Our Story

The merchandise found in chain stores and big box stores has a generic and commercialized feel that is lacking in connection to the rich culture and deep rooted history that makes HBCUs great and worthy of lifelong support.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)  have always had an enthusiastic base of supportive alumni but not until recently has HBCU culture been in the national spotlight. Access to merchandise to represent these schools is usually limited to the on-campus bookstore. Recent events have made inclusivity of African-Americans a priority; and large retailers are now starting to recognize the HBCU alumni base as potential consumers. Even still, the merchandise found in chain stores and big box stores has a generic and commercialized feel that is lacking in connection to the rich culture and deep rooted history that makes HBCUs great and worthy of lifelong support.

An additional problem is the historical lack of funding for HBCUs in comparison to their predominantly white counterparts. This includes significantly less government funding and fewer donations which translates to much smaller endowments, which in turn translates to a lack of resources for HBCU students and endangerment of future security for these schools. Although HBCU alumni tend to be loyal and enthusiastic, this does not translate to giving back to their respective alma maters. 

A primary goal of HBCU Leggings is to generate funds, through a combination of royalties and donations, to give back to HBCUs.

For these reasons, a primary goal of HBCU Leggings is to generate funds, through a combination of royalties and donations, to give back to HBCUs. Fifteen percent of every purchase is given back to the school with whom the merchandise is licensed. This is intentionally above the typical requirement for royalty payments. Essentially, this creates an avenue for alumni dollars to be funneled back to their respective schools.

Also, the owner and lead designer of HBCU Leggings, is an African-American HBCU alumna, formerly trained at Howard University’s Chadwick A Boseman College of Fine Arts. The merchandise we carry is a direct product of the artistic training at a leading HBCU and an authentic representation of the HBCU cultural experience. Each purchase from HBCU Leggings is not only an opportunity to give to an HBCU, but also to support a black-owned, woman-owned business.

Statement from the Owner

If anything good came out of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, it is the realization that things can’t simply remain as they are forever.

Watching well-established businesses and institutions close down and long standing practices come to an abrupt halt, points to one truth: nothing in this world should last forever.

It’s time for some old things to make room for the new things God is birthing through each of us. 

Having studied animation and design at Howard University and working professionally in multimedia design for over a decade, my best work has always been a result of allowing God work through me. After all - He is the most creative being who ever existed. After seeing some of the illustrations come to life, against the backdrop of unprecedented change and a racial revolution, I knew better than to wait one more minute to move on what God was calling me to do. And if ever there was time to launch a black business, it was now.

- Amina