Learning Starts Here: Exploring Civil Rights from Past through Present

When you consider the purpose of a museum, you probably picture the perfect school field trip, or an indoor adventure for a rainy day. Though this may be most people’s first impression of the purpose of museums, we challenge you to think further. Museums collect stories, memories and artifacts to inform the public, but most importantly, these collections spark important conversations. This is exactly why we’ve compiled our picks for the best civil rights museums in America to explore.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Downtown Atlanta

Our first pick, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights located in Downtown Atlanta is an engaging cultural attraction. This center forms an important connection between the American civil rights movement to the modern day global rights movement. This connection is made through the center’s collection of imagery and artifacts, combined with powerful storytelling.

What inspires us most about this pick is that the National Center for Civil and Human Rights makes the pursuit of equal human rights an achievable #SquadGoal for us all. The Center works to encourage and empower visitors so that they can gain a greater understanding about what we all can do to play a role in protecting human and civil rights across the globe.

National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel

Our second pick on our list of must-see civil rights museums in America has a similar mission to our first: to teach visitors not only about historical milestones, but to connect these events to current day issues. The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel is a multi-sensory, multimedia experience, immersing visitors in its collection. The museum includes exhibits that explore important aspects of civil rights history, with “A Culture of Resistance: Slavery in America 1619-1861” and “Standing Up By Sitting Down: Student Sit-Ins 1960”.

The museum partners with organizations including the Blues Cultural Center and Diversify Memphis to further its goal to innovate, inform and inspire the public to apply their historical knowledge when addressing today’s human rights challenges.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

While we’ve touched on the importance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s landmark impacts on American history before, this site is monumental in its own right. This site includes King’s childhood home, which is also his birthplace as his parents refused to have King be born into a segregated hospital. Here, you can walk in the footsteps of this civil rights hero, while also having the opportunity to visit the Ebenezer Baptist Church where King would preach.

The site also includes the D.R.E.A.M gallery exhibits which work to showcase the relationship between MLK and Jimmy Carter and their efforts toward equal human rights. For children and adults alike, this site is one that shouldn’t be missed.

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Established by Act of Congress in 2003, the National Museum of African American History and Culture boasts over 36,000 artifacts and nearly 100,000 members of the museum. This is the 19th and most recent museum of the Smithsonian Institution as of September 2016, and is entirely dedicated to the documentation of African American life, history and culture.

The museum is filled interactive exhibits that explores what it means to be black in America both historically and in modern day. Its varied exhibits cover movements including Hip-Hop, the Black Arts Movement, #BlackLivesMatter and more.

International Civil Rights Center and Museum

The International Civil Rights Center and Museum (ICRCM) celebrates the nonviolent protests of the 1960 Greensboro sit-ins. These sit-ins began February 1, 1960 in North Carolina, when four A&T freshmen sat down at the “whites only” lunch counter. This act worked to spark the sit-in movement, an integral aspect of the civil rights movement as a whole.

The center functions as a memorial to this “Greensboro Four,” while also working to fortify the spirits of all those oppressed throughout the world that are working toward human freedom. The ICRCM’s mission is to ensure that the world never forgets the courage displayed by the Greensboro Four, as well as the thousands of college and community youth in American South that became a part of the sit-in movement. We love this pick not only for its incredible exhibits but also for its ability to show our children that they can #DoAnything.

Influential #LivingLegends

While celebrating Black History Month, it’s important to remember that history is being made in our community each and everyday. This is a time to honor the greats of our nation’s past, but it is also a time to explore the exceptional contributions being made by black men and women in current day. All month long, we’ve been sharing stories of black greatness in our #LivingLegends series on both Facebook and Instagram. Make sure to follow us on these platforms to learn more about hardworking black men and women making an impact on our society.

Robert L. Curbeam

Ruth Simmons

Guion (“Guy”) Steward Bluford Jr. Ph.D.

Toni Harris

Peter Ramsey

Richelieu Dennis

Dr. Mae Jemison

Arlan Hamilton

Shaquem Griffin

Shareef Abdul-Malik

Tony Dungy

Simone Biles

Marsai Martin

Perhaps best known as Diane Johnson on ABC’s “Black-ish”, Marsai Martin in a 14-year-old talent making waves in the entertainment industry. She has become the youngest executive producer in history with her project, “Little”. Whether she’s on the small screen, the big screen, or behind the camera, we’re bound to see nothing but great things from this historical talent.

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Recognizing Black Excellence throughout History.

Tote Trends for 2019

There is no time like the present to show off your swag and #BeDifferent in this new year. Your personal style can say a lot: where you shop, what brands you support, what you read, what music you're into...the opportunities are endless. By simply accessorizing, you can set yourself apart from the crowd with a functional twist. So what's in store for accessory trends in 2019? The tote bag take over! While tote bags have been a staple for students and commuters alike, these chic, sturdy bags have made their way to the mainstream. It's time to find out what bag you love best to keep up to date with the tote trends for 2019!

