OUR BLOG
Meet CJ™
The MVP With a Killer GPA!
A competitive spirit gives CJ™ the drive to be a top performer both in and out of the classroom, making him our #BDSquad™ MVP! Sure, CJ™ athletic abilities may make him the first pick in gym class every time, but it’s his leadership skills that make his other #BDSquad™ members love being his teammate! CJ™ knows that staying humble and remaining encouraging with his fellow teammates is key to having a fun time on the field.
Celebrating Independence Day as a Black American
It wasn't until June 19th, 1865 when Juneteenth marked the day that slavery officially ended in the United States. So why should every American, of every color, celebrate? There are many reasons to toast to the men and women that have come before us, and will continue to pave a progressive future ahead.
Bags 4 Ya Hot Sauce on the Go
Pack your bags, it's summertime! No matter where your fair-weather travels take you, BD has your carry-ons covered.
Celebrating Juneteenth
It is our mission to educate black youth about representation as well as to empower these youths through the creation of school gear that encourages them to do their best. Part of how this mission is achieved is through the celebration of African American history with holidays like Juneteenth. This is a time to recall our nation’s history, as well as strength and progress.
1954 by Blended Designs Donates $20,000 and Backpacks to Single Mom-Turned Community Caregiver
Letitia Conliffe provides love and care for kids in need at her own expense in a rural town in Texas. "The View" helps surprise her with a gift that will help her continue her good work — and Blended Designs had the amazing opportunity to be a part of it.
Celebrating Black Music Month
On June 7, 1979, President Jimmy Carter hosted an event on the South Lawn at the White House, featuring performances from the likes of Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Andre Crouch, Evelyn “Champagne” King and more. It was on this day that Carter designated June as “Black Music Month”. Fast-forward to June 2, 2009 and African American Music Appreciation Month is born, thanks to President Obama. Obama renamed the holiday to encourage “more activities and programs to raise awareness and foster appreciation of music which is composed, arranged and performed by African Americans”.
Meet Kaylen™
Kaylen™ is the epitome of #blackgirlmagic. Our student-athlete, Kaylen excels at multiple sports and enjoys extracurricular activities and where she makes new friends easily. Even more importantly, Kaylen™ concentrates her efforts on her work in the classroom.
Inspirational Speakers Kick Off HBCU Graduation Season
With graduation season quickly approaching, seniors across the country are looking toward their future and asking themselves the same age-old question: so what happens next?
Meet Joy™
Music, Tech, & So Much More.
Joy™ is an original member of the #BDSquad™, and is the songstress of the team. Smart and sassy, you can find Joy™ singing melodies in the song booth when she’s not in chorus class. A natural beauty, she rocks her afro puff and gives us all kind of life with her melanin and colorful personality. Joy loves hanging with her friends, but also knows it is important to keep her priorities in order.
In addition to writing songs, listening to inspiring artists and singing her heart out, Joy™ likes spending time learning code to create the next big app. With a strong focus on her goals, Joy™ is making moves toward a very bright future, and is planning to one day get a scholarship to go to college where she can practice both music and tech. She may even be working on an app right now that incorporates both of these talents, but that is to find out as she grows into an inspiration to her classmates and the world around her.
Not surprisingly for any of our #BDSquad, she can do anything. And you can find Joy™ rocking her #BD swag to encourage others that they can too.
WE’RE WORKING TO EMPOWER STUDENTS OF COLOR.
It’s our goal to provide gear to students that encourages them to be their best. We do this by producing bags, totes and organization tools with fun characters representing a broad range of melanin skin tones. Our products are made to be sturdy so kids can count on them to work. And we commit to giving students in less-advantaged schools free gear with the help of local community organizations.
5 Ways to Reach Your #SquadGoals
Squad goals can mean many things, but for 1954, it has the highest goals in mind for a bright future. Our squad invites you to join us in a movement of accomplishing your dreams through taking the initial steps to getting there.
Meet Nicee
A keen eye for design and all things unique and beautiful, Nicee™ is the artist in the #BDSquad™.