social, and economic inequity.

It is time for photography industry leaders and corporations to use their platforms to speak out against the racism Black and minority photographers are facing within the industry. This includes mandatory diversity, inclusion, and equitable sensitivity training for photography vendors, executives, and leadership staff. And it also includes ambassadors, who are often the faces of photography companies.