In an effort to increase diversity in the footwear industry, a reborn HBCU is joining the parent company of retailer DSW to open what they say will be the first Black-owned shoe factory in the United States.
The company, Designer Brands Inc., is investing $2 million with Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design to open the 20,000-square-foot facility in Somersworth, New Hampshire.
“The unacceptable fact is that Black designers comprise less than 5% of professionals across the design industry,” said Roger Rawlins, CEO of Designer Brands. “DBI and DSW have an opportunity and responsibility to help create more opportunities for Black designers.”
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