Why the Tote Has Taken Over

Next time you hit the town or are strolling the mall, take a moment to notice the bags that other shoppers are wearing. More times than not, you'll spot a sea of tote bags making their way through the crowds. So why did this trend take hold? The origins of the tote bag's status quo were prescribed back in the mid-1990's. In this era, tote bags were given away as swag bags filled with goodies for attendees of fashionable parties. Not soon after, other brands began following suit, creating their own bags to show off their goods and services.

Not only have spacious tote bags become fashionable, they are also functional! Sturdy, chic and minimalist, totes serve as a sleek alternative to your average briefcase or computer bag. Whether you're headed to the class, your next big meeting, or the grocery store, your favorite tote has got you covered. These spacious bags carry all your necessities with ease, while conveying cultural signifies in a less serious manner than a handbag does.

What Your 1954 Tote Says About You

As you probably already know, your personal style and fashion can say a lot about you as a person. Clothing and accessories communicate to those around you important cultural values as well as what your interests are. So what does wearing 1954 say about you?

First off, it says that you are proud to support a black-owned business. When Casey Kelley founded Blended Designs, she joined the 2.6 million black-owned businesses in America today. It was her mission to create a line of products that empower persons of a wide variety of melanin skin tones. Her business is part of an inspiring growing group of African American female-owned businesses in the United States, as this demographic has grown 322% since 1997! By purchasing 1954 goods, you communicate to others that you are a mindful consumer, taking care to put your money back into black-owned businesses while simultaneously supporting the black community.

Find Your Perfect Tote

Now that we know the tote is the perfect fashion statement for the new year, it's time to find your perfect bag! Our 1954 tote bags have something for everyone, from the dedicated student working hard to reach their #SquadGoals, to the fashion diva looking for the final touch for her outfit. All of our totes are made in the United States and are available in a variety of sizes and colors.

Sorority Inspired Totes

Looking for a way to show off your sisterhood pride? Then these sorority inspired totes are the perfect accessory for you! Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) began being established as early as the 1830s, as a way for black students to take charge of their education and gain a collective experience of what it means to be black in America. Soon after, sisters from these collages began to ban together in the name of sisterhood, academic excellence and volunteerism.

HBCU Inspired Totes

HBCUs work to empower students of a wide variety of melanin skin tones, just like our products do! This is why our designs and HBCU products blend so perfectly. Whether you're an alumni or aspiring to attend one day, these totes are the perfect way to show off your pride for your school of choice. These bags are available either with or without each school's founding year.

Soul Sister Totes

With bold lines and colorful backgrounds, you can match your mood while on the go with our Soul Sister collection of totes. Choose from our "flawless,", "devastating divas" or "finer women" bags to showcase your style in the streets.

BD Squad Totes

By creating Blended Designs, Casey Kelley had a clear goal in mind: to improve a dismal display of representation in the character backpack market. Before the creation of BD, only 2% of all backpacks available on the market represented people of color. These totes serve as a perfect backpack alternative for your student on the run, while empowering them and showing students how they can #BeDifferent. Better yet, stuff these bags with some of our favorite inspiring books! 

A Lil Bougie Totes

If you're looking for the perfect gift for your sister that is anything but basic, the Lil Bougie tote line is just what you're looking for. Personalize this tote further by blending your bag with your HBCU's founding year to showcase your pride year round! 

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New Blankets Available in 2019

As we make our way through the beginning weeks of the new year, winter is still ready to rear it’s ugly head. While temperatures drop in the South (to what we call “cold”) the North is facing winter storm after winter storm. As temperatures drop, there’s no need to reach for your thermostat just yet…Blended Designs has got you covered! We are proud to announce that we are dropping a new line of 100 percent fleece blankets to help you beat the cold this season! Check out some of our new items available in our online store.

Personalize like a Boss

Here at Blended Designs, we recognize the importance of you being able to #BeDifferent. It is our unique experiences, appearances, skills and talents that give us our black girl and black boy magic. This is why our new line of fleece blankets can be personalized with your favorite's names! These new throws feature each member of the #BDSquad. Just like our totes, bags, backpacks and accessories, these blankets feature characters that represent a wide variety of melanin skin tones.

Are you an animal lover that aspires to be a vet one day? Then the Riley™ line of products is perfect for you! Is your child a star athlete with a propensity for leadership? Then he or she will fall in love with our Langston™ products! Not sure what #BDSquad member that you are? Head over to our quiz to find out what character has #SquadGoals most like your own! Next, it’s time to personalize your favorite character’s blanket, pick out your favorite color from our extensive selection and add your name for some extra flair!

Representation = Inspiration

Blended Designs was founded in response to a startling fact discovered by founder Casey Kelley: only 2 percent of all backpacks available on the market represent characters of color. This dismal representation of a wide variety of melanin skin tones inspired Kelley to begin her 100 percent black-owned business back in 2014. Since then, Kelley has dedicated herself to providing children with high-quality products that inspire confidence and greatness, both in and out of the classroom.

