.
From rich personal histories to pivotal experiences with racism to unbridled moments of joy, The Black Truth Project is a powerful call to continued allyship for non-Black people, and a way for Black people to see and celebrate themselves.
The Black Truth Project is an ongoing multimedia project from Change Cadet and Represent Collaborative in partnership with lululemon.
Hearing the term “Black History” likely initiates a mental sideshow of iconic images: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. orating against the backdrop of the Washington Monument; mounted police attacking peaceful marchers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge; 6-year-old Ruby Bridges ascending the steps of her elementary school flanked by federal marshalls. And while those moments and movements are incredibly important, a narrow focus on events and individuals from decades ago can obscure the history that is being made in this very moment—the living, breathing Black folks whose experiences can both validate and uplift those of their peers, and inspire and educate allies. It is with this in mind that Change Cadet, Rep Co, and lululemon bring you The Black Truth Project—a deep dive into the lived experiences of a group of very different individuals—from an artist to an Olympian, a physician to an activist—who come from starkly different backgrounds. Made up of a series of short films, still photographs, interviews and artwork, and led by activist and antiracist educator Dr. Akilah Cadet, The Black Truth Project is, according to Cadet, “a call to continued allyship for non-Black people, and a way for Black people to see themselves, and celebrate themselves.”
rEAD THE STORIES.
HIstory.
History isn’t a story, solidified in amber—something for us to simply admire or memorize. It’s context. It is the outline that allows the present to be truly visible.
work.
From microaggressions to blatant acts of outright racism, each of our subjects has come up against the reality of trying to succeed within a white supremecist system, and, for better or worse, that has professionally shaped who and where they are today.
George Floyd.
On May 25th, 2020, George Floyd was murdered by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who handcuffed him and kneeled on his neck until he died. The brutal, 8-minute-long-video was beamed to nearly every single phone on the planet.
THE NEW ADMINISTRATION.
After the past four years of in-your-face hate and blatant incompetence, it can be easy for those who don’t have battle of discrimination and white supremecy on a daily baisis to feel like the war has been won. But for many, it’s just another opportunity for injustices to go into hiding, and for allies to take their foot off the gas.
JOY.
Black joy is both a celebration and an act of resistance—a blowing defeat to a system that is designed to keep happiness and success just out of reach for entire communities of people. We talked to our subjects about how they find joy, how they express it, and how they share it.
Self Care.
When advocacy is built in to everything you do—work, relationships, parenting—self-care isn’t an indulgence, it’s an act of survival. Our subjects reveal what keeps them sane and showing up every day—from trashy reality TV to shopping to sharing stories with others.
ALLYSHIP.
“There are things that Black people are sharing—they are being more vulnerable with themselves, asking for advocacy, asking for non-Black people, particularly white people to come in and do the work and to keep moving forward,” says Dr. Akilah Cadet.
RACISM.
There is no talking about Black Truth without wading deep into the realities of racism. From the persistent sting of microaggressions to the gut punch of hate speech, each subject has a unique—but sadly familiar—story to share.
THE FUTURE.
So where do we go from here? Can we ultimately heal the deep wounds and achieve an anti-racist future? Our subjects weigh in.
HEAR THE VOICES.
Founder of McCalman Co. George is a fine artist, illustrator and graphic designer. His social commentary in his art and words captures anyone’s attention (especially allies). He has made a lane for himself and is unstoppable. Read more about him right here.
Follow: @mccalmanco
Support: Purchase his work and see his words and art in the SF Chronicle.
Info: mccalman.co
DR. AKILAH CADET
Founder + CEO of Change Cadet and dismantles white supremacy by day at her firm working with businesses and brands around the world. Dr. Cadet brainchild of The Black Truth Project as a celebration for Black people and a call to action for allyship. Read more about her right here.
Follow: @changecadet @changecadetpodcast
Support: Purchase her shirts that support public education.
Info: changecadet.com
Mr. Limata is the BEST first grade teacher! Based in Oakland, CA his story time started during the pandemic is seen around the world. Kids and adults (even Ellen) alike are fans of his messages from love to social justice! Read more about him right here.
Follow: @storytimewithmrlimata
Support: Watch Story Time with Mr. Limata with 5 new stories a week!
Info: storytimewithmrlimata
Dr. Mays is an example of Black excellence. As co-Founder of Dream Youth Clinic she is an source of inspiration to youth and up and coming Black physicians. From fashion to facts Dr. Mays speaks the truth. Read more about her right here.
Follow: @dr.aisha.m @dreamyouthclinic
Support: Donate to the Dream Youth Clinic
Info: rootsclinic.org
a new video will be released
each day for
the rest of february—
come back often!
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
The truth is evolving. The truth is everyone. Share your Black Truth by posting your story and tagging #blacktruthproject. Selected stories with be shared below.
IN CONVERSATION.
Everyone from an Olympian to an educator shares their Black Truth with Dr. Akilah Cadet.
Brandon is a dancer, choreographer, and model. Living in multiple cities across the country, Brandon shares his story of navigating life as a Black man on and off the stage in predominately white spaces.
Follow: @bbrandon_graham
Justin may be a track Olympian and World Champion however, one of his biggest attributions is also being a role model and inspiration for young athletes who look like him. He shares his truth as a Black man and not just as an athlete.
Follow: @justingatlin
Leah is a true fashionista, as she is currently studying fashion merchandising. At a young age, Leah knew the importance of having inclusive spaces where Black students could be creative and represented when expressing themselves.
Follow: @leaahh.renee
A CALL TO ACTION.
As we close out Black History Month, hear Dr. Akilah Cadet share the call to action of the Black Truth Project. Because the work is just beginning.
