Summary
Every year, numerous cyclists and volunteers embark on a challenging 545-mile trek along the California Coast. The AIDS/Life Cycle foundation makes a profound impact by gathering funds for critical medical and social support for individuals facing HIV/AIDS or infection risks. As a member of ALC’s Brown Brakers, I had the privilege of creating distinctive riding kits for each annual coastal journey.
Guided by the team’s vision, these kits were designed to be contemporary, one-of-a-kind, and infused with a unified message that amplifies awareness for black and brown communities. Through this initiative, we unite strength, purpose, and fashion to drive positive change.
2019 Brown Brakers Cycling Kit
For 2019 the design inspired by an abstract interpretation of a diverse journey each one of us goes on, to end up at various places along the path but, always riding together.
Some highlighting features of the kit were awareness messages about speaking truth to power, raising awareness of HIV mortality statics according to race. The arm designs were a pink triangle graphical representation of the falling individuals of HIV/AIDS.
2018 Brown Brakers Cycling Kit
In 2018, My first year as a cycling participant and fundraiser for the annual AIDS Lifecycle marathon. The design theme for this year’s kit inspired by the momentous event that had broken its participation record to 3000+ riders.
The riding kit showcased distinct and impactful statistics concerning black and brown communities, boldly displayed on the back of each ensemble. To strike a visual equilibrium, the potent and sincere messages were harmonized with a simplified illustrative approach. This design encapsulated our journey’s span from the starting point (SF) to the destination (LA), with every town we touched along the route adorned in a pink hue.
Brown Brakers 2020 BLM Edition
During the height of the international protest of 2020 concerning racial injustice and inequality, I felt compelled to create a design that embodied the feelings of the Brown Brakers at that time. In this application, I felt there was not a design I could create to convey a strong enough message about this subject. So in my mind, I felt a simple reminder could say more than I ever could. The uncomplicated design: of the names, dates, along with the years of those killed by police officers, struck me as the way to get this message across. Staying with that theme, the middle of the torso and back areas’ concept represents the loss of life and violence against the black and brown communities.
2020
American Heros
The designs showcased an amplified rendition of the team’s distinctive emblem, magnifying the essence of Brown Brakers’ journey. This reinterpretation infused the flight motif with striking red, white, and blue hues from the flag. The riding kit was adorned with a captivating gear wheel pattern, symbolizing movement, and featured impactful messaging. This messaging shed light on the influential force of voting, underlining statistics that underscored the pivotal role of robust black and brown community participation in shaping the national voice.
Brown Hero Legacy Design
The Brown Hero Design empowered me by weaving a narrative of queer black and brown individuals harnessing the ability to become their aspirations. No superhero costume is needed to signify our unity as brown communities. In this ride, I aimed to convey the message that embracing oneself is the ultimate superpower. Through this, I aspired to both inform and inspire individuals on their unique life journeys.
Brown Brakers' Bond Legacy Design
The genesis of this design concept emerged from the abstract notion of intertwining black and brown lines, forming a complex, interconnected tapestry that mirrors life’s journey. The simplicity of the illustrated design belies its profound visual impact, adorning the rider’s torso with an allure that sparks curiosity and conversation. The interplay between the design and the messaging on the back of each kit evokes a captivating narrative, inviting contemplation and dialogue.
Braker Hero Legacy Design
Similar to the Brown Hero design, the Braker Hero design offers an alternate color narrative, complementing its counterpart. This version is aligned with the Brown Hero design, centering around a pink triangle on the shirt. The pink triangle serves as a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride and solidarity. On the reverse side, engaging facts and messages await, sparking thoughtful reflection.