Yahoo Finance This minority-owned streetwear line based in Kansas City promises to donate profits from upcoming launches to Black therapists
As millions nationwide grapple with the recent deaths of unarmed Black men and women, many are channeling their activism into supporting local Black and minority-owned businesses any way they can. Even if that means switching out big-name athletic gear for a promising fitness line, now is an opportune time to promote Black designers and creatives who often go unnoticed.
Streetwear brand MADE MOBB Apparel has earned considerable success catering to Kansas City Chiefs fans looking for timeless championship pieces to wear when their Super Bowl defense season kicks off this fall. In the wake of the recent outrage, however, the designers behind the city’s first streetwear line are shifting their focus toward a worthy cause: mental health in the Black community.
“Our aesthetic draws inspiration from Black culture and we are consider our brand to be heavily influenced by 90s era hip-hop,” co-owner Mark Launiu explained to Yahoo! Sports. “When our teams are in season, we lend our support by releasing capsule collections featuring designs you wouldn’t normally find at big-name sports apparel stores.”
Community outreach has always been at the core of MADE. So, they plan on combining upcoming launches with a call to action that helps benefit minorities lacking access to certified mental health providers. Over the next several weeks, MADE will debut new apparel every Friday. All proceeds earned from those products will be donated to local Black therapists. Thanks to those contributions, therapists will be able to offer free sessions to those in need.
“Mental health is very important, especially as of late,” Launiu added. “Black people are processing events at such a rapid pace, we want to be a resource for them and proudly stand with our brothers and sisters in the Black community.”
The first launch, a striking black shirt that reads “Positive Mental Attitude” on the back in yellow, is available for pre-order and retails for $30. Fans of popular 90s hip-hop group N.W.A. likely recognize the lettering. The “PWA” is a spin-off from the ensemble’s original logo.
The second launch, coincidentally in Chiefs colors, has “Community” etched across the front with “UNITY” in red, a sharp contrast from the yellow color of the shirt.
For their third drop, “Solidarity” is written in white script against a black base. MADE’s signature logo serves as the back-drop to three raised fists, signaling their own solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. You can pre-order it for $30.
Their creativity doesn’t stop there. Keeping true to their old school reputation, in the past MADE has dropped capsule collections featuring the likeness of rap groups like the Wu-Tang Clan, Outkast and Cash Money Records.
While the focus has gently shifted to matters of injustice, MADE promises to ready Chiefs fans for the upcoming season, including restocking this hat worn by reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes. Check out some of the gear they have in stock below and in their online shop and order your favorites in time for the fall.
