A week ago, the Breonna Taylor [1] ruling left the Black community and her loved ones without justice. The three Louisville police officers who broke into her house and killed her were not charged with murder. Her life was ignored. For me and millions of other Black individuals, the ruling left us speechless, disturbed, and disappointed in the unjust system that continues to let us down. It is the reason #BlackLivesMatter [2] was created in the first place: to advocate for Black life, to celebrate Black lives, and to fight for equality.
Another way we can celebrate Black lives and honor the ones who are no longer with us is in our clothing. Fortunately, there are so many clothing items that crush negative stereotypes, embrace Black features, and are brilliant odes to the Black experience. Ahead, I share some of my favorites.
Unisex Heather Prism T-Shirt
For so long, natural hair and curly hair were not considered beautiful. The natural-hair movement has helped women of color embrace their authentic locks.
Unisex Heather Prism T-Shirt [3] ($24)
Ladies Tee: Natural
Another shout-out to all the ladies who rock natural hair unapologetically.
Ladies Tee: Natural [4] ($25)
Support Black Colleges Hoodie
With the step teams, marching bands, Greek life, and lifelong connections, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are a quintessential part of many Black Americans' lives.
Support Black Colleges Hoodie [5] ($50, originally $55)
Natural Hair Queen
Too often, Black women are discouraged to wear their natural hair in the workplace and personal settings, constantly adhering to making the majority comfortable and suppressing their own emotions.
Natural Hair Queen [6] ($28)
I'm Rooting For Everyone Black Issa Rae
This iconic Emmys red carpet moment in 2017 will forever be valid. I'm rooting for everybody Black, too, Issa.
I'm Rooting For Everybody Black Issa Rae [7] ($28)
I Don't Need a Relaxer
Myself and all the Black women I know have been through hair traumas as our hair transitioned out of relaxers to natural. Relaxers are chemical-induced treatments that turn curly, coily hair into straight strands. The pressure to have straight hair as a Black woman is high, and this shirt counters that sentiment, letting viewers know we don't need relaxers.
I Don't Need a Relaxer [8] ($28)
Very Black Very Proud
No caption needed.
Very Black Very Proud [9] ($28)
Happy Nappy Hair Club Premium Tee
I hate the word "nappy" when used outside of the Black community. The word always carries a negative connotation or tone when said by someone not of color. It feels like pity or shame, and this shirt embraces the fact that coily (or nappy) hair is beautiful and we are happy this way.
Happy Nappy Hair Club Premium Tee [10] ($30)
Melanin
A twist on the classic Friends shirt.
Melanin [11] ($28)
Nah Don't Touch My Hair
This sweatshirt serves as a reminder that in any circumstances, regardless of race or relationship, do not touch someone's hair without permission.
Nah Don't Touch My Hair Sweatshirt [12] ($44)
Nina Simone Mood
Famous American singer, songwriter, and civil-rights activist Nina Simone is a whole mood.
Nina Simone Mood [13] ($28)
Nappy Definition
The original definition of nappy is beautifully coiled. It was only later changed to have a negative aura with white supremacy and the lack of representation in mainstream media.
Nappy Definition [14] ($23)
Hillman College
A Different World may have aired between 1987-1993, but the TV series is still beloved by Black people everywhere. The show taught us about the Black college experience, Black friendships, Black love, and equality as we watched members discuss apartheid and a different variety of racism throughout the show. Hillman College, where the characters attend, will forever be a soft spot for the show's fans.
Hillman College [15] ($28)
Legalize Being Black
Police brutality, microaggressions, barriers of entry, and a slew of other racial injustices lead to one sounding message: Legalize Being Black.
Legalize Being Black [16] ($28)