Meghan Markle has only been back in the U.S. for a few months. But the former royal has already been vocal about her stance on Black Lives Matter, and now she’s showing her support for Black-owned businesses as well.
Last week, Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex volunteered at a drive-through distribution event at an elementary school in Los Angeles, where they handed out school supplies, clothing, hygiene items, and food to disadvantaged families.
According to Harper’s Bazaar, Markle, who has a history of “championing small brands and bringing under-the-radar names into the global spotlight,” topped off her look with a face mask from a Black-owned, woman-owned brand.
The $15 blue seersucker face mask was handcrafted in New York City by Royal Jelly Harlem, an African-inspired clothing and home decorating line founded in February 2011 by mother-daughter duo Teta and Maya Gorgoni.
According to the company website, the brand contributes to the “growth and prosperity of Africa’s beautiful cultures by purchasing many of our materials from African vendors.” In addition, “many of our manufacturers are African-born dressmakers and tailors who produce our products in the USA.”
The event was hosted by Baby2Baby, which “provides children living in poverty, ages 0-12 years, with diapers, clothing and all the basic necessities that every child deserves.”
The organization boasts a number of celebrity ambassadors, including board members Kelly Rowland, Nicole Richie, and Jessica Alba. It distributed more than 30 million essentials to families affected by COVID-19.