On May 18 2016, community organization/lifestyle brand, BlackMarketWares launched the “Liberator” tee.  It’s a dedication to Haitian leader, Toussaint L’Ouverture and in celebration of Haitian flag day. This garment features original artwork from Queens-based painter, Theo Mighty. It’s a hyper-limited release that’s only available on BlackMarketWares.com. The garment features a detailed original painting of Toussaint L’Ouverture, the constitution that he wrote, his army, and his fleeing enemies.

Toussaint L’Ouverture was a Haitian revolutionary leader in the late 1700s. He led the only successful black slave rebellion. He defeated British, Spanish, and French armies numerous times before betrayal led to his demise. Although Haiti would officially receive its independence after L’Ouverture’s death, it was L’Ouverture who motivated and groomed that army. Haiti received it’s independence in 1804. Toussaint L’Ouverture is not spoken of enough when we talk about historical black figures. L’Ouverture’s impact motivated a whole race. He did what was seemingly impossible at the time; successfully defeat slave masters.  The “Liberator” tee’s purpose is to educate consumers, celebrate Haitian culture, and to pay homage to the original liberator.

BlackMarketWares is a community organization/lifestyle brand rooted in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. They work to expose youth to new horizons through arts, sports, and entrepreneurship. The management team is led by CEO, Christian Waterman and COO, Anika McInnis. Their flagship event is the annual I AM PEACE 3-on-3  youth basketball tournament which uses basketball to promote an end to neighborhood gun violence. BlackMarketWares is dedicated to ending the destructive cycle of crime, poverty, and hopelessness in urban neighborhoods.

BlackMarketWares’ previous apparel release was a 2-piece capsule collection dedicated to Knicks legend and community advocate Larry Johnson. For the “Toussaint” collection on the other hand, they dive deeper into black history to remind us of the one who finds an opening (L’Ouverture).

  I was born a slave but nature gave me the soul of a free man -Toussaint L’Ouverture

Shop the garment here:

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