Wildflower

More about the book

This extraordinary memoir of struggle and perseverance offers fresh perspectives on economic equality from a leading activist and fashion pioneer. Aurora James's journey is not a conventional success story. After dropping out of high school and grappling with body image issues, her arrest marked a potential low point. However, as a visionary, she transformed this experience into a catalyst for change. Following a brief modeling career, James harnessed her creativity to launch a sustainable fashion line at a flea market, celebrating traditional African design and eventually creating an award-winning international brand. She also founded the Fifteen Percent Pledge, one of the fastest-growing social justice nonprofits, aimed at uplifting Black business owners. Her rise in fashion, becoming the first Black American female designer to win a CFDA Award, was fueled by the activism that surged in 2020. Inspired to empower Black businesses, she initiated the pledge, urging retailers to allocate 15% of their shelf space and spending to Black brands. To date, over two dozen major retailers have embraced this commitment, redirecting $10 billion in revenue to support Black enterprises. Empowering and heartfelt, this memoir chronicles Aurora James's journey and serves as a rallying cry for those eager to effect change.