Macy’s continues its partnership with the Divine Nine

Apparel retailer Macy’s is donating $3 million to charities chosen by BGLOs (Black Greek Letter Organizations), commonly referred to as the Divine Nine, and can be creating an exclusive men’s clothing line inspired by the fraternities’ distinctive colours.

The collection is predicted to enrich Macy’s collaborations with its sister associations in 2022, in line with a press release.

Elwyn Mapps, Macy’s vice chairman of men’s sportswear and member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., praised the cooperation.

“I am excited to provide members with a collection that reflects their organization’s mission and history, while also allowing members to express their personal style,” Mapps said. “This assortment authentically represents each organization through its distinctive colors and demonstrates their commitment to academic excellence, community service and brotherhood. Additionally, through our Mission Every One social purpose platform, Macy’s will donate funds to various foundations selected by The Divine Nine Fraternities to help create a brighter future through bold representation.”

The collection has wide array of pieces, starting from sports coats, neckwear, hats and dress shirts to more casual pieces like polo shirts and sweaters, with a starting price of $49.99. It was created in cooperation with Tayion Collectionwhich was founded and designed by alumna Montee Holland Workshops at Macy’s. Additional work might be provided by Stacy Adams and Macy’s private brand, Club Room.

According to Macy’s, the full catalog might be available in July 2024.

“For nearly 15 years, The Workshop at Macy’s has leveraged brand assets and retail expertise to empower and empower underrepresented businesses, creating one of the most comprehensive supplier acceleration programs in the industry,” said Sherieka Smallwood-Morgan, chief strategy officer retail at Macy’s. “Through Mission Every One, the Workshop at Macy’s strives to expand representation in retail by providing this year’s cohort, as well as future classes, with best-in-class programs and resources that fuel entrepreneurial development and growth.”

Since its establishment in 2011, the program has ensured the development of over 200 enterprises with diversified ownership structures.

Macy’s plans to donate $3 million by the end of January 2025 and indicated in a press release that it has thus far donated $1.75 million to the educational and research foundations of the Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta and Sigma Gamma Rho sororities.