Created and curated by JCPenney’s internal team of BIPOC designers, the debut Hope & Wonder Black History Month collection was inspired by two sources 1) the generations within every Black household—that connect us with the past and propel us toward the future—and 2) the national Black History Month theme of health and wellness. We caught up with members and founder of The JCPenney Creative Coalition to learn more about how it all came together.
How it Started
“I wanted to leverage our internal talent and bring a more authentic perspective to JCPenney’s celebration of Black History Month,” said Valerie Harris, senior vice president of trend, brand management, design, and founder of The JCPenney Creative Coalition.
As a result, Harris brought together a cross-functional team of passionate designers who could combine JCPenney’s Philanthropic efforts and smart design—The JCPenney Creative Coalition was born. Get to know the incredible team:
*Not pictured: Maritza Colon, Textile Design Manager, Women’s and Maria Reza, Product Development & Design
What’s In Store
Hope & Wonder is the latest JCPenney initiative designed to make a positive impact within the communities where we live and work with 100% of net profits from the Black History Month collection being donated to nonprofit Black Girls Smile.
With other purpose-drive capsule collections for PRIDE, Juneteenth and Hispanic Heritage Month coming this year, the JCPenney Creative Coalition will continue to inspire, create products that make a difference and are designed with you in mind. Shop the Hope & Wonder Black History Month collection, in stores and on jcp.com.
