In a statement explaining the decision, Jay-Z says, 'I am in a unique position to use my voice to affect change to this disturbing issue.'
- Nov 16, 2013
AceShowbiz - Jay-Z, who recently was pressured to drop partnership following racial profiling claims surrounding upscale retail chain Barneys New York Inc., has decided to continue their partnership. The rapper explains in a statement released on his site that he will also join a council fighting racial profiling.
"I have agreed to move forward with the launch of BNY SCC collection under the condition that I have a leadership role and seat on a council specifically convened to deal with the issue of racial profiling," Jay-Z says in the statement.
"The easy position would have been to walk away and leave policy making to others hoping that someone addresses the problem. I will not leave the outcome to others. I will take this into my own hands with full power to recommend, review and revise policies and guidelines moving forward. I am choosing to take this head on," he continues.
In addition, Beyonce Knowles' husband explains that profits from his BNY SCC clothing label will go to The Shawn Carter Foundation. The foundation will also receive 10 percent of all retail sales from Barneys New York stores nationwide and online on November 20.
Barneys as well as Macy's Inc. are under investigation following reports that the stores discriminated against black people. Jay-Z, real name Shawn Carter, says that he contacted the New York State Attorney General's office concerning the investigation, but the "findings are not yet available."
