Welcome from the co-founders of Humanize My Hoodie

Serial entrepreneur André Wright and Criminal Justice Professor Jason Sole are making a statement—one that has sparked global change. Longtime friends André (owner of Born Leaders United) and Jason joined forces and turned their heartfelt social media messages into a loud, impactful message surrounding undervalued Black lives in the United States. Both residing in the middle of the map, Wright and Sole live in two of the most dangerous states for Black people...in Iowa and Minnesota, respectively (USA Today, 2018).

Fueled by disdain of the repetitive black murder headlines and public social injustices coupled with the desire to change the narrative of Black men in the country, they took a leap of faith together to send a resounding message that they would not stand by silently.

Spawning from a Facebook post on Jason’s page in honor of slain teenager Trayvon Martin, Humanize My Hoodie is a fashion activism movement that demands the complete halt of the stigma associated with men of color wearing certain types of clothing— namely hoodies. As a tribute to Martin, Sole (a college professor) vowed to wear a hoodie to class every day of the semester to force people to view the hoodie in direct contrast to what the mass media was portraying as a threat.

Our mission is rooted in the simple philosophy that the hoodie is a garment, but underneath is a HUMAN BEING—whose life should not be judged based on the color of their skin, societal perspectives, or the clothing they choose to wear. There is valuable life inside of these hoodies, and these gentlemen have vowed to change the lens through which people view the hoodie, Black and Indigenous people of color, and people of color as a whole.

Three years on the path, 2019 has been a radical year of expansion, multiple art exhibitions, New York Fashion Week Runway Show and elevated brand awareness. Aligning with like-minded organizations, Humanize My Hoodie stands in solidarity with the Movement. Sole and Wright are leading the charge to bring attention to the staggering murder, incarceration, and violence plaguing predominately Black communities. Innovative with brand messaging, the HMH executives have identified that thoughtful fashion and social responsibility can coexist. We hope you enjoy this book as much as we did creating it. 

In Truth and Justice, 

Jason Sole and Andre’ Wright

Our Why.

We do this for our culture! For our ancestors who fought for us to see a better day. For our family members who left the south with the hopes that we may break the chains of oppression. For our people who resisted Jim Crow. For our elders who protested in the Civil Rights Movement. For our sisters who are fighting for equal pay. For our Black trans, and non-gender conforming, folx who are marginalized more than anyone else. For our young scholars who are fighting to evade the school-to-prison pipeline. For our brothers who can only afford a hoodie to battle the cold weather. For our incarcerated people. Keep ya head up.

We are showing Black resiliency. Black joy. Black pride. Black swag. Black youth. Black elders. Black history. Black excellence. Black power. Humanize My Hoodie.

10 Things you'll learn about in this workshop

1. Threat perception
2. HMH movement
3. Stand your Ground laws
4. Fashion Activism
5. Prison Abolition
6. Microaggressions
7. Bias
8. Implicit Bias
9. Ally
10. Advocacy beyond the workshop