High-level advisory committee for Black Footwear Forum
The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) and PENSOLE Lewis College of Business & Design have rebranded the African American Footwear Forum (AAFF) as the Black Footwear Forum (BFF).
They said the new name will strengthen and better represent the thousands of black footwear professionals and employees who work in the footwear industry today.
In addition, the BFF announced the formation of an Advisory Committee, which will direct the BFF in issues of community engagement, education, networking, events, and the soon-to-be-established regional BFF chapters.
Committee members are
• Brandis Russell, Converse
• Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, PENSOLE Lewis College of Business & Design
• Portia Blunt, Reebok
• David Ballin, Puma
• LaShae Boone-McCray, RG Barry Brands
• Jazerai Allen-Lord, Founder, True to Size Agency
• Kris Wright, Nike
• Darla Pires DeGrace, DeGrace Group Consulting
• Dace Graham, Target; and
• Sabria Butler, FDRA
Converse executive Brandis Russell said: “Since the organisation’s inception in February 2019, the Black Footwear Forum has served as the key platform for connecting black professionals as they advance the footwear industry. As we rebrand and with the establishment of this committee, I am excited to continue our work together in service to those in our dynamic community who drive creativity, architect new product expressions and bring joy to consumers all over the world.”
Image: Brandis Russell, Converse VP of Footwear
