Our Story

My small business story started with my passion for Howard University, my alma mater, one of the most renowned Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) famously called “The Mecca”. Howard has nurtured and produced many influential black creators, doctors, lawyers, and thought leaders. In 2020, I received an opportunity to organize a t-shirt fundraiser for Howard alumni, and in just two weeks, we successfully raised and donated $17,000 to the university. This experience was a turning point for me, as I was inspired to extend my support to all HBCUs, which have played a crucial role in shaping the lives of countless individuals, including my own.

Obtaining a license to create collegiate apparel was the first significant hurdle I had to surmount, and it proved to be an extremely humbling experience. I was a mere individual with modest sales figures submitting an application to the same company that holds licenses for prominent retailers like Nike and Fanatics. However, I persevered, and now my company boasts licenses with eight HBCUs, with several more on the horizon. My driving force is the aspiration to capture and highlight the unique cultural legacy of each school, using innovative design to amplify its brand.

Apart from producing exquisite apparel, HBCU Leggings is also committed to raising awareness about the extraordinary contributions of HBCUs. It may come as a surprise, but HBCUs represent a mere 4% of all four-year institutions, yet they have produced 80% of Black judges, 50% of Black lawyers and doctors, and 25% of Black STEM graduates. Promoting knowledge about the significant accomplishments of African-Americans counters the damaging narrative that portrays us only as criminals or victims in the United States. To achieve this goal, my business has made it a priority to disseminate this information through blog posts, social media content, and e-newsletters.

 My ultimate commitment is to give back to these outstanding institutions. Sadly, HBCUs are currently endangered due to being persistently underfunded at a startlingly disproportionate rate compared to other schools. In fact, in 2020, the average endowment for the 18 predominantly white land-grant schools stood at a staggering $1.9 billion, while HBCUs had a meager $34 million. For this reason, a portion of all sales generated by my business is directed towards supporting each represented school.

Achieving these goals requires unwavering hard work and dedication every single day. My motivation comes from my ardent love for HBCUs and my aspiration to make a positive impact in the world. I am exceedingly grateful for the opportunity to transform my passion into a thriving business, which in turn can provide vital support to these schools, securing their future success.

Best and HU!!!
Amina Hammond, Owner