By purchasing 1954 products, you are providing bags and accessories with characters that your children can identify with. You are providing consumers with an opportunity to #BuyBlack. When you support a black-owned business, you are investing your hard-earned money back into our community, making it possible for a black-owned business to succeed. These success stories will, in turn, serve as inspiration for your children that they can do anything when they decide to pursue and achieve their goals.

Beat the Winter Blues With a Good Book

As parents, we adore when our children find a sport that they love. The skills that our kids learn and the relationships that they form with coaches and teammates can help to promote excellence both in and out of the classroom. However, winter storms and months of cold and hinder our children's abilities to go outside and perform. This can mean hours on end spent inside waiting for the weather to improve. Our new fleece blankets serve as the perfect excuse to get your little one to cuddle up and read a good book.

The Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) released its findings on the number of children's books either by or about people of color published in 2017. Not surprisingly, only 31 percent of children's books published in this year were by or concerning characters of diversity. Although this number had been steadily increasing over the years and is at an all time high since 1994, these statistics are still concerning when it comes to proper representation of characters of a wide variety of melanin skin tones. Give your child the gift on confidence this winter season by pairing their new customized blanket with one of our favorite inspiring books.

Choose From a Variety of Backgrounds!

5 Trips Every Black Woman Should Take Next Year

While black girl magic allows us to watch after our children, care for our loved ones and hold down our careers like a #LadyBoss, maintaining a hectic schedule can leave you feeling stressed and overworked. In 2019, we encourage you to take charge of your adventure in the New Year ahead. Check out five trips trip ideas for 2019 that will have you blazing ahead like the strong woman you are. 

1. Brazil

With it's beautiful beaches, clear waters and streets full of locals and visitors alike with a variety of melanin tones, you can feel right at home when traveling to Brazil. Often referred to as the "body of America and the soul of Africa", this country has one of the largest African populations outside of Africa. It's diverse population has created a rich native cuisine, musical style and culture. Brazilians take their #BlackGirlMagic seriously, creating a movement for women to embrace their natural hair. They even hold a natural hair empowerment parade every year, known as the "Marcha do Empoderamento Crespo"!

2. South Africa

Our next pick is South Africa. Filled with sun, sand, scenic safaris and outstanding restaurants, this destination is bound to impress. South Africa is particularly relevant for both black women and men, bearing in mind that the country implemented institutionalized racial segregation, or apartheid, until 1994. While the country is no longer suffering under this system, meeting and interacting with those who have lived under this oppression will be an eye-opening experience for travelers. Be sure to check out Johannesburg’s official Apartheid Museum, where you learn about people such as Nelson & Winnie Mandela, Desmond Tutu and Walter Sisulu.

3. France

A perfect self care getaway, there's a reason why it's common to hear travelers say that "Paris is always a good idea". France is the ideal destination for a sister to indulge herself with world-class wines and cuisines. Take this indulgent getaway as an excuse to forget your worries and responsibilities back home, whether it be sipping on a coffee at a cafe in Paris or doing some shopping.

4. Thailand

Between Thailand's breath-taking seascapes and awe-inspiring architecture, this destination is bound to inspire any traveler. However, be forewarned: beauty and skin care products suited for a sister will be a rare find while traveling in Thailand. We recommend checking out The Black Travel Box, a lifesaving product created by founder Orion Brown. This black-owned business aims to create products for black women that like to glow while on the go. The Black Travel Box includes TSA friendly beauty and hygiene products that are made from natural ingredients to help protect your melanin glow in a foreign land.

5. Barbados

The birthplace of the #BlackGirlMagic that is Rhianna, Barbados is the perfect tropical getaway for any woman that needs a break from chasing their #SquadGoals. Crystal clear water, fresh seafood dishes and small roadside markets create a sense of community that simply can't be compared to other islands in the Caribbean. Not to mention, Barbados is also the birthplace of rum, with more varieties and flavors than your heart could desire!

Get Inspired, Sister!

Taking off on a solo getaway to a foreign land can be equal parts exciting and intimidating. We recommend checking out Sisters Traveling Solo, an online community that fosters the encouragement and empowerment of black women to step out of their comfort zone and start exploring. Sisters Traveling Solo also works to aid those facing financial hardships with a desire to travel with a monthly passport giveaway program for those in need.

Another go-to source of travel inspiration is award-winning travel blogger Oneika the Traveller. Oneika utilizes her platform to inspire, encourage and empower people and women of color to travel around the world. She has traveled over over 100 countries on six different continents, working to demystify travel for marginalized groups. Oneika is also a host for a host for Travel Channel web series including "Big City, Little Budget" and "One Bag and You're Out".

Take a page from pro-traveler Oneika, pack one bag and get out there! Finding the perfect travel bag can be tough, but BD has got you covered. Our travel bags are ready for the road, made of high-grade waterproof fabric that is durable and water-resistant. Travel bags are also equipped with a sturdy portable belt, durable luggage tags and a comfortable shoulder strap that makes toting your luggage through even the most crowded airport a breeze.

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