- Collection unveiled during virtual event with Q&A with BGCSM Alumna and Eastpointe’s first African American Mayor, Monique Owens.
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan’s Industry Club collection features a variety of hoodies and t-shirts that speak to youth views on social justice and will be sold in-store and online at Detroit is the New Black.
- Over 100 youth participated in BGCSM’s Inaugural Industry Club program cohort, with second cohort launching mid-February 2021.
DETROIT, MI – February 1, 2021 —To kickoff Black History Month, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM) is excited to announce the arrival of their first Industry Club Social Justice Collection designed by BGCSM youth fashion entrepreneurs. The formal release took place during the live streamed event “Reimagining Black Wall Street” on February 1stat 2 p.m. ET. Event featured a special fashion designer guest appearance, and a Q&A discussion with the youth designers and Monique Owens, the first African American Mayor of Eastpointe and BGCSM Alumna.
In light of racial tension in the country, BGCSM youth were encouraged to process and express their thoughts around social justice reform through art and fashion. Each t-shirt and hoodie includes a custom design and story behind it.
“Being able to put it all together as a group was hard, but we had to push through to tell people what we thought about social justice and our society,” said Erica, Industry Club member and designer. “It was an exciting experience to watch our design develop from being on a sheet of paper, to a painted board, to a real T-shirt.”
“Just going through the process of seeing the design being made into the hoodie was an amazing experience,” said Jayla, Industry Club member and designer. “We got the chance to really see how everything works. This opportunity to sell the hoodies and t-shirts is exciting and we can’t wait to see the response from our friends, family and the world!”
All Industry Club youth t-shirt and hoodie designs were licensed by BGCSM to ensure youth are compensated for their designs. BGCSM taught Industry Club youth the importance of owning and monetizing their work which creatives often struggle to do.
“BGCSM is committed to ensuring youth are career, start up and homeowner ready when they leave our clubs,” said Shawn H. Wilson, BGCSM president & CEO. “Not only will the selected designs be sold online and in-stores, but the youth designers were paid as part of the program and received a paid licensing deal from BGCSM, which furthers our mission around providing economic mobility opportunities for youth and families.”
BGCSM Industry Club worked with Roslyn Karamoko owner of Détroit is the New Black and Kelsey & Cassidy Tucker owners of Deviate to design their collection; and with Tommey Walker founder of Detroit Vs. Everybody to physically bring the youth’s collection to life.
During the Fashion and Merchandising Industry Club, members gained experience in careers representing every aspect of the retail business development cycle, including stocking merchandise, ordering wholesale and fulfilling online orders, all while earning a wage. Outcomes form Industry Club include 21st Century skills, industry certifications, industry access, mentorship, network and paid job placement. A second Industry Club is scheduled to be announced early this year.
The Reimagine Black Wall Street Collection is available in-store at Détroit is the New Black at 1430 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226 and online at detroitisthenewblack.com starting February 1st, 2021.
Media Contact: Antonice Strickland
antonice.strickland@bgcsm.org; (734) 812-4423