PVAMU students launch apparel line that reinforces need for social justice in U.S.

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (November 2, 2020) – In response to recent social justice issues, two Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) students have launched an apparel line to help mold a more inclusive and accepting world. Evry Voice Apparel, which currently features face masks and t-shirts, aims to uplift those who most need social justice.

“Social justice is so important because oftentimes minority groups tend to be silenced. Something as little as a t-shirt with a powerful message can ignite that voice and make a huge impact on society,” said Kaela Watson, chief executive officer of Evry Voice and political science senior at PVAMU.

“This platform has given us an opportunity to amplify the voices of many minoritized and disenfranchised groups in our nation,” said Anthony Nelson, chief operating officer, who is also a senior political science major at PVAMU. “We have the ability to spread our message of acceptance, equity, and justice for all people.”

Along with Nelson and Watson, the Evry Voice team includes Scout Garza, chief brand officer and a student at Park University, and Keyana Burkley, chief administrative officer and a student at Texas State University.

“All four of us were frustrated with what was allowed to transpire in this nation, and we wanted a way to send out a powerful message. We officially launched on July 24 with two t-shirt products,” Watson said. “We couldn’t think of a brand name for the longest time. One day, our chief administrative officer, Keyana, and I were lying on the floor, and I said ‘voice,’ and she said ‘every.’ We thought of the Negro National Anthem ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ and thought it was the perfect name.”

Evry Voice’s t-shirts feature the phrases “I am black and my life matters” and “I stand with you because you matter to me.”

“Back in May, I had prompted people on Twitter to put ‘I am black and my life matters’ in their bios in order to take a collective movement,” Watson said. “Keyana came up with the second shirt because we wanted to create an ally shirt as well.”

The brand also offers two face masks featuring the phrases, “Evry Voice Matters,” as part of their voting collection and “Good Trouble,” which honors U.S. Congressman John Lewis, Representative from Georgia’s 5^th District, who passed away in July.

The Evry Voice team primarily leverages social media to market their products. They also have an email list where customers are informed about restocks and new product launches.

“Sales have been great, all things considered. We sell out within the week after every restock. So, the support has been amazing,” Watson said. “I want to personally thank my PVAMU political science professors, Dr. Hoston, Dr. Morton, and Dr. Mitchell, for their support and expertise. They placed orders within the first hour of our launch, which truly meant a lot.”

“We love it when students are creative and look for their own solutions to the world’s problems,” said Nathan Mitchell, Ph.D., associate professor of political science. “Prairie View A&M University has a history of producing innovative entrepreneurs, and we are so proud of these students and their initiative.”

After graduation, the Evry Voice team aims to continue to uplift minoritized voices.

“It would be amazing if we could be featured in university bookstores across the nation starting with our beloved Prairie View A&M University,” Watson added.

###

By Kendall Hebert