The Roots of MeWeFree
MeWeFree is a pan-African lifestyle brand founded in the Philadelphia area in 2019. This Black-American clothing company is dedicated to redefining streetwear culture by offering a range of products that embrace urban fashion trends while celebrating the essence of "Negritude." In addition to clothing and accessories, MeWeFree also produces books and flags.
“MeWe” started as a concept, a spark of an idea that brewed in my mind. It's evolved since then, both in name and philosophy. MeWeFree isn't just a brand; it's a movement born from unity, self-expression and mental wellness. But before I dive into where we're heading, let me take you back to where it all began.
Throughout m years of studying the Black Diaspora, I've developed a profound interest in vexillology, the fascinating field that delves into the study of flags. This passion has led me to explore the intricate details of flags, including their history, symbolism and usage. This is why flags are such a huge part of the MeWeFree brand.
The concept started with "Me We." It's not just words; it's a philosophy inspired by none other than Muhammad Ali himself. Remember that iconic fight, the Rumble In The Jungle between Ali and George Foreman in Zaire? Well, in the documentary "When We Were Kings," about the battle, they mentioned the shortest poem ever: "Adam had 'em." Ali, being Ali, condensed it even further to just "Me We." Impressive, right? It's rooted in the African adage "I am We," but it holds a world of meaning.
Next up is the Occupy Movement. I was there at Occupy Philly, and what struck me most was the diversity of people coming together at City Hall. Color didn't matter; we were all there because we were fed up with the government. That's where the "Me" and "We" in our logo come in. The "Me" represents your nationality, your race, your identity – who you are as an individual. And the "We"? Well, that's the American flag. Because when it all boils down, no matter who we are, we're all Americans, united in this land. However, too many brothers and sisters have told me they would never rock the American flag, so I have to make a change.
Now, let's talk about race, something that's played a big part in my life. I've been critical of White people, and I had my reasons. But recent events changed my perspective. White folks willingly became part of my family – no one forced them. My nephew Tyler Robin, with his Black and Italian heritage, became a precious part of my life. Race stopped mattering; love and unity became the ties that bound us.
Okay, let's talk about the evolution of our logo. Our logo used to be inspired by that iconic LOVE statue in Philadelphia, which represented the idea that love is at the core of our mission. But as we've continued on this journey, it became clear that we needed a symbol that truly captured the essence of MeWeFree.
So, we made a change. Now, our logo features square lettering with "MeWe," and the "We" part is adorned with the red, black, and green Pan-African flag. This change signifies a shift towards unity and a stronger connection to our heritage and identity.
For example, as a Black American, this would be my MeWeFree logo:
This would be the MeWeFree logo for folks with roots in Mozambique:
This would be the one for folks with roots in Grenada:
This one is for Ghana:
This is Haiti’s:
This is an example of the MeWeFree logo for the LGBTQ+ community:
More recently, one thing that has always bothered me is the phenomenon known as "Diaspora Wars." It's a term you might come across on Twitter, and it's all about Black people from different parts of the world engaging in heated arguments over what often amount to petty cultural differences. They'll boost their own locales while attempting to demean Black people from other regions. Frankly, it's disheartening.
You see, the reality is that Black people, no matter where they are, share a common experience to some degree. We've all felt the sting of discrimination, the weight of prejudice, and the struggle for justice. In a world where we're often met with hostility, it seems counterproductive to engage in these "Diaspora Wars" and create divisions among ourselves.
At MeWeFree, we're taking a stand against this harmful trend. We firmly believe that unity is our strength. It's high time we recognize that the bond we share as Black people around the world is far more profound than any superficial differences. Instead of tearing each other down, let's lift one another up and stand together in solidarity.
Separating ourselves over petty reasons only weakens us as a community. We're stronger when we celebrate our diversity, embrace our shared heritage, and work collectively to combat the challenges that affect us all. MeWeFree is more than a brand; it's a movement that encourages unity, self-expression, and mental wellness within the global Black Diaspora.
MeWeFree is all about celebrating who we are, promoting mental wellness, and fostering unity within the global Black Diaspora. Our logo may have evolved, but our mission remains the same – to create a space where self-identity is celebrated, mental wellness is prioritized, and the spirit of unity knows no bounds.
MeWeFree isn't just a brand. It's a community, a journey toward a future where identity is celebrated, mental wellness is a priority, and the spirit of unity knows no bounds. Join us in breaking barriers, raising awareness, and making a difference. Let's walk this path together.
Join us as we continue to break barriers, raise awareness, and make a difference in the world. Let's journey together towards a future where love, unity, and pride define our community.
