UO Student-designed Tee Celebrates Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month, The Duck Store partnered with Miles Lawson, a student in the University of Oregon’s art & technology program, to create an exclusive t-shirt. This new shirt is the result of a Black History Month Student Design Grant that launched this month.

Lawson worked with The Duck Store to create an original design inspired by the University of Oregon’s theme for Black History Month, Nuance Noir(e).

Nuance Noir(e): The essence of Blackness is complex and nuanced therefore this year's theme, Nuance Noir(e), embraces the dynamic intersections of what it means to be Black. Despite being faced with racism and hatred, resilience and joy invigorates the rich culture that unites the Black community. Black is an inclusive term of African American, African, Afro-Latine, Afro-Caribbean, and all others who have African Diasporic roots. Nuance Noir(e) is a matrix illustration of Blackness at the University of Oregon. Source: Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center

The design created by Lawson features “Different Branches, Sharing Roots” text and illustration along with “Black History Month” printed on the back of the shirt.

Lawson began designing from an early age. Growing up in the heart of Silicon Valley, working with Adobe’s design programs was a part of his elementary school curriculum. The importance of education, community and history also played a prominent role in his upbringing. “I remember watching videos on MLK and Malcolm every year, plus participating in numerous marches,” says Lawson. “Black History Month has always been a big deal in my family, and we take time to educate ourselves and those around us.”

To see more work from Miles Lawson, visit his portfolio site at mileslawson18.myportfolio.com and follow him on Instagram @kingmilez_x_vision.

The Black History Month t-shirt is available now at all Duck Store locations and at UODuckStore.com. 100% of proceeds from the project will be donated to the Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center at the University of Oregon.