Brandon Blackwood's "End Systemic Racism" Bag

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Brandon Blackwood

Brandon Blackwood is a designer, growing up in Brooklyn New York. He came from a strict Jamaican family, who didn't approve of his plan to pursue his passion in fashion from an early age. After graduating from the neuroscience program, Blackwood then pursues his calling, which leads him into owning his own brand of contemporary accessories & goods. [1].

Journey of Becoming Black Designer

On an interview featured in Forbes, Blackwood acknowledged the difficulty of being a black designer. He feels that his work is constantly overlooked, and his value as well as his talent are never fully recognized. [2] In the fashion world, Blackwood feels like he is demanded by the audiences to follow the European standards. As more Black and Person of Color (POC) support his brand, Blackwood claims that his work is likely to stray further from mainstream success.

Blackwood also experiences rejections from several retailers, as they refuse to sell his products because they are too segmented (‘too niche’). However, Blackwood sees that along with the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement recently, a lot more people are starting to be aware of the mistreatment that often happens to Black and brown people. As a business owner, he recognizes a shift in preference in customers, as people are getting more interested to buy from minority-owned businesses as an act of support. However, Blackwood also acknowledges the downside this trend brings. Some parties are using this opportunity to create performative allyship, especially done by large companies.

“End Systemic Racism” Bag

Seeing the mass protesting on racial injustice happening in the US earlier this year inspires Blackwood to create a product which he hopes could have a direct impact against systemic oppression. He launched this “End Systemic Racism (ESR)” mini tote, as the outcome of his exhaustion regarding the injustice.

Just in an instant after the tote was created, Instagram started to be filled with posts from influencers and fashion enthusiasts featuring the bag, including Kim Kardashian. People fall in love not only with its design but also with the message it amplifies.

"End Systemic Racism" (ESR) Mini Tote

At first, Blackwood launched the bag with a simple photo of his factory, and he posted it right away due to his impatience. [3]

It truly touched him emotionally, to see how his creation was celebrated by so many people, in such a quick period after its launching. Blackwood only makes 509 bags originally, but up until October 2020, he has actually sold thousands. The proceeds of this bag have been directed to the Lawyers Committee For Civil Rights Under Law, which will provide pro-bono legal aid and counsel specifically for POC who is dealing with civil right cases. Blackwood committed for his creation to make a direct impact to fight against systemic racism and oppression on Black people, as well as the rest of Person of Color (POC).

References