I come from a generation that wanted to wear things that nobody else had. Back in the day, you would often hear a person who just made a purchase say, “Nobody else has this!” This is how I still see fashion.

My goal at Unitees it to make clothes that are unique, “fly,” and educational. Our line includes T-shirts and sweatshirts, baby-dolls (fitted T-shirts), tie-dye denim, and tote bags. We call our line Native Tongue.

When designing items, the aesthetics and the meanings of the Adinkra symbols from Ghana inspire me. I also use other ancient wisdoms and popular TV shows for inspiration.

Based upon the Adkinra symbol, Nkyinkyin (which represents toughness and adaptability), I turned the traditional symbol into men working together. Inspired by the television show Survivors, I created Black Survivors that includes a short list of things Black folks have survived. One of my favorite lines is, “I have survived self-hatred.”

The creative incorporation of our culture into contemporary designs makes us unlike most designers. We also design tie-dye denim skirts for the voluptuous woman, with the shape that flatters their physique.

I was born in Bronx, NY, grew up on Long Island, and came to DC to attend Howard University. Before graduating from Howard in 1987, I started my first T-shirt printing company for political reasons and politics is the reason I manage my own business today. The success of my business ventures “barred” me from attending law school.

I started Unitees in 1996. Shortly thereafter, my brother Darrell, and later my cousin Grady Grant, Jr. joined me as partners. Darrell specializes in creating custom graphics and Grady oversees production.

Every day at Unitees, we strive to prove to the world that our ice is just as cold as anyone’s ice. We see this approach to doing business being used as a campaign slogan. So, when I hear others say “Yes We Can!” I instantly identify with the slogan.

Unitees
608 Rhode Island

Ave, NE
Washington, DC 20002

202-529-5494