Own Your True: Celebrating Black History Month

This Black History Month, we honor the 2025 theme, “African Americans and Labor,” by celebrating the resilience, creativity, and transformative power of work throughout history. Each contribution is a testament to the strength of owning your true self and purpose. Together, we carry this legacy forward, celebrating individuality and the collective strength of a community that continues to inspire the world.

William Bassee

Tell us about yourself. What do you want the True Fam to know?

I’m Antoine Williams, a self-taught designer from South Central Los Angeles. I started my company with just $20 - a flannel, scraps, and some bleach! Driven by a desire to create something that spoke to people beyond just fashion. Growing up in an environment where opportunities felt scarce, I dreamed of building something that would inspire others to see their potential, regardless of where they began.

As a single father, raising my daughter has profoundly shaped me into the man I am today. Every stitch, every piece I design reflects a commitment to setting an example for her and anyone looking for hope. My work isn’t just for me; it’s a guide and a light for those coming after me, a testament to perseverance and purpose.

What does “Own Your True” mean to you, and how does it show up in your life or work?

To me, “Own Your True” is about embracing the most authentic version of yourself, even when the odds are stacked against you. I’ve learned that moments of adversity often hold hidden blessings. My designs embody this belief - they’re bold, unapologetic, and rooted in the power of authenticity.

Growing up, I couldn’t afford True Religion jeans, but I admired how they made a statement. Who would’ve thought that one day, I’d collaborate with the very brand I once dreamed about? This is a full-circle moment that reminds me the journey is just as important as the destination.

How has your identity influenced your personal style or approach to fashion?

Growing up in South Central, I witnessed storytelling everywhere! From how people dressed to how they expressed themselves. My identity is rooted in resilience, creativity, and pride, and my designs reflect those values.

Starting with almost nothing, my goal was to create a “Statement Pant” - a piece so impactful it couldn’t be ignored, much like the spirit of where I come from. My work challenges stereotypes and proves that innovation and beauty can arise from even the most unassuming beginnings.

Who are the Black leaders, past or present, who have inspired your journey, especially in the workplace? Did you have any mentors that have helped you get to where you are?

James Baldwin’s ability to articulate the complexities of identity and purpose has been a guiding force for me. His work inspires me to create designs that spark thought and drive meaningful conversations.

While I didn’t have traditional mentors, life was my teacher. Being a single father, navigating challenges, and staying committed to my vision taught me lessons no one else could. My daughter has become my greatest inspiration and reminder of why I keep pushing forward.

What does celebrating Black History Month mean to you personally and professionally?

Black History Month is a celebration of excellence, resilience, and our ongoing contributions to the world. It’s about honoring those who came before us while carving paths for the next generation.

For me, it’s a chance to reflect on how my work amplifies Black voices and tells our stories through fashion. Each piece I create pays homage to our culture and celebrates the ingenuity and perseverance of our community.

How do you use your platform or work to honor Black heritage and amplify voices?

My work is a narrative in motion. Each collection I design highlights the strength, creativity, and beauty of Black culture. I want my pieces to be conversation starters that celebrate our identity and inspire pride.

I’m intentional about creating opportunities for others, whether through collaborations or simply showing the next generation that their dreams are attainable. My platform is about more than fashion; it’s a vehicle for impact.

What advice would you give to young Black professionals trying to break into a similar field?

Start where you are and with what you have. Don’t wait for the perfect conditions to pursue your vision because your authenticity is your greatest advantage.

Remember, success is about the process as much as the outcome. Stay true to yourself, embrace the lessons in every experience, and never be afraid to reimagine the narrative if it doesn’t align with who you are.

Can you share a moment when you felt most connected to or proud of your heritage?

One of my proudest moments was seeing my daughter wear a piece I designed, knowing that the story behind it is her legacy, too. It reminded me that everything I create is connected to a larger narrative - our history, our triumphs, and our future.

Another moment was this collaboration with True Religion. Growing up, I couldn’t afford their jeans, but I admired the brand’s boldness and authenticity. To now create alongside them feels like a powerful nod to my heritage, my journey, and the resilience of where I come from.

Amadi Brooks

Amadi Brooks is an award-winning celebrity stylist known for her unique transition from sports to fashion. A former DI basketball player at Eastern Kentucky University with an educational background in Fashion and Sports Admin used a career ending injury to fuel her passion for supporting athletes on and off the court. She worked multiple jobs in the sports industry before fully pursuing styling, where she quickly rose to work with living legends like Serena Williams, Sheryl Swoopes, as well as other style powerhouse athletes and journalists across the WNBA and NBA.

Read on to see how she is owning her True this spring.

What does “Own Your True” mean to you, and how does it show up in your life or Work?

“Own Your True” means showing up as your most authentic self in every room you walk in. As a queer Black woman, showing up as my most authentic self is resistance in itself. That translates through my vision when styling all of my clients to elevate their personal style while allowing their individuality to still shine through.

Who are the Black leaders, past or present, who have inspired your journey, especially in the workplace? Did you have any mentors that have helped you get to where you are?

At the intersection of sports and fashion Black women have paved the way with athlete styling. Those visionaries were ahead of their time recognizing the marketability of athletes sporting high-end fashion brands. In the past, we saw it the majority of the time in the NBA and it inspired me to want to create that same effect in the WNBA. I’ve been honored to have the guidance from powerful Black women along the way such as Cari Champion, Christine Simmons and Serena Williams who provided resources, guidance and opportunities that aided me in propelling my career.

What does celebrating Black History Month mean to you personally and Professionally?

It’s a time of gratitude. I am grateful for those that paved the way before us which in return allows us to have the freedom to be our most authentic selves in our everyday lives. In my career I aim for the highest of highs because our ancestors had the courage to defy all of the odds and show that there are no limits to what can be possible.

How do you use your platform or work to honor Black heritage and amplify voices?

I constantly strive to be intentional with the designers and brands that I style my clients in. I understand the magnitude of the platform that we have and what better way to use it than to highlight Black and minority owned brands and designers? From the designers I choose to style my clients in, to authentic storytelling through my clients’ wardrobe choices on big stages and in big moments. Everything is intentional.

How do you stay inspired and motivated to push boundaries in your work or Community?

I use my family, my tribe and my journey as my motivation to keep going. I know what sacrifices were made for me to have the opportunities growing up to lead me to where I am today. I am forever grateful for that. All of the work I do is a way to honor my late father and a way to remind myself of the belief he always had in me to be great.

Check back for more on how we’re celebrating Black History Month and amplifying Black voices all month long.