diff --git a/packages/primer-utilities/lib/colors.scss b/packages/primer-utilities/lib/colors.scss
index 45951416..0f22a810 100644
--- a/packages/primer-utilities/lib/colors.scss
+++ b/packages/primer-utilities/lib/colors.scss
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 .bg-purple-light     { background-color: $bg-purple-light !important; }
 
 .bg-shade-gradient {
-  background-image: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.065), rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)) !important;
+  background-image: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba($black, 0.065), rgba($black, 0)) !important;
   background-repeat: no-repeat !important;
   background-size: 100% 200px !important;
 }