In 2018, the movement is gaining momentum. Art has emerged as a potent form of activism, and more brands are stepping up to challenge the status quo. Enter Urban Canvas, an innovative clothing and accessories line founded in Brooklyn by creative visionary Jordan Banks. Urban Canvas was born from a desire to spark meaningful dialogue about race, spearheaded by the voices of Black individuals, as a means to dismantle systemic oppression while simultaneously fostering empowerment within the community.
The collection also caters to allies, reinforcing that the message extends beyond just the Black community. Intersectionality lies at the heart of this initiative; progress is impossible without it. So, let’s avoid the comments about exclusion, shall we?
I reached out to Banks to delve deeper into Urban Canvas—its essence, its origins, and how he envisions transforming the world for his young children through fashion and artistry. There wasn’t a singular moment that ignited his passion; rather, the line emerged from long-standing frustrations regarding how advertising and media portray the Black community. Through his designs, Banks takes control of the narrative, promoting a message of self-acceptance and empowerment. He prefers the term “ARTivist” to describe himself, but his mission remains unchanged.
“My creations reflect themes of self-empowerment, positivity, and the elusive ‘American Dream.’ After 39 years, I’ve come to realize that not everyone has equal access to that dream, and those who struggle most often look like me.”
His children, who are of mixed heritage, will navigate a world where both of their backgrounds face discrimination stemming from a systemic bias. For Banks, it’s essential to instill in them the confidence to embrace their identities, speak up for themselves, and dismiss the harmful narratives suggesting they are less than because they are strong individuals of color.
One of the children’s tees boldly states “I AM the New Black,” instilling pride in young Black children, particularly those with diverse backgrounds. As a Black mother of a biracial child, I find this shirt empowering for my son, helping him take pride in his heritage.
Urban Canvas features a range of slogans celebrating Black pride (the popular “Blackity Black” tee and “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Blackness” are prime examples), addressing the challenges faced by the Black community (including a shirt that highlights the problematic thirteenth amendment), police brutality, and promoting inclusivity (the “Pie” shirt, which states “Equal rights for others does not mean less rights for you. It’s not pie,” has gained popularity).
When asked why he chose fashion as a medium for his message, Banks responded thoughtfully. “The beauty of clothing, especially T-shirts, is their ability to penetrate any environment, public or private, making a statement similar to street art or protests without saying a word. I often see people reading my shirts, and it brings me joy knowing my message resonates.”
If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant and impactful way to support Black art and challenge systemic racism, Urban Canvas should be your go-to. It’s a simple way to back a small business while sparking the crucial conversations we all need to engage in; the message is literally displayed on your chest.
For more on the journey to parenthood, check out our other blog posts, including advice on using artificial insemination kits here. And if you’re interested in enhancing fertility, be sure to visit this link for expert insights. Additionally, this resource offers valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, Urban Canvas is more than just a clothing line; it’s a movement aimed at fostering dialogue on race and empowering individuals through artful expression.
Keyphrase: Combat Racism Through Art
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]