A WHOLE NEW MEANING TO BLACK HISTORY MONTH!
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Products, Merchandise, Apparel we see them, we admire them, we may even buy them. Though, do we ever give thought to what brings a 'creator' to the point where they would want to share their idea with the world. I'd like to think it goes beyond financial gain. Let's be real for a minute, it's obviously a perk, but that can't be all.
That's where Resilience in Fabric became a topic of conversation.
As a child I spent some of my time living in Alberta, one thing I vividly remember is being one of the few children of colour in my elementary school. Feeling unseen was an understatement. Imagine being in a place where your heritage, culture, and identity were seldom reflected in the lessons, celebrations, or conversations. Being as young as I was, at 9 years old I honestly thought this was the norm. I didn't even know what it was to crave acknowledgment. All I knew was I wanted to belong. I remember a girl in my class named Tree, she had a birthday party and invited everyone in my class except me. That Monday I had to witness countless conversations of my classmates talking about how epic her party was. Of course, Erica, the only black kid in the class, wasn't 'worthy' enough to be invited. Who would have thought that years later that early experience along with many others would have planted a seed of determination in me—a desire not only to celebrate who I am, but to create spaces where others can feel seen, acknowledged, and represented.
It is no question that children from many races feel the same way. It was within the last year that I began to question why it is that schools and various organizations have apparel to commemorate shirts for Truth and Reconciliation, even anti-bullying and nothing for Black History Month.
Stepping out on faith, I decided to channel that energy into a project close to my heart: a line of apparel, Resilience in Fabric to commemorate Black History Month, with a special focus on the contributions and accomplishments of Black Canadians. For too long, the rich and diverse stories of Black Canadians have been underrepresented in both mainstream and historical narratives. This collection is my way of highlighting those stories, sparking those conversations, and making them visible for the next generation and ensuring they know they belong.
This journey hasn't been without its challenges. Creating something as personal as this means drawing on lived experiences, on the moments where I felt unseen or unheard, and transforming that into art that speaks louder than words. I was very intentional about the verbiage being used and also mindful that staff, students, and members of the community would be wearing these designs.
It’s more than just clothing—it's a statement of pride, resilience, and history. Every design is intentionally rooted in the idea that visibility matters. Whether it’s through artwork that highlights notable Black Canadians or inspirational quotes that remind us of our strength, each piece serves as a reminder of the impact Black people have had on shaping this country.
For me, this line of apparel is about creating what I wish had existed when I was a child—a celebration of Blackness that anyone could wear proudly, a representation of stories that connect to my own heritage, and a symbol of solidarity for those who may feel unseen. I want it to spark conversations, educate others, and allow the next generation to walk in their power, knowing that they are seen, celebrated, and valued.
Colour Their World is so grateful to have received the support of many organizations such as Durham District School Board, The City of Toronto, Town of Ajax, City of Clarington amongst many others.
Taking a chance on an idea is never easy, but it’s always worth it when it leads to creating something that can inspire and uplift others. Resilience in Fabric is just the beginning of a broader mission to celebrate Black history, elevate Black voices, and ensure that Black Canadians’ stories are not only remembered but cherished.