Key Terms

Crown 

Jean Michel Basquiat’s crown motif has become a timeless and recognizable symbol in popular culture. The crown is a rejection of norms commandeered by Western and European authorities and recognizes the majesty of underrepresented influencers and heroes. From artists on the mainstage to everyday people in their communities, the crown is a headpiece made for everyone.

Soul Style

This term was coined by Black women through the 1950s and 1970s during the Black Power movement. Black women’s fashion choices became galvanizing symbols of gender and political expression. Soul provided a cultural language where Black people could talk about slavery and colonialism by using style and fashion as a tool of resistance and activism.

Double-Consciousness

Du Bois introduces this concept in his work “The Souls of Black Folk” and defines it as the struggle African-Americans face to remain true to Black culture while at the same time conforming to the dominant white society.

Duality 

A deep struggle between dichotomies; a fight inside oneself, between good and evil, hardship and success, perceived self-worth and marginalization, divinity and destitution. 

Uplift 

Our goal is to give back power to those who have had it stripped from them. Regardless of your race, or gender, or background, you have the right to feel empowered. You have the right to lift your head proudly and embrace every aspect of yourself. You have the right to live your fullest, freest, most joyful life.