Howard University Apparel: A Legacy Woven in Threads
Howard University, a prestigious and historically Black institution, is more than just a school; it's a symbol of strength, power, and tenacity embodied by the Bison mascot. The university's apparel reflects this legacy, offering students, alumni, and supporters a tangible way to connect with its rich history and vibrant community. From officially licensed gear to student-led initiatives, Howard apparel tells a story of academic excellence, cultural pride, and unwavering commitment to the Black community.
The Colors of Pride: Indigo, Red, and White
Howard's colors-indigo blue, red, and white-are deeply intertwined with American history and represent more than just aesthetics. These colors are derived from the American flag, symbolizing the university's place within the broader American narrative while simultaneously carving out its unique identity.
- Indigo Blue: The iconic and distinctive shade of indigo is central to Howard's visual identity. Initially, a lighter shade of blue was used, but the university standardized on indigo to ensure uniformity across all applications.
- Red: Added later as an accent color, red provides a striking contrast to the indigo and white, adding depth and energy to the university's palette.
- White: Completing the trio, white offers a clean and classic backdrop, allowing the indigo and red to stand out.
These colors are prominently featured in official regalia, university logos, and a wide array of merchandise. Over time, the palette has expanded to include secondary colors like yellow and pewter, providing additional options for expressing Howard pride.
Officially Licensed Apparel: Representing the Bison Legacy
Officially licensed Howard University apparel is designed to embody the legacy and pride of this historic institution. Crafted from premium fabric blends, featuring soft cotton and polyester for durability and comfort, each piece offers vibrant colors and long-lasting quality. A portion of the proceeds from these purchases goes back to Howard University, supporting future generations of Bison.
Black & Scholared: Fashion with a Purpose
Kamirria Wallace, a Howard University graduate, is championing higher education within the Black community with Black & Scholared, her fashion-forward collegiate apparel brand. Recognizing the historical underrepresentation of Black students in higher education, Wallace launched Black & Scholared in 2020 to build an HBCU legacy for her daughters.
Read also: Show Your Bison Pride
The company offers officially licensed HBCU collegiate apparel designed to celebrate and encourage higher education within the Black community. Black & Scholared is committed to helping Black students finance their dream of higher education, offering a scholarship fund to assist with tuition and living costs. Currently, Black & Scholared includes licenses for seven HBCUs, including Howard University, Morgan State University, Norfolk State University, North Carolina A&T State University, Hampton University, Virginia State University, and Texas Southern University. Black & Scholared has reached over 500,000 scholars and contributed over $30,000 to the HBCU community.
Throwback Apparel: A Nod to the Past
Mitchell & Ness offers a collection of authentic Mens Howard Bison throwback apparel, giving fans a unique way to showcase their love for the game and their impeccable style. This range of Mens Bison apparel features retro Mens Bison gear designed to pay tribute to past icons while seamlessly blending into a modern-day wardrobe.
Crafted with high-quality materials and attention to detail, this apparel transcends the ordinary, allowing Bison fans to express their team loyalty in a variety of retro and throwback styles. Whether cheering from the stands or adding a retro touch to an everyday look, this collection elevates style.
Student Entrepreneurship: LHP and the Legacy of the Murray Family
Tahir H. Murray, a Howard University student, created LHP: Legacy History Pride, a brand that celebrates HBCUs and Greek-letter organizations. Murray's family has a long history in the apparel business. His grandfather opened a shoe repair store in Queens, New York, which later became a sneaker store. Murray's father launched the Tradition Ever Since apparel brand in 2012. Murray began promoting his father’s brand on social media, marketing the concept of HBCU fashion and lifestyle.
In 2019, Murray created LHP to continue his family's work in the college market. Murray’s design of “Spelhouse” was worn by NBA player Chris Paul during the 2020 NBA playoffs, bringing significant recognition to the brand. Nike also recognized Murray’s work, featuring him among several other creatives from HBCUs. Murray is a partner of the Atlanta HBCU Alumni Alliance, an organization that hosts fundraisers and events to bring the HBCU community together and raise money for scholarships and funds for schools.
Read also: Tuition and Fees at Howard
The Student Perspective: Apparel as Identity
Apparel is deeply intertwined with identity and belonging for Howard University students. As Dr. Elka M. Stevens, coordinator of the fashion design program in the Department of Art at Howard, notes, students often prioritize purchasing Howard apparel, even before buying textbooks. This illustrates the importance of representing the university and its culture.
Alex Williams, a Howard student and sports writer, emphasizes the significance of family history and entrepreneurial spirit in shaping his own connection to Howard and the apparel industry. Growing up in a family with a strong legacy in the shoe and sneaker business, Williams developed a passion for fashion and a deep understanding of the HBCU culture. His experiences have driven him to continue the legacy of Murray men by crafting a better idea of how he can continue the character, richness, and standard.
Howard University: More Than Just Apparel
Beyond the clothing and accessories, Howard University represents a rich tapestry of academic excellence, cultural heritage, and community impact. Founded in 1867, Howard has grown from a theological seminary into a comprehensive research university with over 9,000 students from diverse backgrounds. The university's commitment to serving the Black community is evident in its academic programs, student organizations, and alumni network.
Howard University apparel serves as a powerful symbol of pride, legacy, and community. Whether it's the officially licensed gear, the throwback styles, or the student-led entrepreneurial ventures, each piece tells a story of Howard's rich history and its ongoing commitment to excellence. By wearing Howard apparel, students, alumni, and supporters alike can connect with the university's mission and contribute to its continued success.
A Hub of Black Excellence
Howard University is connected to a culture that you can’t really get anywhere else. The university boasts notable alumni and a reputation as a cornerstone of the Black community, making it a sought-after symbol of representation. Howard is connected to a culture that you can’t really get anywhere else.
Read also: Discover the scholarship at Howard University's History Department
tags: #Howard #University #apparel #history
