Episode Six: Black is Brilliant In this episode, we’re turning the spotlight on Black is Brilliant – our partnership with Hollywood-based advocacy group RAD that celebrates black excellence by combining red carpet impact with philanthropy and social change. Black is Brilliant connects Black jewellers with top celebrity stylists to create bespoke jewellery using responsibly sourced natural diamonds from Botswana. We speak to Sally Morrison, our Black is Brilliant Programme Lead, and Catherine Sarr, founder and designer of jewellery brand, Almasika, about this remarkable initiative. We also talk to our colleagues Ruben and Hilario in Anglo American about their background and lives; breaking down self-imposed prejudices, having a voice that feels genuinely heard and a network that actively supports diversity. Ethical practice, thriving communities, equal opportunity and the natural world are topics teeming with questions – and if you’ve got one for us, we’d love to hear from you. So, if there’s something you think we should discuss in a future episode, do get in touch with us. You’ll find us at debeersgroupcommunications@debeersgroup.com or reach out on Twitter, @debeersgroup, using the hashtag #BuildingForever If you’re enjoying the show, please share it with someone you think might enjoy it as well. Never miss another show by following us at Anchor or wherever you subscribe to your podcasts. Today, you’ll learn about: How we can promote visibility of talented black designers at exclusive, largely inaccessible, high impact social events. 03:05 The difficulty of ‘breaking’ Hollywood as designer and how the initiative helps to build relationships between designers and stylists. 04:58 How the collaboration between designer and stylist amplifies creativity, while the ethical nature and origin of diamonds used adds inspiration 06:49 How the short-term impact of designers of colour hitting the red carpet grows long term relationships between designers, stylists and stars 09:36 The power of designing with the diamond and its origin story in mind 14:20 Accelerating opportunity is built into De Beers’ business, embodied by the Building Forever story 18:13 How systemic racism inhabits the soul, holding you back without you even knowing it 23:36 The role of the Origins Network to celebrate diversity in all its forms, challenge prejudice and promote respect 27:57 That minority voices are afraid to speak out, so leadership needs to promote safe spaces 30:10 However unintentionally, feelings of cultural inferiority are often echoed by institutions and parents, these chains need to be untied 31:59 Resources Learn more about the Black is Brilliant programme and the remarkable work being done to bring designers of colour to the forefront of the entertainment industry by visiting the RAD website here. Transcript Click here to access a full transcript of this episode.
