Taylor Bembery
Blue & White Flash/Variety Editor
Harold Johnson, is not only earning a degree here at Jackson State University, he is also building his brand, Historic Living.
Historic Living, which is based on afrocentrism, is a clothing line that bridges the gap between what being black use to be and what being black is today.
“The inspiration came from my auntie. She came up with an idea, along with three other of my family members to create a clothing line based on afrocentrism. I always was interested in history. It originally started off as Historic, and then we came into Historic Living,” said Johnson, a junior mass communications major with a concentration in integrated marketing communications from Chicago, Ill.
JSU has several students with their own clothing line but Johnson stated that his line is unique.
“I move towards the graphic design and use more of a historical base for my work. As far as other clothing lines, I don’t like to follow the trend at the moment. There are a lot of trendy clothing lines out here but I try to make a self identity in my clothing,” said Johnson.
Historic Living is more than a clothing line to Johnson. He said having his line is a way for him to be self sufficient in his community and he believes that his peers should also have an entrepreneurship mind-set.
“You can be an owner, you can have your own employees, and be self sufficient. Black people need to be more self-sufficient. All black people in essence have an entrepreneurship mind-set but they don’t capitalize on the opportunities,” said Johnson.
T’erica Hudson, a junior criminal justice major from Chicago, Ill., is close friends with Johnson. She said his clothing line can make an impact.
“Historic Living is an expression of the African-American culture. It speaks volumes to our generation. It reminds us to never forget where we come from; the motherland. I believe it’s a humble clothing line that expresses our roots,” said Hudson.
Brittany Edwards, a junior mass communications major from Chicago, Ill., stated that she is completely supportive of young people who are starting up their own businesses.
“I support students that have their own clothing lines because it shows their originality, work ethic, and dedication to what they love to do,” said Edwards
Johnson plans to have his own boutique in the future and have his work showcased on a media platform. He is currently working on a website for his clothing line and on a summer line which will include jerseys and baseball caps.
If you would like to make an inquiry to Historic Living you can email: historic.apparel07@yahoo.com, call: 708.203.7101, or follow on twitter: @historic_201.
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