One Signature, One Love

DRC ApeParel just signed this.

It's the Enough Project's petition to continue to keep conflict minerals regulations strong. Just like an individual person, organizations and groups of people also need reassurance, motivation and support from the greater whole. So, sign the petition now asking the SEC to hold their resolve and not back down in the face of pressure and greed.

5,000 signatures by January 28th are needed to reach the goal that has been set. That's two days! Show your support and take the opportunity to describe in your own words what it means to you.

It's cool to be conscious!

African influenced style steps up big in 2011

In the spring of 2009, we saw an abundance of African influenced designs walk down the runway in New York, including hairdos for Christian Dior. This year, Gwen Stefani introduces her Spring 2011 L.A.M.B. collection that is steeped in unique, unabashed African style. Stefani makes it hard to look away, and we, for one, don't want to.

As for most things in life, to keep something alive and bursting with positive energy, change, adaptation and creativity must be an integral part of the process. Thus, the leading minds behind the development of new DRC ApeParel lines and designs have big plans for 2011!

DRChic ~ Our cut-&-sew women's line based on interpretations of Pan-African culture is sure to spice up your wardrobe!

L.E.S.A.P.E. ~ Our Afro-Street-Global men's line inspired by fashion movements in areas of African Diaspora from the 1920s-1990s carries a clean yet rugged vibe. Be on the look-out this fall and check out our previous post on A Sapuer's Life.

This spring, our T-shirts will reflect much love and respect for...

Black History ~ Check out our tees this February..and your local city events, tours and journalism for a great opportunity to get educated!

The ladies and gentlemen in our lives ~ This Valentine's Day, February 14th, we will be introducing Love Languages, Peace Languages, Nappy Love and Lord of Love tees.

The Notorious B.I.G. ~ 14 years ago, on March 9th. RIP, Biggie.

Check out more hot men and women's designs at www.drc144k.com!

Reflection: The life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

photo credit: hiphopspy.com, quote credit: wikipedia

All I'm saying is simply this, that all life is interrelated, that somehow we're caught in an inescapable network of mutuality tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly. For some strange reason, I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. You can never be what you ought to be until I am what I ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality. ~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

After traveling to India in 1959, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was more committed than ever to the process of change through non-violent activism, and had rounded out his belief system for the cause of liberating black Americans across the country and bringing special attention to the lives of southern black Americans. In the years that followed, Dr. King:

Organized the Montgomery Bus Boycott (at the age of 26) that led to racial desegregation of all Montgomery public buses initiated by Rosa Parks.

Founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957 and led it until his death.

Delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech at the March on Washington in 1963. View it on Youtube here.

Saw the Civil Rights Act of 1964 passed.

Campaigned tirelessly for black American economic stability, an end to the Vietnam War and the plight of those in poverty across the nation.

Before his assassination on April 4th, 1968, Dr. King addressed a rally at Mason Temple and delivered a message indicative of a person who had lived a truly humble and heroic life. From DRC ApeParel to you, may we all strive to change lives through actions guided by meditations of universal truths.

And then I got to Memphis. And some began to say the threats, or talk about the threats that were out. What would happen to me from some of our sick white brothers? Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land. And I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord. ~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

In addition, we believe that the memory of Dr. King and support of his causes are respected most through our own service to the community. Check out MLK Day.gov for more information!

South Sudan's Vote of Self-Determination

We were late to Rwanda. Late to the Congo. And late to Darfur. Today, Sudan is the most likely country in the world for an incidence of war and genocide to occur. Especially given that yesterday, January 9th, marked the first day of South Sudan's week long referendum that will ultimately decide if they will continue to remain with the North or become their own state. Many in the long voting lines Sunday said they were choosing independence, for separation from what they say is a violent state led by a violent man, President Omar al-Bashir.

President Jimmy Carter, along with Senator John Kerry, U.S. Special Envoy Scott Gration, actor George Clooney, and Enough Project Co-founder John Prendergast, are currently present in South Sudan to show support for the referendum. Carter says President Omar al-Bashir does not expect South Sudan to carry the debt of the country if they should separate, but new independence would bring a host of questions and concerns about border control and income that the citizens of Sudan and the world are hopeful can be addressed peacefully.

George Clooney and John Prendergast have teamed up to bring another aspect of the watching world onto the scene in Sudan to promote peace...and prevent war and possible genocide. The Satellite Sentinel Project is a way for anyone to watch areas of potential conflict and threat in Sudan via the web. Read more about how this groundbreaking project is using current technologies to keep an eye on Sudan during this critical time. 

To get a better idea of Sudan's precarious position, check out this video; co-production of Not on Our Watch and the Enough Project.



Do your part to be conscious!