In collaboration with the Black Fives Foundation, ’47 is dedicated to uncovering the stories and preserving the legacy of the Black Fives Era –– the time from 1904 to 1950 when all-Black basketball teams emerged and flourished amidst a racially divided nation.
With this in mind, we worked with Complex to connect Claude Johnson (Executive Director of the Black Fives Foundation), Sean Kilpatrick (Shooting Guard for the Brooklyn Nets) and Muideen Ogunmola (Designer of YOBLOCKNATION) as they reflect on what the narrative means today. See the full story here.
In 2015, Black Fives x ’47 launched a debut collection featuring the authentic identities of the league’s original teams. In 2016 we expanded the offering, and this year, the team graphics have been reimagined through the lens of Ogunmola, incorporating his iconic, illustrative style.
Ogunmola’s love for sport (especially basketball) along with his Nigerian heritage and passion for African arts inspired him to include elaborate patterns, bold pops of team colors, and authentic quilt-like patches into this year’s assortment. The artwork now lives on premium ’47 headwear silhouettes within the Black Fives x ’47 Collection, seen on Kilpatrick in the gallery – shot not far from where the Harlem Rens created their legacy. Source: 47brand.com