Calvin Black in 71:
A Tribute to Black August and African Liberation
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Rooted in the heart of Africa, this unique piece was born from the discovery and transformation of a vintage Calvin Klein denim jacket unearthed at a bustling flea market in Guinea, Conakry. Its essence lies in its fusion of style and symbolism, as it is interlined with traditional wax textiles from Ghana, imparting a distinctive African flavor.
The jacket's exterior is a canvas of devotion to music, real Hip Hop, and the legacy of African liberation. Intricate patches and artwork adorning the jacket pay homage to the wrongfully convicted liberators of the Black Liberation Movement of the 1960s and 1970s. These brave souls dedicated their lives to the pursuit of justice and equality, making this jacket a vivid testament to their memory.
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This annual observance is a time of reflection and reverence, honoring political prisoners, freedom fighters, and martyrs of the Black freedom struggle.
Notably, the jacket features a unique connection to the iconic Black August celebrations that once took place across various venues in New York City. The back of the jacket showcases a promotional front cover of a 2003 tee, bearing the powerful message "Hands off Assata," "Free Sundiata," and "Free the NY3." These slogans embody the spirit of the past freedom fighters and their challenging circumstances.
On the front of the jacket, a vintage Africology logo from 2009 serves as a nod to the cultural and intellectual movement that seeks to celebrate and understand the history and contributions of African peoples. As a finishing touch, a "Black is Beautiful" patch on the arm reinforces the message of self-pride and empowerment.
Designed by Africology and brought to life by the skilled hands of local Guinean seamstress Mariam Camara, Calvin Black in 71 stands as a wearable work of art that seamlessly weaves together the threads of history, culture, and activism. It is more than just a jacket; it's a statement, a tribute, and a symbol of the enduring fight for liberation, justice, and the celebration of the beauty within the Black community.