BEHIND THE NAME

5NINE13TH

Inspired by Yale College’s Black Men’s Union Photo Campaign: “To My Unborn Son” in 2014, sparked the response and creation of pieces titled, “To... my son already here”— letters penned to the son I was already raising in the midst of this craziness. Born May 9th; that is the day I dismissed living in fear of the unknown & graciously welcomed the role as his protector. With the continued disregard for black & brown lives, I found myself charged with so much to say but without a forum to say them. I birthed this brand as a voice, to speak our truth & embrace ourselves. His birth & our emancipation. 5nine+13th