Brain Dead × Blood Orange We Are One Tee

The fight against systemic racism is one that millions are finally waking up to. Over centuries, the Black community has suffered countless acts of violence, but the killing of George Floyd in May ignited massive worldwide protests against racism in a new way. Many people marched, raised awareness and raised money to support Black Lives Matter.

L.a.-based streetwear brand Brain Dead put out one of the most significant graphic tees of the year in collaboration with musician Dev Hynes (aka Blood Orange) to raise funds for the Movement for Black Lives and the LGBTQ Freedom Fund. Brain Dead’s founder, Kyle Ng, is familiar with his limited-release wares selling out, but this release was far from limited. This social justice tee was released on a pre-order model, freeing it from the limitations of physical backstock and allowing it to generate even more money.

“Obviously people stand in line for this stuff,” Ng said in an interview with GQ. “But why won’t we stand in solidarity for something? Or why don’t we stand for something that really matters?” He attempted to collaborate with larger companies, but corporate red tape halted those efforts. So, he called his friend Hynes and the tee was up for sale in just two hours. When the pre-order ended 48 hours later, they had raised over half a million dollars.

Brain Dead knew that it’s people who power revolutions, so instead of waiting for approval from corporate entities, it decided to act. It’s not the first tee sold to raise money for social justice, and it won’t be the last. But it was without a doubt the most effective.

Specs

Fabric: 100% cotton

Fit: Regular

Charities Funded: The Movement for Black Lives and the LGBTQ Freedom Fund $54