Spike Lee’s 2000 movie “Bamboozled” scorched white-owned fashion mogul Tommy Hilfiger for targeting Black markets. Black fashion responded. Led by HBCU alumni, that response is now flourishing.
Black designers have dovetailed a sense for flair with an urge to promote HBCUs. Support Black Colleges puts that right in its name. “A lot of people don’t talk about HBCUs, especially big businesses,” said Corey Arvinger, co-founder of Support Black Colleges, to CBS News. “They don’t want to highlight something they don’t know about. That’s where we come in.”
HBCU apparel was featured in 90’s sitcoms like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air that Arvinger and co-founder Justin Phillips grew up on. “Everyone loves the 90’s,” Arvinger said, noting the 90’s “feel” to his company’s line. Celebrities like Brandy and Chris Paul boosted the business early and it hasn’t looked back.
Feeling indebted to their alma mater, Howard University, Arvinger and Phillips have given generously to HBCUs with that success. They’re not alone.
Bethune-Cookman University alumna Krista D. Winston’s Hip Kreationz showcases Black culture, featuring icons like Malcolm X and NWA.
“I like to teach with a message,” said Winston. “When people read one of my shirts, it is with hope that a whole conversation revolves around the designs to teach Black history.”
Howard University senior Tahir Murray has already left a mark. Having grown up in the clothing industry, he launched LegacyHistoryPride in 2019. Featuring a wide array of apparel including a line honoring Black Greek life, Murray has partnered with more than 30 HBCUs.
“As a Black-owned business, you just get creative,” Tahir said. “You make your own opportunities because you’ve just got to get in the room.”
Hearing Morehouse College grad Spike Lee’s call, these and other Black entrepreneurs are leading lights on the fashion front while uplifting the HBCU community that uplifted them.
