It’s Black History Month—what are you wearing to celebrate?
In a month honoring Black excellence, theGrio has six suggestions for Black-owned brands to shop in February and beyond.
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Black-owned businesses are thriving and pushing the culture to the next level. During Black History Month, one of the many ways we can share our representation and pride in our roots is through our clothes, jewelry, and art. While there are many Black and brown businesses to support, this year, theGrio opted to share a few offering apparel exemplifying Black excellence, history and culture year-round. If you have old antique jewelry representing that, you can go to a jewelry repair service to restore its shine.
With that in mind, here is a sampling of some of our favorite brands to proudly rock this Black History Month and beyond.
Melaninful
Melaninful celebrates Black culture and history through its unique designs of apparel, home decor and accessories. It has been over 3 years since this collective of designers came together with a mission to help their communities while also expressing Black pride. In the years since, the Melaninful brand has continued to educate consumers and supporters via its blog, with posts ranging from educating Afrocentric attire to Black-owned restaurants to support, deep dives into our history, and so much more. In short, their website delivers you an extra dose of: “We’re rooting for everybody Black!”
Kashmirviii
Kashmir Thompson is making her presence known to the world with Kashmirviii. The artist has already made waves with her pop culture-inspired paintings celebrating the best of Black culture, old and new; as she continues to blow up on social media, so does the attraction to her work. Her creations have caught the attention of Angela Bassett, Issa Rae, Spike Lee, Tisha Campbell and more. A graduate of Cleveland School of the Arts, Thompson’s mission is to inspire others and take her brand worldwide. What better way to express the Black Pride aesthetic in your home or apartment than with a signature Kashmirviii piece of art?
Malaika Collective
Founded by Rita Bunatal in 2015, Malaika Collective is a Pan-African lifestyle brand. “We created Malaika Collective to foster a multicultural home for Black and Brown people from all parts of the African diaspora and allies alike,”reads its mission statement. With unique patterns and fabrics, the Ghananian and Kenyan heritage brand continues to deliver fashion with a rich message about our heritage. For Black History Month, its collection of printed silk scarves is the perfect addition to any celebratory attire. But well beyond February, Malaika Collective reinforces the celebration of our ancestors and the motherland year round.
My Pride Apparel
My Pride Apparel is a brand that promotes Black women who both speak boldly and want to show pride without saying a word. The brand’s extensive selection includes t-shirts, crop tops, mugs, hats and hoodies featuring messages and designs that range from trendy sayings to historic values. Bearing witty and fun sayings like “I’m Black mixed with Black,” you can proudly enter any room knowing you are making a statement. Whether buying a gift for a friend or searching for yourself, you’re sure to fall in love with the My Pride Apparel brand.
The Brooklyn Circus
The Brooklyn Circus is where Black history and classic yet modern fashion meet. The vintage-inspired menswear brand continues to produce innovative fashions that make a cultural and global impact. In celebration of Black History Month, The Brooklyn Circus is releasing its newest varsity jacket, dubbed “The Black Panther.” The black and gold topper is a bold piece rich in history and “inspired by The Black Panthers tank battalion of the United States Army during World War II,” an homage made complete by a classic black panther centered fiercely on the back. The history doesn’t stop there; the limited-edition jacket also commemorates The Brooklyn Circus’s 16th Anniversary and is due to drop February 18th.
Melanin Apparel
Melanin Apparel is a one-stop shop for all things Black pride! With a mission to bring pride to our communities, Melanin Apparel delivers on its word through an array of apparel, accessories and home decor. A brand with no shortage of Black pop culture references, quotes and beautiful melanated imagery, it doesn’t miss a beat. Both Black-owned and operated, Melanin Apparel should be at the top of your shopping list this month!
Keasya Hudgins
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