Joan Smalls opens up about discrimination in the fashion industry as ‘token black girl’

Model commits to donating half of her salary for the remainder of the year to causes benefitting Black Lives Matter movement

Joan Smalls has spoken out about discrimination in the fashion industry in a candid video shared on Instagram.

In the clip, titled “We Are Not A Trend”, the Puerto Rican model called out brands, agents, and publications for perpetuating “systemic” racism.

Smalls also revealed she will be donating 50 per cent of her salary for the year to organisations that support the Black Lives Matter movement.

“There’s a couple of things I need to get off of my chest,” she began in the video before proceeding to read from a sheet of notes.

“I don’t need validation from an industry that cast me as a token black girl while ignoring my whole cultural identity,” she said before explaining how she was frequently told that her hair was an ”an issue” while on modelling jobs.

Smalls went on to explain how she often had to share campaigns with white women and was rarely given the opportunity to front one on her own.

“How many times have I had to share campaigns or editorials? When I saw my counterparts had that achievement by themselves, it was a constant battle,” she said.

Speaking directly to the fashion industry, Smalls said: “You’re part of the cycle that perpetuates these conscious behaviours.

“Many of you who claim to be all about diversity and inclusivity jumped on the bandwagon because social media held you accountable for your lack of acknowledgement of us.”

Smalls concluded her video by calling on industry players to “speak up” and show solidarity with the black community.

“Your silence is not only insulting, it is part of the bigger problem within this industry,” she said.

“It’s time to give us a real seat at the table because we are worthy. Because we are talented, because we are unique.”