The Kenneth Cole Awareness Shirt is more than just a piece of clothing- it’s a movement. This shirt speaks up, quite literally, for important social issues ranging from gun violence prevention to mental health awareness.
The idea of the Awareness Shirt came about after the Parkland shooting in February 2018. The tragedy stirred Kenneth Cole, a renowned fashion designer and social activist, to take a stand and use his platform to bring about change. He launched the Kenneth Cole Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, as his answer to the devastating effects of gun violence and charity around the world. The Foundation quickly saw a need for individuals to wear something that would not only show their support for social justice but also help raise funds to create real change. This idea led to the creation of the Awareness Shirt.
The Awareness Shirt is a simple yet powerful statement piece that reads: ‘HAVE A VOICE, MAKE A DIFFERENCE.’ It stands for one common objective- to take a stand and provoke change. What sets it apart is that all proceeds from the shirt sales fund solutions to the issues it addresses.
The first-ever Awareness Shirt addressed gun violence prevention and mental health awareness. Its purpose was to raise money for a five-year, $5 million fund to support organizations such as Mental Health First Aid, and Change The Ref (founded by Manuel and Patricia Oliver, parents of a Parkland victim).
Cole strongly believes that the Awareness Shirt movement has the potential to inspire millions to take a stand for social justice. The shirts have already raised over $1.5 million and have funded meaningful progress. They supported the development of a film, Parkland Rising, which documents the journey of survivors of the Parkland shooting, and the formation of the National Gun Violence Prevention Movement.
The Awareness Shirt movement has also inspired several collaborations with famous personalities like Cher, Ava DuVernay, and Natasha Lyonne. These celebrities have lent their voice and support to the cause, inspiring their followers to participate and raise awareness further.
The Kenneth Cole Foundation is all set to launch new Awareness Shirt collections shortly, and with each new design comes the potential for meaningful change. The next design addresses climate change, and a portion of the proceeds goes to organizations such as the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).
The Kenneth Cole Awareness Shirt is a powerful social statement and a symbol of hope in troubled times. It embodies the idea that one person’s voice can create a ripple effect capable of turning the tide of social injustice. Anyone can embrace this spirit of change by getting their Awareness Shirt, joining the movement, and becoming the change they wish to see in the world.
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