For many HBCU students and alumni, wearing their school’s gear is more than just fashion—it’s a symbol of pride, history, and belonging. But for HBCU Crwns founder Anthony Jefferson, there was one major problem: traditional hats and hoodies weren’t made with Black hair in mind.
“I found it extremely difficult to wear my FAMU hats and hoodies while maintaining my hair. It didn’t make sense to me why we had all these Black students at predominantly Black schools, but we didn’t have any apparel that catered to our natural hair,” he recalls. That realization sparked the creation of HBCU Crwns—a brand dedicated to providing stylish, high-quality, silk-lined beanies, hoodies, and other apparel designed specifically for those who want to protect their crowns while representing their HBCU with pride.
In this interview, Anthony Jefferson discusses more with us about the inspiration behind HBCU Crwns, the importance of merging fashion with functionality, and how his brand is reshaping the way HBCU students and alumni wear their school spirit.
1. Can you tell us the story behind HBCU Crwns? What inspired you to start this brand?
When I transferred to Florida A&M University and started my loc journey, I found it extremely difficult to wear my FAMU hats and hoodies while maintaining my hair. It didn’t make sense to me why we had all these Black students at predominantly Black schools, but we didn’t have any apparel that catered to our natural hair. That just didn’t sit right with me so I decided to make my own.
2. What does the name “HBCU CRWNS” represent, and how did you come up with it?
It just aligned with the void I saw and how I wanted to impact our culture. I wanted to quite literally make HBCU crowns. A symbol of pride & belonging , high quality, intentional products that reflected our HBCU experience & protected our hair. There was no silk infused HBCU apparel , i figured I’d be giving everyone their “CRWN”, by making clothes that made them feel like feel seen, encouraged them and protected their hair. I removed the O because it didn’t look cool. With “CRWNS” , I felt it resembled how it was closed off to the understanding of our community, utilizing ancient Ebonics to express our modernized fashion styles & designs.
3. What makes HBCU Crwns products—like your silk-lined beanies and hoodies—unique compared to other HBCU apparel brands?
I intentionally get my products manufactured to address afrocentric head and hair sizes. and protective styles. I use 100% organic cotton for all my products as polyester and other synthetic products are not ideal for black skin. There are a lot of intentional details that allow us to impact our community.
A lot of people ask “what are you going to do when big brands start putting silk in their clothes as-well?” And I’ve always felt like that is the goal, for us all to be seen, recognized, and respected and not marginalized into apparel not effective for us.
4. What do you hope people feel when they wear HBCU Crwns merchandise?
I hope they feel seen, like someone finally made something for people who live the experience. When I transferred to FAMU, I wanted to do my part. I wanted to be a rattler who added to the FAMUly legacy , a rattler who changed the world alike many others. This feeling was CONTAGIOUS because everyone felt the same. And I caught it. We all wanted to let it be known that HBCUs breed greatness and pour back into each other. In every interaction, you would meet someone who was on the same mission. I just didn’t understand why we didn’t have any silk lined apparel that represented us. And it’s not a new phenomena, they have been featured on shark tank and many online websites, but none for HBCUs.
5. As HBCU Designer, where do you draw your skills & inspiration from ?
Everything comes from God, it’s a blessing to have been inspired and have the skills and knowledge to execute. I look at alot of modern styles and find ways to incorporate what’s current in the fashion industry. I greatly appreciate my experience with The Whitaker Group X Givenchy program that gave me great insights to the world of fashion. With a background in Graphic Design, I paid attention to detail and kept up with the ever changing fashion industry the HBCU community. Everything comes from the collective that we all pay into. Rattlers have been changing the world long before I put it on a hoodie.
6. What’s next for HBCU Crwns? Are there any upcoming collections or collaborations we should look out for?
We aim to introduce several headwear options that provide silk infused protection with a modern twist. I’m really focused on the quality of the impact. Providing a timely customer experience, and inspiring many others to wear their HBCU with pride and style. There will always be a new style or design, but our connection to the community is what’s most important to me. We’ve been known for our giveaways but as we grow, we aim to actively invest in our communities through pop up events and scholarships to further push the HBCU initiative!
7. What legacy do you hope to leave through your brand within the HBCU and broader Black community?
We finally have silk infused headwear & apparel, and that hasn’t been on the market. Even if it doesn’t continue after me, and nobody sees our value. I’m grateful to have impacted the lives of my supporters!
8. How do you personally stay motivated and inspired, especially during challenging times?
I fell in love with the process of progress. A lot of times motivation or inspiration isn’t going to be there. You gotta live in your purpose in understanding your direction, so when challenging times come it’s just an omen to the great success ahead.
9. If you could describe HBCU Crwns in three words, what would they be and why?
Intentional High Quality. Be the best on purpose
To learn more and shop HBCU Crwns products, visit https://hbcucrwns.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopFBB688oiKM-gbNkAhrUrPWvtP4V4xZvPZODAm41KEEolN5Tso
Follow @hbcucrwns on all social media platforms
